Trios for All Occasions, Volume 2: 3 Trombones Score & Parts

Marlatt has curated a collection that spans genuine repertoire depth without requiring elaborate instrumentation or rehearsal time. Three trombones can pull off everything from baroque counterpoint to folk arrangements to modern minimalism, giving directors real programming flexibility across concert types and seasons.

The collection moves fluidly between ceremonial grandeur (fanfares and overtures), folk warmth (Home on the Range, De Colores, carol arrangements), and playful rhythmic energy (Rag-time Dance, 2+2+3). Throughout, three trombones achieve rich harmonic color and can command a room with surprising weight.

Trombone sections looking for accessible yet substantive trio repertoire that works equally well for school concert slots, church services, or community performances. This collection suits groups from intermediate-level high school players through college and community ensembles who want literature that reads cleanly without sacrificing musical interest.

• Balance the three parts carefully in pieces like the Water Music Overture, where Marlatt distributes melodic lines across all voices; rehearse each part's role independently before combining them
• Attack the rhythmic precision pieces (Rag-time Dance, 2+2+3) by locking in unison articulation first, then layer the rhythmic complexity once timing is rock solid
• Use the fanfare and march arrangements (Concord Fanfare, Off on the Hunt) as warm-up openers to establish ensemble blend and confidence before moving to more lyrical material

Build a mixed-occasion concert program by opening with Concord Fanfare and closing with Deck the Halls or O Come, O Come Emmanuel for seasonal concerts. The arrangements provide breathing room between larger ensemble pieces or can anchor a chamber concert focused entirely on trio literature, mixing baroque and traditional arrangements with contemporary rhythmic works.

• Reading and balancing multiple independent melodic lines
• Blend and intonation across the three-voice tessitura of the trombone
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated and minimalist patterns
• Control of dynamics and articulation in both legato and marcato contexts
• Ensemble communication without a conductor in chamber settings