Trombones for President!: Concert Band Conductor Score

Think New Orleans parade meets high school pep rally: a swinging, good-natured romp where the trombones strut and slide with comic flair. The groove is infectious and relaxed, the kind of piece that makes audiences grin before the first phrase is over.

Conductors leading Grade 1 concert bands who want to showcase their trombone section while maintaining accessible difficulty for the full ensemble. This works equally well for young bands building confidence and for experienced groups seeking a crowd-pleasing encore or program closer.

• Balance the trombone feature prominently without letting it overshadow the supporting figures; the novelty lands best when the smears feel confident and the groove feels settled.
• Swing the eighth notes with the characteristic lilt of the New Orleans style; this isn't straight rhythmic jazz but rather a laid-back, bouncy feel.
• Let the trombones enjoy their smears without overplaying them; a lighter, more humorous approach often lands bigger laughs than an aggressive one.
• Keep the tempo steady and groove-focused so the trombone pyrotechnics stay musical rather than chaotic.

Perfect as an encore or program finale when you want to end on a high-energy, audience-friendly note. It pairs well after a more serious work, giving both your musicians and listeners a chance to exhale and enjoy themselves. At under two and a half minutes, it also works nicely as a seasonal concert opener or as part of a pops concert set.

• Executing slide technique and pitch control through smears
• Playing with swing feel and groove-based phrasing
• Balancing section features within ensemble texture
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in a syncopated setting
• Building confidence in featured solos at early playing levels