To Dare Greatly: 1st Trombone

VanDoren understands what makes a beginning band sound impressive without overextending them. The restricted harmonic palette (six notes) keeps intonation manageable while the fanfare writing and scored ensemble moments give students genuine musical substance to perform. Your newest musicians will leave that first concert feeling capable and proud.

Energetic, ambitious, and surprisingly sophisticated. Bold fanfare gestures give way to crystalline harmonic moments built on just six pitches, creating a sound that feels modern and intentional rather than simplified. Your band will feel capable and purposeful from the opening note.

Beginning band directors programming their students' first public performance need an opener that builds confidence without padding the part books with busywork. This piece is designed specifically for Grade 1.5 ensembles who have enough fundamental skills to handle modest rhythmic complexity and simple harmonic independence.

• Lean into the bold character of the opening fanfares. These moments set the tone for the whole piece, so encourage confident attacks and clear articulation from your brass section.
• Balance the ensemble passages carefully. With simpler harmonies, slight intonation wavering becomes more noticeable, so drill unison and octave relationships in sectionals.
• Let the non-traditional harmonies breathe. They may sound unfamiliar at first, but steady ensemble work and confident conducting will make them land as intentional and modern rather than uncertain.

Open your first band concert with this. It sets an energetic, confident tone for the evening and gives your newest musicians an immediate sense of accomplishment. The patriotic inspiration and fanfare character also work well as a season opener in fall concerts or as part of a patriotic program theme.

• Reading and performing fanfare-style articulation and phrasing
• Ensemble balance with restricted harmonic materials
• Intonation in non-traditional harmonic contexts
• Confident ensemble attacks and ensemble cohesion
• Foundational experience with intentional compositional choices beyond traditional harmony