David Fetter's brilliant new work Situation Update - Suite for Tenor Trombone and Concert Band is written in three contrasting movements totalling almost 11 minutes in length:

1. Swift

2. Longing

3. Exit Music

Swift is marked "Intense" and is very rhythmic and angular. Longing is a beautiful lyrical movement marked "Cantabile" and Exit Music is marked "Lively" mixing chromatic, lyrical and syncopated segments, ending in a giant climax.

Both the solo and accompaniment parts are written for advanced performers.

The work's premier was performed in 2015 by retired Principal Trombonist of the Boston Symphony, Ronald Barron and accompanied at the Piano by Pianist Larry Wallach.

Here is what Mr. Ewazen has said about Situation Update:

"I had the pleasure of hearing Ron Barron play David Fetter's exciting and virtuosic new work for Trombone and Piano, "Situation Update?. David's music allows the Trombonist to sing and soar in 3 contrasting movements filled with vivid colors, beautiful and expressive harmonies, and a wonderful flowing rhythmic energy. The outer movements crackle with

energy, showcasing the amazing technique of soloist Ron Barron, as the melodic line shifts and changes with playful abandon, while the middle movement is heartfelt and lyrical, with beautiful melodic lines, supported by resonant, gorgeous harmonies. The work is a real tour de force and

rightly deserves to take its place as a significant addition to the Trombone repertoire."

Fantasy for Trombone was written in 1981 as a Christmas present for Richard Raum while he and Elizabeth Raum were performing with the Regina Symphony. Ms. Raum is a highly respected Canadian composer with a catalog of outstanding compositions, many featuring brass instrument solos. Fantasy for Trombone and Brass Band was arranged by Dorothy Gates in 2007.

The beautiful performance is by UK Trombonist Nick Hudson.

Fantasy is dramatic, lyrical and very expressive, making it an ideal choice to feature your brass band's trombone soloist.

The work has gained immense popularity since its debut, having been performed and recorded by major artists worldwide. It is 6 1/2 minutes in length and appropriate for advanced performers.

The instrumentation is for: Solo Trombone, Soprano Cornet, 4 Cornets, Flugelhorn, 3 Horns in E-flat, 2 Baritones, 3 Trombones, Euphonium, E-flat Bass Tuba, B-flat Bass Tuba.

Lament for Trombone and String Orchestra by composer Jeremy Niles Kempton is a serious and lyrical work of about 6 minutes in length for advanced performers.

The work was composed and performed within a 2 week period at a memorial concert given for Helen Manheim, a violist in Mr. Kempton's Island Chamber Symphony on Long Island, NY. Ms. Manheim died rather suddenly and her passing left the composer with a deep feeling of regret at having taken her and so many other ICS musicians for granted.

The composition consists of 3 lengthy phrases. The first epitomizes the grief at her passing. The 2nd presents her life and consists of 3 phrases, all starting the same but each striving higher. The final section is her legacy, what she leaves behind.

The live performance features Mr. Kempton as soloist with the Island Chamber Symphony.

Miss Trombonism by African American composer, trombonist, bandleader, and publisher Nathaniel Cleophas "Shorty" Davis was written in 1918 as a Trombone solo in the American genre of Ragtime featuring the trombone's patented glissando as the "hook". These solos were also called smears or jazzes.

Miss Trombonism is one of five entertaining works of Davis' "Trombone Family" written between 1915 and 1921 with the subtitle - A Slippery Tune. The granddaughter of "Oh Slip It Man" and daughter of Mr. Trombonology.

This arrangement has been wonderfully arranged by Aaron Hettinga for Trombone (the whole section can perform it) and Concert Band and is playable by moderately advanced performers.

Cherry Classics Music will be publishing the complete series of these works by Davis.

Thanks to Douglas Yeo for his research and advice.