Turkey in the Straw: Brass Quintet Score & Parts

The piece radiates square dance energy from the first note. Syncopated rhythms bounce and snap, while the arrangement's true charm emerges when the tuba steps forward—suddenly your ensemble's foundation becomes the melody, creating an unusual and delightful texture.

Brass quintets at the high school level and beyond who want a straightforward, energetic arrangement that sounds polished but feels genuine. This works especially well for groups looking to program something accessible that audiences actually enjoy without requiring extended technique or complex harmonies.

• Keep the articulation crisp and consistent throughout. Short, separated note attacks make the syncopation land harder and give the piece its hoe-down character.
• Lock the rhythm section early in rehearsals. The tuba solo in the middle section depends on solid support from the other voices, so agreement on the underlying pulse is essential.
• Lean into the energy during the tuba feature. This is a moment where your bass player becomes the centerpiece, so let the solo breathe and shine while the rest of the quintet stays rhythmically locked.
• Balance the upper voices carefully. With the tuba carrying melody, the trumpet and horn parts need to support without drowning out the low end.

Program this during a concert section where you want genuine lift and audience engagement. It pairs well with both classical brass standards and other folk-based arrangements, and it works equally well as a concert opener or as part of a lighter second half.

• Syncopated rhythm accuracy and consistency across five voices
• Crisp articulation control in medium-tempo folk idioms
• Balance and blend when shifting the melodic role to an unexpected instrument (tuba solo)
• Ensemble listening and rhythmic lock in folk-based material
• Confidence performing music that prioritizes joy and audience connection over technical difficulty