Review

Charles Ives
The Boys in Blue:

Arranged by Jeremy Van Hoy

3 tenors, 1 bass

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Publisher: Cherry Classics Music
Date of Publication: 2025
URL: http://www.cherryclassics.com

Score and parts

Primary Genre: Trombone Ensembles - 4 trombones

The Boys in Blue is originally a partsong for male choir written by Charles Ives. In this adaptation, Jeremy Van Hoy has arranged it for trombone quartet. Though it is specified for three tenor trombones and one bass trombone, the fourth part is easily accessible on a tenor trombone as its bottom range is G-flat. Furthermore, the first trombone part comfortably caps at g1 and is in bass clef the whole time. The range and rhythmic demands are attainable for an intermediate group and Van Hoy’s use of ritardando and explicit tempo changes crafts an opportunity for players to build skills in leading and following each other as a chamber ensemble. Just shy of two minutes in length, this upbeat song would be great way to end a concert leaving the audience with a memorable melody.