DIAMOND by HA Vandercook (pub. Rubank 1938) for Trombone

DIAMOND, by HA Vandercook (pub. Rubank, 1938) is one of his gem-stoned titled pieces and is a great trombone solo. It is one of the more challenging compositions in the series and should be accessible to most advanced 3rd year players. That said, there is no reason a young trombonist can’t learn to play it musically!!! DIAMOND (along with PEARL) looks longer than the other gem-stone works because Vandercook rewrites the Moderato after the Trio instead of DS’ing back to it. This also eliminates seeing the coda, although it’s very much still there. (THE DS AND CODA STILL EXIST IN THE PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT!!!) To play this piece well, follow the articulation and dynamic markings. Vandercook is very specific about what he wants and you’ll sound good if you “listen to him”. Some alternate positions were used in my performance because they made the sections easier to play and also made them sound better- ANDANTE- 3rd measure- the first Bb is in 1st position, the second Bb is in 5th position. 7th measure- the F is in 4th position. MODERATO- 5th measure- the D is in 4th position. 7th measure- the F is in 6th position, the D is in 4th position. 15th measure- the D is in 4th position. TRIO- 5th measure- the F is in 6th position. 6th measure- the D is in 4th position. 7th measure- the F is in 6th position. 13th measure- the F and D’s are ALL in 4th position. 15th measure- the F is in 6th position, the D is in 4th position. LAST STAFF CADENZA- the first D is in 1st position, the second D is in 4th position. YouTube allows you to view videos at slower speeds, which may help you if you’d like to play along with me. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or email me at [email protected].