Trumpet Pro Pentatonic Tonalization
Introduction
Pro Pentatonics is a new book from the constantly growing Total Tonalization Series. It is book number five in the pentatonic series.

Technique in the form of pentatonic scales is most enthusiastically sought after by jazz musicians. Although the scale and its compositional uses are not limited to jazz, the practice of those scales is almost exclusively a "jazz thing." Not only is the pentatonic scale the root of the blues scale, but it is also used to varied degrees by most modern jazz musicians.

That said, there are certain benefits to practicing pentatonic scales that apply to all musicianship. For example, I believe that the best way to begin to learn and understand quartal harmony is via practicing the pentatonic scales. Pentatonic scales are constructed in perfect fourths. Let's look at the C pentatonic as an example:

E - A - D - G - C

Five notes a fourth apart from each other, beginning on E, produces all of the notes of the C pentatonic scale:

C - D - E - G - A

For this reason, the traditional scale patterns come alive with the sound of perfect fourths when applied to the pentatonic scale.

Quartal harmony is not limited to jazz compositions or improvisation. Many musicians since the early twentieth century have written compositions utilizing quartal harmony, and I believe that the first step to understanding those compositions and performing them is in practicing the pentatonic scales.

Aside from the theoretical applications of the pentatonic scale, there are also technical reasons to practice them. The removal of the fourth and seventh scale degrees (the tritone) creates a scale and inherent patterns which become far clumsier to perform than the traditional major scales. The agility and flexibility required offer the diligent practicer an edge over those who do not practice such things.

The Concone vocalise studies have been used by brass performers for many years now as a way to perfect a beautiful legato, lyrical technique and sound. The 15 Lyrical Duets for Trumpet, beautifully arranged by Matthew Mitchell are easy to easy/intermediate level and are also valuable to more experienced performers to build a singing lyrical sound.

Here is what Mr. Mitchell writes about his arrangement:

The source material for this collection are Concone?s original studies for high voice. The melodies are presented in the first trumpet part for each duet. The harmonic integrity for these duets has been preserved by using Concone?s original accompaniments as a basis for the second trumpet parts. The second trumpet parts have many similarities to Concone?s original accompaniments in regards to rhythm, melodic ideas and style.

The keys, articulations, markings and dynamics for this series of duets mirror those unutilized by J.F. Sawyer in the Brass Press Edition of Concone?s Lyrical Studies for Trumpet. The user is encouraged to experiment with their own articulations, markings and dynamics. The player may also want to take liberties with note lengths at the ends of phrases, often playing notes longer than their printed values, creating a more satisfying musical experience.

The 15 Lyrical Duets for Trumpets are great tools for teachers to use in the studio as well.

10 Latin Duets is an exciting collection of original compositions by David McKeown, arranged as duets for two Trumpets.

Each piece explores a different style and flavour of Latin music, from the Rumbas, Salsas and Mambos of Cuba, to the Sambas and Bossas of Brazil, and on to the Calypsos and Merengues of the Caribbean. Mexico is represented by the Huapango, Venezuela and Colombia by the Joropo, and Argentina and Uruguay by the Tango.

Most of these duets are ideal for players of an Intermediate standard, with two or three more suitable for Advanced Intermediate. The YouTube link above shows samples of each of these pieces played on clarinet. You can also find full performances of each of these duets elsewhere on my YouTube channel.

10 Latin Duets for Trumpet are

perfect for concert performances large and small; each piece lasts between two and a half and three minutes.fully articulated to help develop that Latin style.great for helping with complex rhythms.road tested with scores of students and performed all over the world.fun to play.an exciting introduction to the world of Latin American music.54 pages adding up to half an hour of quality music.
The ten titles are, Bossa de Basti�o, Calypso d?Isaac, Huapango de Hannah, Joropo de Justina, Mambo de Maya, Merengue de Merlin, Rumba de Ruth, Salsa de Shibby, Samba de Sim�o and Tango d?Elinora.