Solo Title: The Gift of “Little G”
Composer and Arranger: David Wilborn (b. 1961)
Publisher Code: C. Alan Publications, 25910D
Date Published: 2019
Clef: Bass
Purchase Link: C. Alan Publications
Recording: Jonathan Whitaker, Paceline, No Label
Strength in the upper register will be a necessity in a melodic work by David Wilborn. From the opening measures, the soloist will be required to play frequent Bb4 as well as sixteenth-note runs in the upper register. In the middle of this 9-minute work, the melody takes a slower tempo. In addition, the soloist can take a break in the upper register with rests and eight measures of playing in the low to the middle register of the trombone. As the piece continues, Wilborn quickly writes the solo back into the upper register where both increased tempo and sustained high range build on the fast eighth and sixteenth-note passages. 32nd notes are introduced towards the end of the piece with the soloist having to play a Bb4 at triple forte. Even though this solo is on the fringe between Level 4 and Level 5, I believe it is necessary to categorize it as a Level 5 due to the length of music in the upper register.
| Movements and Tempo Markings | Duration | |||||||
| With frivolity and excitement (q=92) - Largo (q=76) - Maestoso | 9' | |||||||
| Organization’s Class and Grade Levels | FMEA | ISSMA | ITA | NYSSMA | OMEA | PMEA | UIL | |
| (What is This?) | NL | NL | NL | NL | NL | NL | 1 | |
| Grading Points Scale | Level | Total Points | Range | Rhythm | Tempo | Duration | Bonus | |
| (What is This?) | - | - | Bb2 to D5 | 32nd | 84 bpm | 9' | See Footnote [1] | |
| 5 (4.5) | 22.5 | 3.5 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 3 | ||
- Syncopation (1), multiple tonguing (1), interval jump (1)