On The Face! – for beginner brass ensemble

On The Face! – for beginner brass ensemble

On The Face! is an exciting and innovative collection of pre-Grade 1 material which has grown out of the author’s work with the Beginner Brass group at Hendon Music Centre. Perfect for use in group lessons, school assemblies and music centres, it includes folk songs, famous classical themes, and catchy new jazz and pop numbers. All pieces are expertly written to make the most of the limited resources available to the beginning brass player (and indeed of the varied forces at the teacher’s disposal), and to give students an introduction to the world of ensemble playing which is both stimulating and fun.

Flexible Scoring

A key element of On The Face! is the flexibility of its scoring. Each piece is written for a basic trio of two trumpets or cornets and one trombone (or euphonium/baritone). However, extra parts can also be added for any or all of the following: horn in E flat or F; high trombone or euphonium (tenor part); tuba; and drum kit. Although they are optional, these extra parts are independent: they add to the harmony and texture, and ensure that everyone has something interesting to play. All pieces work equally well either with one player to a part, or in larger group settings.

Ranges

The primary limitation of the beginning brass player is of course range, and On The Face! is extremely careful in its demands in this respect: Trumpet 2 never goes higher than written G; even Trumpet 1 rarely ventures above an A, and never higher than a written C. Other parts are likewise tailored to match the beginner’s capabilities on that instrument.

Variety

Despite these restrictions, there is plenty of interest for both players and their audiences: the 23 pieces cover a huge range of styles and idioms, from traditional to modern (complete with “beginner’s” walking bass lines!). Often the bass part will take the melody for a few bars, while the upper parts play a variety of accompanying figures. Dynamics and slurs are introduced. Also included is a set of Warm-Ups.

Progressive

The pieces are graded, both as regards overall difficulty (and length), and in the generally lesser demands of the second trumpet part. (Even quite modestly talented students should be able to tackle many of the second trumpet and bass parts after no more than a term’s lessons). Ideally a term’s repertoire might start with one of the simpler, more homophonic pieces, perhaps adding some items with more challenging textures after a few weeks’ work. Breath marks are indicated where necessary, as are fingerings or slide positions for any accidentals. Repeats, Da Capo, Dal Segno and Coda are all introduced, though never to the point of confusion.

On The Face!

Most important of all, of course, is the sheer sound of the music, and with its mixture of tunes which are instantly familiar and catchy original pieces, its wide variety of styles and textures, and its consistently effective scoring for the instruments at hand, On The Face! will surely mean that the young brass player’s first experiences of group playing are both memorable and rewarding.