An annotated guide to excerpts for trumpet and cornet from the wind band repertoire

The study of orchestral excerpts has long been an element of most conservatory and university applied music lesson plans. The inclusion of great wind ensemble and symphonic band repertoire in the teaching of music literature and in the preparation for performances and auditions has not been given the same level of importance. Nevertheless, the existence of thousands of university and secondary school symphonic bands and more than 100 military bands in the United States alone attests to the importance of band repertoire. The author believes that the inclusion of band excerpt studies in private studio teaching would improve the quality of instrumental performance in educational institutions and in professional ensembles.;By surveying prominent performers and teachers, the author compiled a list of twenty-five compositions that can be considered fundamental repertoire for the performer preparing for symphonic band performances and auditions. All pieces included in this study were composed for a wind ensemble or band of at least ten players using brass, woodwinds, and percussion (or brass and woodwinds). No compositions for brass choir or brass and percussion were considered. The author discusses the most challenging solos and sectional excerpts from these compositions according to their technical and musical challenges such as phrasing, rhythm, articulation, dynamics, intonation, and acceptable tempos. The differences between various editions of the same composition and variances in interpretation encountered thereby are also presented to give the student an orientation toward what to expect in real-life situations.;In order to draw from a wide selection of interpretations, the author conducted an extensive listening survey of wind band recordings and consulted with university band conductors and principal players from the premier service bands of the United States. Through this study the author is able to provide practical performance advice similar to that offered in orchestral excerpt books.