Which Chair to Double

jhatpro · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 8:15 pm Post subject: Which Chair to Double

Our community stage band has four trumpets. We have some charts written for three trumpets. Which chairs should be doubled if we want all four players to be able to play?
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Jim Hatfield

"Old trumpet players never die, they just blow away."

Edwards X-13 trumpet
CarolBrass flugel
King SilverSonic cornet

stuartissimo · Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2025 10:52 pm Post subject:

I'd say that depends on your situation as much as anything. If your first trumpet finds the range challenging for example, you may wish to double those parts. Can everyone play each part (because if 2 of the players can only play 3rd, the other options may be off the table anyway). The 3rd parts may be less audible in some parts, which you could double as well. Or maybe just write some 4th parts that double the 1st only an octave down. Or any combination of the above.
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claf · Regular Member Joined: 01 Oct 2017 Posts: 61

My preference goes either to:
- double the lowest part (which is generally the less audible)
- double the first part by splitting the lead sections (not 2 players playing at the same time during those passages)
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jhatpro · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 2:57 am Post subject:

Thanks to all! I think we'll double the third part. Our fourth trumpet could benefit from playng in unison with a stronger player.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"Old trumpet players never die, they just blow away."

Edwards X-13 trumpet
CarolBrass flugel
King SilverSonic cornet

zaferis · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 5:42 am Post subject:

My preference is to double from the bottom up.
But, it depends on the selection (sometime that 3rd part is redundant with a trombone or horn) and also if the 1st player is good with playing alone. Doubling the 1st book, with a principal and assistant approach, can make it far easier to get through a challenging program.
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jhatpro · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 5:50 am Post subject:

Thanks again. Doubling up from the bottom maks the most sense for this band.
_________________
Jim Hatfield

"Old trumpet players never die, they just blow away."

Edwards X-13 trumpet
CarolBrass flugel
King SilverSonic cornet

PH · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 7:59 am Post subject:

Double the lead part an octave lower wherever possible, in unison where it isn't.
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dr_trumpet · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 9:34 am Post subject:

Dale Proctor · Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2025 12:15 pm Post subject:

Billy B · Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2025 7:28 am Post subject:

Send one to the bar to get drinks for the section.
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Bill Bergren

kehaulani · Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2025 11:48 am Post subject:

JoshMizruchi · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2025 3:13 pm Post subject:

I’ve played both unison lead and unison 4th.

In my experience, both can work just fine. If you’re gonna double on lead make sure both lead players are in tune and agree on the pitch. If you double the 4th part, make sure both players don’t play too loud.

That should work surprisingly well! It did for me/us.

Josh
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Josh Mizruchi
http://www.joshmizruchi.com

Riojazz · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2025 6:44 am Post subject: