Trees (Trombone quintet) by Robert Coil Small Ensemble - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.961202

The lyrics for the poem “Trees” were created by Joyce Kilmer around 1913. Its popularity is, perhaps, due to a combination of its brevity and the clarity of its message. In it he expresses a deep sense of wonder in the beauty of “a tree” and by extension, all trees, and their connection to the creator. There is a sense of humility also. In the closing he admits that “poems are made by fools” but only God makes trees. Kilmer's life was lost while fighting in Europe during WWI. Oscar Rasbach was an American composer, born in Kentucky, who studied both in the US and in Vienna. He made his home and livelihood in California as a music teacher, pianist, composer and choral conductor.

This setting has the upper 4 voices playing primarily block chords with the melody always carried prominently by the first part. A secure upper register to c2 is required. The bass trombone part has a contrasting line that consists of ascending and descending arpeggios, which should be played smoothly, and especially so when marked with slurs.

This piece can be used appropriately as part of a church service or in a program where a reference to Arbor Day is desired.

Special notes regarding the Bass Trombone part:

The bass trombone part has been marked with suggestions for playing using the independent valve bass trombone, with both triggers used occasionally by themselves, as well as in combination as a way of keeping the slide from having to make large movements. To reduce clutter I omitted the flat beside the number, such as Vb3 for second line Bb with the F trigger, assuming that players know to make adjustments. The Db below the staff lines up nicely with tenor trombone 6th position when played with the F trigger, hence the designation V6, instead of Vbb5. Both valves used together are indicated with one V above the other. Where the Gb is used independently, a dash is placed above the V, and the relative position is below the V. It is expected that the player will decide what works well for their abilities and instrument.

For a complete list of Polished Brass arrangements on Sheet Music Press, visit Polished Brass Publications or search Sheet Music Plus for “ROBERT COIL POLISHED BRASS”.

The arranger, Bob Coil, is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of music, where he studied bass trombone with Betty Glover. Dr. Coil is the leader of the Bones of Cincinnatus trombone ensemble and the Polished Brass quintet in Cincinnati, OH.