Woodwind & Brasswind Contributing Writer - Tony Guerrero


Play-Along books are among my favorite tools for practicing, and I continually encourage younger players to start building their library. Among the benefits are:

- Helps to eliminate the tedium of solo self-practice
- Simulates playing music with other musicians
- Allows the player to choose and play music they recognize and enjoy

Alfred Publishing continues to be a leader in developing a large variety of play-along books/CDs and every player should easily be able to find something they enjoy in their vast collection. I've looked at just a few new titles here:
  LEVEL II-III  

"Classic Rock"

Alfred Classic I grew up on rock 'n roll, but playing trumpet in elementary school and junior high seemed far removed from that music. If you love classic rock, this book is for you. Play trumpet along with the music of rock legends like Led Zeppelin, Chicago, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Journey and more. Well produced music accompaniment makes this truly an enjoyable play-along addition, and you will have a blast rocking out on your favorite music with your favorite instrument. Turn it up and rock out - just don't be surprised if the neighbors start complaining about the volume!

Also Available for:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Violin
Viola
Cello
Piano Accompaniment

 

"Favorite Hymns"

Alfred-Favorite-Hymns-Instrumental-Solos-Trumpet-Book Aside from practicing with your favorite spiritual music, this disc is ideal for giving the young church musician a proper accompaniment for church performances. These are classic hymns that you will recognize and enjoy playing, and if you are spiritually minded, will no doubt find useful in your personal times of reflection. Music is often called the greatest tool for expressing one's personal experience, and this project can be useful to anyone looking to not only practice their instrument, but express a personal belief through music. Again, Alfred has done a masterful job of orchestrating the music on the disc.

Also Available for:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Violin
Viola
Cello
Piano Accompaniment

 

"World Of Warcraft"

Alfred-Favorite-Hymns-Instrumental-Solos-Trumpet-Book Music for video games has come a long way from its early 8-bit simplicity. These days, it is not uncommon to hear music composed by today's leading composers and performed by the best orchestras in the world while you're saving the world from evil aliens or underworld villains. Now, instead of having a game controller in your hand, you can grab your horn and start playing these beautiful, dramatic themes as part of your practice routine. A must-have for any trumpet playing game enthusiast!

Also Available for:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Violin
Viola
Cello
Piano Accompaniment

 

"Selections From The Harry Potter Complete Film Series"

Alfred-Harry-Potter-Instrumental-Solos Alfred continues to make our practice times more enjoyable by developing projects that go beyond classic music or current pop hits. By including music from video games and popular films, we are presented with an ever-growing selection of music and styles to practice with. The Harry Potter movies have been a part of most of the younger generation of players' experience, so this book makes perfect sense for their libraries. Film music in general tends to be very dramatic and melodic, so these types of melodies, along with the soaring orchestrations, can be vital in developing a young player's musical abilities.

Also Available for:
Flute
Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
French Horn
Trombone
Violin
Viola
Cello
Piano Accompaniment

   

"Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Play-Along Series"

Alfred-Gordon-Goodwin-s-Big-Phat-Band-Play-Along-Series-Trumpet-Book Wayne Bergeron is one of today's leading lead trumpeters - you hear him on nearly every record, movie or TV show. When he shows up to the recording studio, he is often asked to play incredibly hard music, and he is expected to play it right the first time, sight-reading on the spot. So, what does a guy who can play anything do for fun? He plays in Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, one of the best big bands on the scene today.

Gordon's music is not only enjoyable for the listener, it is intensely challenging for the musicians, which is why L.A.'s best musicians clamor to be a part of it.

This unique book not only features Gordon's music, but also includes:
- Challenging trumpet parts
- Transcribed jazz solos
- The chance to "perform" along with the members of
  The Big Phat Band
- Playing tips from both Wayne and Gordon.

If you want to play trumpet in a big band, especially lead trumpet, this book is simply a MUST-HAVE for you. If you can master this book, you may be ready for just about anything! Good luck....!

Also Available for:
Alto Saxophone
Tenor Saxophone
Trumpet
Trombone
Drumset