Many have loved the duet arrangements found in the original collection of 12 Christmas Duets for Trumpets arranged by Kenneth Baird. Volume 2 is now available! As in the original collection, this is a delightful collection of intermediate to advanced-intermediate level duets based on traditional Christmas carols. They are challenging at times (not for beginners) without being overwhelming; at times joyful, at times uplifting, at times serene. There's even a very jazzy version of Go Tell It on the Mountain! In addition to being a joy for friends to play together, they are a great resource for teachers to play at lessons with their students, they are are suitable for informal Christmas performances, and many are appropriate for church services. Note: the duets in this collection have NOT been arranged to be fully compatible with Mr. Baird's duet collections for other instruments. Instead, these have been arranged specifically for trumpets. This collection does include the duets found in previously released Five More Christmas Duets for Trumpets by Mr. Baird. Included in Christmas Duets, Volume 2, are: Carol of the Bells, Ding Dong! Merrily on High, the First Noel, Go Tell It on the Mountain, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Jingle Bells, Joy to the World (a more traditional version than found in the original duet collection), We Three Kings, Angels We Have Heard on High, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, and In Dulci Jubilo (Good Christian Men Rejoice). If you are looking for simple harmonizations of Christmas Carols, this collection is not for you. If you are looking for something more, you've come to the right place.

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.