One theme that runs through this blog is an interest in new music, particularly music for brass trio.  Our faculty trio is always looking for new music, and we eagerly read pretty much anything that comes our way. This past year we were pleased to be able to record demos for some original and arranged works by Sy Brandon, owner of Co-op Press.  Co-op Press is a small, independently owned publishing company, with several solo and chamber music titles for brass.  If you haven’t checked out their website, it is worth a look.  Prices are very reasonable, and their sheet music publications can also be purchased online and downloaded as PDF files.  Another interesting feature of this company is that they provide  grants for performers and fundraising opportunities for organizations.  Thanks to the efforts of our trumpet player Alex Noppe, our brass trio received a small stipend from Co-op Press in exchange for recording the following demos.  These pieces cover a range of difficulty levels and styles, and would make great additions to a recital program.  The arrangement of Handel’s “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” is a particularly good program opener. You can find more information about these works, including prices, on the Co-op Press Brass Trio page.  Performers on these recordings are Alex Noppe, trumpet; James Boldin, horn; Micah Everett, trombone.

Appalachian Folk Suite, by Sy Brandon: A quirky medley of traditional Appalachian folk songs; utilizes some asymmetrical meters and interesting harmonic shifts.

Entrance of the Queen of Sheba, arr. by Sy Brandon: Very nice – but challenging – arrangement of this popular selection from G.F. Handel’s oratorio Solomon. Suitable for an advanced college or professional ensemble.

Trio for Brass, by Sy Brandon: A three movement original work, suitable for a college or advanced high school ensemble.

1. Fanfare
2. Dirge
3. March