Swing Hosanna: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

Joyful and forward-moving, with a spirited swing groove that lifts the familiar hymn into a contemporary sound. The upbeat character keeps things light without sacrificing musicality, and the interplay between parts creates genuine ensemble fun.

High school brass quintets looking for contest and festival material that energizes both players and audiences. This arrangement works well for ensembles comfortable with swing idioms and rhythmic precision.

• Lock the swing feel between trumpet and trombone first, then layer in the French horn and tuba. The pocket here carries the whole arrangement.
• Balance the walking bass line so it leads without overwhelming; the tuba should anchor rather than drive.
• Shape the melody phrases with clear articulation on the offbeats to highlight the swing style.
• Let the ensemble sit back on the beat rather than rushing. Swing time breathes differently than straight time.

This works beautifully on a concert or festival program where you want to showcase brass sound with modern flair. Pair it with a contrasting classical or lyrical work to demonstrate your quintet's range, or program it as an accessible crowd-pleaser that opens doors to audiences less familiar with chamber brass.

• Swing articulation and rhythmic subdivision in a small ensemble setting
• Walking bass line independence in the tuba while maintaining ensemble cohesion
• Balanced inner voice writing with meaningful melodic contributions in French horn and trombone
• Stylistic interpretation beyond classical brass literature
• Intonation and blend across parts in a non-traditional harmonic context