Trombones for President!: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Imagine a trombone section stepping into the spotlight with attitude: New Orleans swagger, playful slide work, and a rhythm section that swings hard beneath them. It's fun, it's jazzy, and it feels contemporary even at an accessible difficulty level. The vibe is celebratory and slightly cheeky, like the trombones have earned their moment.

Concert bands at the Grade 1.5 level looking for a high-energy encore or mid-concert piece that highlights their trombone section. It works equally well as a morale booster for your trombones and as a crowd-pleasing closer that audiences recognize and enjoy.

• Shape the trombone smears with slide precision but relaxed phrasing; they should sound playful and slightly bluesy, not strained or overblown.
• Lock the rhythm section into the swing feel early; let your drummer and bass player establish the New Orleans groove first, then layer the melody and harmony on top.
• Balance the trombones so the section shines as a feature but doesn't overpower the ensemble's foundation. These players are the stars, but they're still part of a unified sound.
• Keep the overall tempo steady and energetic. A brisk swing helps the novelty elements land without feeling rushed.

Program this as a closer or pre-intermission selection to lift the energy in the room. Its novelty character and short duration (2:05) make it ideal for a mixed concert of classical and lighter fare, where it will provide a sonic and emotional shift that audiences remember.

• Jazz articulation and phrasing (tonguing, smearing, swing feel)
• Ensemble balance with a featured section
• Section cohesion and blend in trombone voicings
• Responding to a groove-based accompaniment rather than a traditional harmonic framework