The Progressing Trumpet Soloist: Solo & Small Ensemble
Grade: 2-3
Item: 00-PS-0016170
Digital Download
$6.99
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Description
The Progressing Soloist series contains 12 fresh arrangements on many familiar themes, including "Flight of the Bumblebee," "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," and Mozart's "Alleluia." This collection introduces your students to wonderful, lesser-known classics like Gabriel Fauré's "Après une rêve" and the second movement of Ravel's string quartet. These level 2--3 instrumental solos are ideal for recitals, concerts, and contests. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
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This collection balances repertoire students actually want to play with exposure to serious concert music they might not encounter otherwise. The mix of recognizable melodies and genuine classical excerpts (Fauré, Ravel) means you're building taste and ambition alongside technical facility.
What to expect
Moving between the dancelike energy of familiar melodies and the quiet introspection of Fauré or the subtle impressionism of Ravel. These arrangements invite you into the classical tradition without overwhelming your technique, and each piece feels like a genuine musical statement rather than a technical exercise.
Who it's for
Trumpet students in grades 2-3 preparing for recitals, solo competitions, or ensemble concerts who are ready to handle real concert repertoire but still need arrangements that sit comfortably in their range and technical grasp. This works equally well for private studio recitals and school-sponsored performance opportunities.
How to get the most out of it
Pay attention to the harmonic language in the lesser-known pieces like "Après une rêve." These arrangements preserve Fauré's lush voice-leading, which means your accompaniment (whether recorded or live) carries real musical weight; don't treat it as background.
In "Flight of the Bumblebee," use the arrangement's structure to build momentum strategically rather than rushing from the start. The point is control and clarity at speed, not just velocity.
Record yourself playing through these solos and listen back specifically for phrase shape and breathing placement. The mix of familiar and unfamiliar material can tempt students to coast through the easy parts.
How to use it
Select individual solos strategically across multiple recitals throughout the year rather than programming the entire collection at once. A single "Flight of the Bumblebee" energizes a spring recital; "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" anchors a holiday concert; the Fauré and Ravel excerpts demonstrate growth at a late-winter solo competition.
Skills your students will build
Phrasing and breathing in lyrical melody
Sustaining tone quality at varying dynamic levels
Sight-reading light orchestral textures and harmonic accompaniments
Articulation clarity in fast passage work
Interpretive choices in unfamiliar classical repertoire
Balance and sensitivity when the accompaniment carries harmonic richness
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