Trumpet ensemble music is an essential component of the education for trumpet students at the university level. Students can learn a great deal from playing in this type of ensemble. Furthermore, the knowledge and experience they will gain is unique. In the trumpet ensemble setting, students have the opportunity to learn more about their own instrument, thus aiding them in their private practice, and helping them play better in other ensembles.
The following document will discuss trumpet ensemble music that will benefit the education of the trumpet student in a variety of ways. The selected trumpet ensemble pieces have been chosen based on their ability to address certain fundamentals of trumpet performance. The pedagogical tools found in this genre of music are very valuable and will aid aspiring trumpet players as they continue to progress on the college level and beyond.
The author has selected several trumpet ensemble works, written for ensembles of four or more players, as examples that could be chosen by instructors to address various performance issues with their students. Topics include tone, blend and intonation, high range, mutes, trumpets in various keys, special effects, and styles of playing. There are several works for each topic varying in difficulty in order to help college students at various ability levels develop the above mentioned skills.