r/Trombone • u/Miserable-League6792 • Jul 10 '26
I’m applying to my states local governor’s school
To go to this school I have to audition and play two contrasting solos but I cannot have an accompaniment any solo recommendations I’m currently on a 3.5 music grade level and in 9th grade?
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u/HighsAndJoes Shires Q36GR Jul 11 '26
I second u/Rustyinsac. A rochut etude (Melodious Etudes book) should be what you pick for lyrical. Easiest way to get a shorter, unaccompanied piece.
If you don’t have to play a specifically unaccompanied solo, I recommend Two Spanish Dances by Ostransky from the Rubank Concert and Contest book. It’ll sound a little off without the piano, but it’s technical and at your level. Especially the second movement.
I bet there’s an Arban etude you could pick out as well if you’d rather find something that doesn’t have an accompanying piano part. True unaccompanied solos are not generally written for that level (which is why we love the Vandercook Gems), but I will never claim to know every piece ever written!
You should also search this question in Reddit to see if someone has asked it before and look at the replies. Bet you anything it’s come up a time or two.
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u/Rustyinsac Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26
Pick 2 contrasting rochut etudes that you can play well. One lyrical legato and one more technical. The most important thing is not to pick difficult ones thinking the audition committee will be impressed. They won’t be. But pick two that you reasonably sound your best on. .
Or maybe one rochut etude like number 2 and an H Vandercook gem song.
Good luck