Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Date

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Musical Arts

Department

Music

Committee Chair

Martin McCain

Committee Member

Albert Nguyen

Committee Member

Jeremiah Frederick

Committee Member

Zachary Corpus

Abstract

ABSTRACT The trombone ensemble is an increasingly popular academic tool for young collegiate players to cultivate musicianship and ensemble skills. Because this setting exclusively uses trombones, it is excellent for training intonation, resonance, and overall blend. I was first introduced to performing in a trombone ensemble during my undergraduate studies at the University of North Alabama through a trombone quartet. The time I spent learning to listen and blend with my colleagues was foundational to developing the critical ensemble skills I still use frequently. Throughout my following studies at The University of Akron and the University of Memphis, respectively, the trombone choir was a primary focus as an extension of private study. While trombone ensembles have proven invaluable in college, this practice has not been widely adopted at the secondary school level. Why is this? Beyond uncontrollable factors such as personnel, time, and/or facilities, the inaccessibility of information and the achievable repertoire are significant roadblocks. This dissertation serves as a guide for instructors who want to implement a trombone ensemble for secondary school students. Accompanying this document are six new arrangements that I have adapted from works not initially intended for trombone ensemble. These adaptations include key, octave, and rhythm changes to make the piece more idiomatic and accessible for a less experienced ensemble. The included arrangements range from four parts to six parts plus a soloist. The first three chapters offer the historical background of the trombone ensemble, practical information regarding setup, and arrangement guidelines to ensure accessibility. Each subsequent chapter introduces an arrangement and discusses the following points: historical vi context, genre, justification for study, adaptations made to follow the guidelines established in Chapter 3, rehearsal objectives, and rehearsal strategies. The following arrangements have been made for this project: “Mundus vergens” by anonymous - published “La Brigientia” by Giovanni Cavaccio - published “The Silver Swan” by Orlando Gibbons - published “Imperial Fanfare” by Antonio Salieri - published “Peasant’s Song” by Edvard Grieg - published “Dangerous Blues” by Billie Brown - published Sonata da Camera movement IV: “Andante Sostenuto” by Grażyna Bacewicz - not published

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest/Clarivate.

Notes

Open Access

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