Trios for All Occasions: 3 Alto Saxophones Score & Parts

A mix of jubilant ceremonial pieces, gentle devotional moments, and playful character dances. The collection moves comfortably between the grand (Fanfare Grandioso, Washington Post) and the intimate (Still, Still, Still, Abide with Me), giving performers a chance to explore both their expressive and rhythmic sides.

Alto saxophonists in middle school through early high school who are ready for small ensemble work but still building confidence in their reading and intonation. Directors seeking accessible, varied repertoire that appeals to student performers and audiences alike.

• Balance the texture by having each saxophonist check their dynamic level against the others; alto sax trios can easily tip into muddiness if the upper voices aren't clear.
• Work through the faster sections (Entertainer, Dwarfs March) at half tempo first to establish clean articulation and unanimity before pushing for performance speed.
• Let the harmonic foundation of each arrangement breathe; resist the urge to rush the hymn arrangements and march movements, which rely on steady pulse and vertical alignment.

Pull two or three contrasting pieces for a winter or spring concert opening: follow the march energy of Washington Post with the introspection of Still, Still, Still to show range. Sacred selections work naturally for holiday programs or spring celebrations, while novelty numbers like The Entertainer and Little Brown Jug add levity to end-of-year shows.

• Balancing three independent melodic lines while maintaining harmonic blend
• Reading standard classical forms (ternary, rondo, theme-and-variation structures)
• Executing clean articulation in fast passage work and marcato sections
• Sustaining steady tempo and intonation in unaccompanied small ensemble settings
• Transitioning between contrasting musical characters (ceremonial, lyrical, comedic)