Review

David Fetter
Rockola:
8 tenors (2 in tenor clef), 2 basses, electric bass, drumset

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 1977 / 2024
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 9+ trombones (choir)

David Fetter's Rockola for ten-part trombone choir and rhythm section is, as the title implies, a rock-style showpiece for eight tenor trombones, two bass trombones, and rhythm section. The writing features block chords, powerful bass lines in the low voices, guitar-style riffs in the upper parts, and bluesy melodic figures with abundant syncopation throughout. Glissandi appear liberally across all the parts, adding to the idiomatic rock feel. A notable highlight is the improvised solo in the third part, though a written-out solo is also provided for those less comfortable with improvisation.

The first two trombone parts are written in tenor clef, while the remaining parts are in bass clef. The highest first trombone part reaches c2, and the bass trombone descends to EE-flat. While these demands are not trivial, most college level or advanced high school level trombonists should be able to handle the parts. Rhythm section parts are included in the set.

Rockola would serve as a near-perfect closing number for a trombone choir concert, offering something fun, unique, and certain to please an audience. It is a welcome and distinctive addition to the trombone choir repertoire.