Trumpet section advice

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   I am working with the trumpets at our high school's band camp next week and pre camp this week. Our school has just gone through a major upheaval due to a levy failing. Lost our band director, kids left the school district, etc. ..a real mess.  Anyway, we are left with a massive trumpet section for the size of the band, 17 in a band of just under 100.

There are only 3 or 4 that are capable of being squad leaders and they are also the only ones capable of the range required to play 1st trumpet. The new band director put 2 of the better players that I need on 1st, on 2nd and 3rd, leading squads of 2nd and 3rds respectively. At least 2 of the 1st trumpets need to be moved to 2nd or 3rd part due to lack of range. I'd like to have the squad leaders that are playing 2nd and 3rd part play 1st part and stay in their existing squad. Unfortunately they'll be playing in squads of all 2nds or 3rds.  Will this work? I just dont have a strong enough nucleus to do it any other way. I'm going to do the shuffle tonight and need some wisdom.

Thanks
Ken

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Ken Sperry Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orchestra Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Online Status: Offline Posts: 19	Quote Reply Topic: Trumpet section advice Posted: 22 Jul 2009 at 11:11
	I am working with the trumpets at our high school's band camp next week and pre camp this week. Our school has just gone through a major upheaval due to a levy failing. Lost our band director, kids left the school district, etc. ..a real mess. Anyway, we are left with a massive trumpet section for the size of the band, 17 in a band of just under 100. There are only 3 or 4 that are capable of being squad leaders and they are also the only ones capable of the range required to play 1st trumpet. The new band director put 2 of the better players that I need on 1st, on 2nd and 3rd, leading squads of 2nd and 3rds respectively. At least 2 of the 1st trumpets need to be moved to 2nd or 3rd part due to lack of range. I'd like to have the squad leaders that are playing 2nd and 3rd part play 1st part and stay in their existing squad. Unfortunately they'll be playing in squads of all 2nds or 3rds. Will this work? I just dont have a strong enough nucleus to do it any other way. I'm going to do the shuffle tonight and need some wisdom. Thanks Ken

Glenn Roberts Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 21 May 2007 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 1137	Quote Reply Posted: 28 Jul 2009 at 09:14
	Hi, Ken. Best bet is consult with the director, offer your opinion, and give it a shot. Sometimes it is important to get those 2nd & 3rd parts supported with stronger players so they can be heard. If range is a problem for some of the firsts, would it be possible for them to play the notes they cannot down an octave?
	"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in Nature...Life is either daring adventure or nothing." Helen Keller[

Ken Sperry Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orchestra Joined: 26 Nov 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Online Status: Offline Posts: 19	Quote Reply Posted: 28 Jul 2009 at 09:24
	I had to move forward with a decision. After talking to the director we went ahead with the approach of having 1st, 2nd and 3rd all in each squad. We're into thre 2nd day of camp and I feel good so far. I think we have the right players on ther right part.