U.Play.Plus: More Pops: Trumpet Book

The U.Play.Plus Trumpet Book gives you genuinely singable, fun arrangements of songs students actually want to play. López's two-line score system lets you build from a solo to a full ensemble seamlessly, which means you're never scrambling to double parts or rewrite on the fly. The pop and rock repertoire keeps rehearsals energized while the built-in harmony structure teaches voice independence without the theory overhead.

These arrangements crackle with energy. Whether you're tackling "Danger Zone" or "Celebration," the melodies sit naturally under the trumpet's voice and the groove-driven accompaniment tracks make it impossible not to feel the pulse. The harmony lines add sophistication without bogging down the performance; the whole thing sounds modern and accomplished.

Trumpet players in grades 2.5 through 3 who thrive in ensemble settings and enjoy contemporary repertoire. This book works equally well for beginning and intermediate high schoolers looking to build confidence in a flexible ensemble, or for middle school trumpets ready to engage with pop and rock standards.

• Establish clarity between melody and harmony lines early in rehearsal. Have line A players sing their part while line B listens, then swap roles, so everyone hears how their line fits into the whole.
• When doubling parts with cue notes, balance the melody line prominently so the arrangement doesn't lose its pop sensibility and forward momentum.
• If using the recorded accompaniment, run at least one full rehearsal without it so trumpets lock the rhythmic feel and don't rely on the track for precision.
• Anchor the upper register passages with solid breath support and consistent air speed; these arrangements sit comfortably on the trumpet but need confidence in the higher positions.

Program individual titles as concert openers or encores to balance a program heavy with classical or wind band literature. These pieces work especially well in spring pops concerts, holiday programs, or assembly performances where mixed-level participation is an asset. Start with solo features to build individual confidence, then layer in harmony parts as rehearsal time allows.

• Playing in flexible ensemble settings with multiple instrumentation combinations
• Reading and executing a supporting harmony line (parts B, C, D) while tracking the melody
• Maintaining rhythmic independence and precision with a recorded rhythm section
• Balancing blend and projection in two-part and larger ensemble textures
• Recognizing and interpreting cue notes to maintain continuity when parts are missing