Two Little Stars for Baritone B.C. and Piano: Trombone/ Euphonium, Solo with Piano, Book

Harris wrote this piece with the intermediate brass student in mind, creating something that sounds musical without demanding virtuosity. The fact that it exists in multiple versions (trumpet, trombone, and duet configurations) means you can program it across your section or pull it as a solo feature without feeling limited by instrumentation.

Two charming melodic ideas unfold with clarity and warmth. The writing has a gentle, almost conversational quality, inviting the soloist to shape the phrases expressively without technical strain.

Grade 2 baritone or euphonium players stepping into solo repertoire for the first time, or intermediate students preparing for a solo recital or festival. This piece strikes the balance between remaining accessible and sounding genuinely musical in performance.

• Shape the melody in two-bar or four-bar phrases rather than note-by-note; this keeps the line singing and prevents a choppy, halting delivery.
• Balance tone production between the two stars: maintain consistency in dynamic control so neither passage overshadows the other musically.
• Let the piano part drive the harmonic support; lean on the accompanist to establish tempo and provide security in transitions between sections.
• Approach accidentals and chromatic moments with deliberate intonation checks during rehearsal, as they're frequent enough to deserve attention but not so overwhelming as to derail performance.

Feature this as a solo number on a winter or spring concert, pairing it with a contrasting piece in a different style or key. It also works beautifully in a student recital series where developing soloists perform repertoire appropriate to their current level.

• Phrasing and long-line musicality at the grade 2 level
• Intonation control across a simple harmonic progression
• Collaboration with an accompanist
• Confidence performing a complete, self-contained solo work