Woodwind Ensembles for Young Performers: Woodwind Trio Book

Kinyon's experience as both a school music director and college educator shows in these trios. The interchangeable three-part writing gives you genuine flexibility with instrumentation while maintaining musical integrity across all parts. These are practical pieces that actually work at the stand without requiring special section-specific arrangements.

These trios have the straightforward musicality of young band repertoire, with melodies that sing and rhythms that anchor easily. They sit comfortably under the fingers without awkward jumps or unusual ranges, making them accessible and satisfying to play.

Woodwind students working through the Basic Training Course at Lesson 18 and beyond, as well as young performers ready for elementary ensemble repertoire. The interchangeable parts suit programs where you have flexible instrumentation or rotating woodwind assignments.

• Balance the melody between flute and clarinet by adjusting dynamic emphasis rather than volume. Since parts rotate lead responsibilities, clarity comes from intentional phrasing choices, not forcing one voice to dominate.
• Use these as early contest or festival vehicles. The 16-page format allows you to select individual pieces for variety without overwhelming students preparing for performance.
• Establish independent part security in sectional rehearsal first. With interchangeable writing, students need confidence in their own lines before combining parts.

Slot these into concert programs as lighter fare between more substantial ensemble works, or feature them in school assemblies where brevity and variety matter. They also pair naturally with the Basic Training Course for students transitioning from method book exercises to real ensemble playing.

• Reading interchangeable parts and understanding flexible instrumentation
• Independent line security in three-part texture
• Balancing melody and harmony without a piano foundation
• Contest and festival readiness at Grade 1-3 level