Audition and Performance Practice for Orchestral Second Trumpet

Much attention is given to orchestral excerpts for first (or principal) trumpet in trumpet training programs. Principal trumpet auditions and first trumpet excerpts receive much more attention and emphasis from educators and performers. By emphasizing these excerpts, a natural void emerges in the general understanding and perception of section trumpet parts. Excerpts for second and other section trumpet parts appear on audition lists for any position other than the first trumpet. Despite this ubiquity, there is limited scholarly literature devoted to these excerpts or this unique role. In my own education and professional expertise on this subject, specific knowledge and performance practice was passed on exclusively through comments made in performance or private lessons. This project involves two distinct parts. The first part is a survey of trumpet players from prominent full-time 52-week American orchestras intended to illuminate varied considerations of the role of the Orchestral Second Trumpet. The second part of the project will be to create audio recordings of orchestral passages featuring the second trumpet in a significant role. This includes many frequently requested orchestral excerpts based on recent audition repertoire for American orchestras with 52-week seasons. These recordings will be in the context of the orchestral trumpet section.

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