Zip Drive: Trombone

Energetic and playful, like a joyride taken at full speed. The tom-tom snare opening sets a fun, percussive tone before the full band kicks in with straightforward swing rhythms and bright, easy-to-execute parts that let everyone feel like they're driving the groove.

Beginning concert bands performing their first or second year of literature. The Grade 1 difficulty and mild syncopation make it accessible without feeling condescending, and the novelty character appeals to younger audiences at school concerts and festivals.

• Balance the tom-tom opening carefully; the snares-off sound should read clearly over the tempo but not overshadow the entrance of the full band.
• Keep the 2-beat swing feel locked in the rhythm section. Young drummers often rush swinging rhythms, so establish the pocket early and reinforce it through sectionals.
• During the break chorus, bring out each section's featured four measures so the audience hears the orchestration shift. This builds confidence in young soloists.

Program this as an opener or palette cleanser in a concert where you're balancing serious repertoire with lighter fare. At roughly 1 minute 30 seconds, it's the perfect palate cleanser between weighty works, and its novelty character gives audiences a moment to relax and smile.

• 2-beat swing feel and syncopated rhythm execution
• Dynamic balance between soloing sections and the full ensemble
• Reading and responding to sectional breaks
• Ensemble unity at moderate to fast tempos with straightforward ranges