Trombones in Paradise: Concert Band Conductor Score

Sterk builds accessibility without sacrificing authenticity. By limiting the trombone scale to six notes and using only natural glissandos, he removes technical barriers while keeping the rhythm section grounded in genuine Afro-Cuban tradition. Your trombones get a real moment to feature, and your entire band learns syncopated rhythms that will pay dividends in repertoire to come.

Bright and energetic, with a Caribbean warmth that comes from the Latin percussion colors and the trombone feature. The restricted pitch set gives the piece a folk-like simplicity, while the 3-2 son clave rhythm keeps everything moving forward with a lilting, authentic groove. Your young musicians will hear themselves making real musical statements rather than playing exercises.

Young concert bands at the earliest stages of repertoire learning will find this piece ideal. The Grade 0.5 designation and limited technical demands make it accessible to students still building foundational rhythm skills and range. Directors looking for a genuine first experience with Latin music and syncopation will appreciate Sterk's pedagogical choices without condescension.

• Establish the 3-2 son clave clearly in rehearsal before asking the full band to layer syncopation on top of it. Have your percussion section lock this foundation first.
• Keep the trombone glissandos clean and connected. Natural glissandos work best when the line moves smoothly between notes rather than scooping or overshooting the landing pitch.
• Balance the maracas and claves so they enhance rather than overpower the main melodic material. These colors should add texture, not compete for attention.
• Use the recorded accompaniment (if available through your purchase) to help students hear how the syncopated rhythms sit within the larger Latin feel.

Place this early in your concert when energy and enthusiasm matter most. It works beautifully as a trombone section spotlight during a young band or family concert, and its short length (1:41) makes it a confident opener that gets the audience smiling right away. It's also well suited for contest or festival settings where judges appreciate pedagogically sound writing.

• Reading and performing the 3-2 son clave rhythm
• Playing natural glissandos on trombone with pitch accuracy
• Syncopation and rhythmic independence within a Latin music context
• Listening to and balancing percussion colors (maracas, claves) in an ensemble setting