Three Cadets: Trombone/ Euphonium, Trio, Score and Parts

Three Cadets delivers immediate musical payoff. The harmonized opening cadenza gives young players something impressive to sink their teeth into right away, and the march-like energy that follows keeps the momentum going without requiring virtuosic technique. This is the kind of piece that sounds bigger than its Grade 2 difficulty level suggests.

Three Cadets opens with theatrical flair, three voices interweaving through a harmonized cadenza that sounds composed and intentional. Once the march begins, the piece becomes buoyant and spirited, driven by rhythmic precision and the natural camaraderie of a small brass ensemble.

Trombone and euphonium trios ready to tackle their first contest or recital piece. The Grade 2 level makes it accessible for intermediate players while the march style keeps rehearsals energetic and rewarding.

• Balance the harmonized cadenza so each voice carries weight; avoid letting the top trombone dominate the opening statement.
• Keep the march section crisp and articulate. Tongue the rhythmic figures cleanly to maintain the caprice's playful character.
• Work out sectional passages with piano first, then bring the group together. The piano part provides important harmonic anchoring.

Program this in the middle section of a concert where you need a shorter, high-energy piece that showcases your brass players without requiring an extended time commitment. It also works well as a contest selection where judges want to hear young musicians playing with style and confidence.

• Balancing voices in harmonized passages
• Articulation control in march-style rhythms
• Ensemble listening and blend in a trio setting
• Phrasing a melodic cadenza with shape and direction