The Christmas Gig Book, Volume 1: 2nd Trumpet Part(s)

The second trumpet part sits in a genuinely musical sweet spot here. Rather than relegating the second chair to harmonic filler, Marlatt writes lines that are interesting to play and audible in the mix. Ten pieces spanning familiar carols means your quintet can program substantial concert time without overreaching technically.

Warm and familiar. These carols carry their own weight emotionally, and Marlatt's arrangements let that come through without overwrought scoring. The brass quintet texture gives each melody space to breathe while the harmonic writing stays grounded and honest.

Brass quintets looking for a single collection that covers the full range of Christmas programming needs without requiring multiple octavo purchases. This works equally well for a school ensemble building confidence with ensemble balance as it does for a community group seeking polished repertoire.

• Balance the melody across the quintet by listening to where the primary line sits. Sometimes it's in the trumpet section, sometimes in the horns. Adjust your dynamic placement accordingly.
• Pay close attention to any divisi moments in the second trumpet part. These sections often create inner harmonic movement that supports the overall texture.
• Treat each carol's character distinctly. 'Silent Night' requires a different approach to phrasing and breath placement than 'Joy to the World.'

Build an entire holiday concert around this single collection, or draw three to four pieces to anchor a larger seasonal program. The variety of styles and moods means you can open with something bright and energetic, shift to reverent material mid-concert, and close with a joyful selection without needing separate arrangements.

• Balancing melody and harmony within a small ensemble
• Phrasing characteristic of different carol styles
• Ensemble intonation in sustained harmonic passages
• Articulation control across varied tempos and moods
• Reading and executing divisi passages