Bass Trombone Solo

These colorful unaccompanied musical scenes from the city are excellent study and recital pieces.The 7 short movements depict the composer's experiences during a visit to New York City. The movements are Another Sunrise, Off to a Busy Day, The Lost Key Episode, The Waitin' in Line Blues, Romantic Interlude, Sudden Storm, and Out on the Town. "Tonal, charming and imaginative! The low purchase price and the incisive approach of a skilled composer make this a piece worth seeking out.”- PMEA News Learn More

Written for Stefan Sanders, then bass trombonist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Association. In 3 movements, this colorful work was composed immediately following the important world events of September 11, 2001. It was premiered by Mr. Sanders and members of the University of North Texas Percussion Ensemble at the 2002 International Trombone Festival in Denton, Texas. It is in 3 movements: In Remembrance 9/11/01, Repercussions, and Renewal. Percussion Distribution - Percussion 1: Xylophone, tubular bells (chimes), suspended cymbal, snare drum, police whistle, and Chinese bell tree; Percussion 2: Vibraphone, 2 suspended cymbals, 4 tom toms, bongos, and wood block; Percussion 3: Marimba, tam-tam, lion roar, ratchet, slapstick, wind chimes, and suspended cymbal; Percussion 4: Marimba (to low A), timpani (4), tambourine, 2 cowbells, and suspended cymbal. "Buss’ melodies vary. They are mystic, poignant, heroic, often modal, and at times reminiscent of folk songs. He writes for the percussion ensemble with mastery and features a wide range of instruments. The sound landscape is rich with many moods and timbres. American Phoenix is an attractive addition to a solo program or as a feature piece for a percussion recital. It is rewarding for both performer and audience.” - The ITA Journal, January 2005 Learn More

Originally for bass trombone (or tuba) and piano, was composed for Charles Vernon, bass trombonist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the 30th Anniversary of the International Trombone Festival. This significant addition to the repertoire is written in an accessible modern style. The musical language is sophisticated, yet appealing to general audiences. Illuminations is cast in 2 contrasting movements: The first, Reverie, is contemplative and lyrical. Beautiful, expansive melodic lines are woven into a gentle, almost mystical, musical fabric. The second movement, Urban Lights, is an energetic rondo that is strongly influenced by jazz, and in one section, funk music. “Thoughtful, tuneful, and rewarding to perform.” – ITA Journal Learn More

ON THE STROKE OF MIDNIGHT for solo trombone (playable on bass trombone) by Howard J. Buss traverses a wide variety of atmospheres, from ranging from gentle, mysterious passages, to intense and powerful exclamations. This work was written for trombonist, Dr. Brian Brink. Throughout there is a sense of mysticism, as if an incantation is taking place around the arrival of midnight. Various extended techniques enhance the traditional trombone sound, such as plunger effects, simultaneous singing and playing, flutter tonguing, growling, etc. The composition may be performed as a traditional concert piece or as a theatre piece. Learn More

unaccompanied: Outings was written for the British bass trombonist Jonathan Warburton, who premiered the work on March 1, 2013 at St. Martin's in the Bullring in Birmingham, England. This accessible work is in two short, contrasting movements: Stroll, and Jaunt. Will works on tuba as well. Learn More

Bass Trombone or Tuba with Harp:Commissioned by Brandt Attema and Astrid Haring and written during the winter of 2010-11. The composition was inspired by the spectacular images as seen through a satellite camera as the composer zoomed in on the coastline of The Netherlands. The strong narrative quality of the music couples with Buss’ unique style of soaring lyricism with crisp, energetic rhythms and colorful harmonies, makes this work accessible to a wide array of different types of audiences. Learn More