Storm the Keep: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

Storm the Keep has momentum and character without complexity. The energetic rhythmic figures create forward motion, and the playful title suggests a piece that doesn't take itself too seriously. Musicians feel the drive of 6/8 metre as a natural pulse rather than a mathematical concept.

Brass quintets working with musicians who are encountering compound meter for the first time, or ensembles looking to solidify their understanding of 6/8 in a musical context rather than isolation. This piece works well for groups transitioning from simpler duple and triple metres.

• Establish a clear pulse for the compound meter by tapping the dotted quarter note rather than counting individual eighth notes. This helps all five players lock into the 6/8 groove from the first rehearsal.
• Mark the rhythmic figures in each part during a read-through so players can identify which patterns repeat. Recognizing these shapes makes the notation feel less overwhelming and builds confidence quickly.
• Bring out the melodic line while keeping the supporting parts balanced. The energy comes from ensemble cohesion, not from volume imbalance.

Program this early in a brass ensemble concert to establish an upbeat, engaging tone. It pairs well alongside other easy-medium repertoire and serves as an excellent opener that gets an audience invested in your ensemble's sound from the start.

• Reading and performing in 6/8 compound metre
• Maintaining ensemble balance across five independent parts
• Following rhythmic figures that support ensemble cohesion
• Understanding how melodic and harmonic lines interact in small ensemble writing