T-Bone Sliders

PERFORMANCE NOTES*****T-BONE SLIDERS is an easy trombone smear in the style of Henry Fillmore. It can be performed by a good, first-year elementary band or by any second-year band.The tempo should have a ragtime feel in slow two. Bands which have not learned cut-time can be conducted in four if the tempo is correct. If conducting in two, go into four at measure 61, which is a kick chorus. Clarinets are always below the break. First trumpets must be secure with third-space C. Teach accidentals where necessary before attempting a read-through. Courtesy accidentals are included generously to assist young players. Articulation skills needed are: 1. staccato 2. accent 3. slur 4. trombone smear Percussion 2 requires three players. The slide whistle is optional. T-BONE SLIDERS is a very enjoyable piece for young bands. In addition to being fun to play, it is also an excellent vehicle for introducing students to American popular music at the turn of the 20th century. Students will be intrigued to learn that ragtime is the father of jazz and the great grandfather of music that young people enjoy today. About the Composer*****Joseph Compello was an instrumental music teacher in Maryland Public Schools for 31 years. After earning his undergraduate degree at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and a Master's Degree from Towson University, Compello entered the teaching profession. From the very beginning of his 31 year career, he composed and arranged music to meet the specific skills of his students. In 1994, Andrew Balent, then editor of Carl Fischer's educational music division, began publishing many of Compello's classroom-tested compositions. His debut publication was a march for beginning band titled Cadets on Parade. In 1996 his best-seller Rock to the Max, Mr. Sax earned him a regular spot on the Carl Fischer writing staff. In 1999, Larry Clark continued to publish Compello's music while encouraging him to expand his writing style. Now retired from teaching with over 200 published works to his credit, Compello continues to draw on his extensive background in music education to compose new music for school bands and orchestras. His music for young players is now a model for college curricular study by music education students. A master's thesis by Abel Borg entitled "The resourceful and engaging compositions for beginning band by Joseph Compello" is available at York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Compello's journey from school teacher to internationally published composer was chronicled in the Baltimore Sun. His ASCAP award winning music is now performed worldwide in venues ranging from school concerts to Carnegie Hall. 2021 will mark Compello's 27th year as a contributor to Carl Fischer's catalogue of music for young bands.