The Best of Big and Easy, Volume 2: 2nd B-flat Trumpet Book

These arrangements deliver immediate, recognizable material that audiences connect with from the first note while keeping second trumpet parts focused and musically satisfying. The Grade 2 difficulty level removes barriers to clean execution, allowing your trumpet section to concentrate on tone, blend, and style rather than wrestling with technical demands. You get 15 solid tunes ready to perform with minimal rehearsal time.

This collection spans decades of American musical vernacular, from the blues-tinged coolness of 'What'd I Say' to the brassy swagger of 'Gonna Fly Now.' Every tune feels like something people actually want to hear, and the second trumpet book keeps you engaged as a harmonic and rhythmic anchor rather than a passive bystander.

Second trumpet players in marching bands and jazz ensembles at the beginner-to-early-intermediate level will find parts that sit comfortably within the range and don't demand extreme technical facility. Any trumpet section looking for a bank of proven, reliable arrangements for concerts, community events, or casual performances will appreciate the combination of musical substance and practical ease.

• Balance your second trumpet voice against the lead; the harmonic foundation you provide matters most when the section locks together on longer note values.
• Study the style of each tune individually. 'Bad to the Bone' requires a different rhythmic feel than 'Sleigh Ride,' and paying attention to those distinctions separates polished performances from generic ones.
• Work dynamics as a section priority. Second trumpet often carries inner harmony and countermelody, so conversations with your lead player about volume relationships will clarify the intended texture.

Build a concert or pops program around these charts when you need reliable material that performs well under time constraints. Pair individual tunes with more demanding repertoire to create a balanced setlist that showcases your section's versatility without requiring a semester's worth of preparation. These arrangements also serve well for community gigs, fundraisers, or informal performances where accessibility and audience appeal take priority.

• Reading and executing standard jazz and pop articulation styles
• Maintaining harmonic accuracy in second voice within a section
• Matching tone and dynamics with lead trumpet across different musical styles
• Managing rhythmic precision in ensemble contexts with light accompaniment