Ursa Conculium is a fanfare for trombone and percussion. It was written for my friend Justin Cook to be part of his final doctoral recital at the University of North Texas. Justin and I teach together at the University of Central Arkansas, so I based the theme of the piece on the initials of our school and the name of our school mascot, UCA BEARS. Using the German words for the first and last letters, Italian for the second to last letter, and English for the remaining letters, “UCA Bears” becomes Ut•C•A•B•E•A•Re•Es or C•C•A•B•E•D•E-flat.

Ursa Conculium is scored for trombone, four concert toms, pedal bass drum, cymbal, and one octave of crotales. Thanks to Justin Cook for his musical collaboration, his assistance in editing the trombone part, and his friendship.

The sheet music for Ursa Conculium is available HERE.

Performance Notes

• For the middle section of the piece, place the Softone mute loosely on the bell of the trombone to create a soft and distant sound.

• The traditional low octave of crotales is preferred, but other instruments can be substituted if crotales are not available (vibraphone, chimes with small mallets, etc.).

• The crotales should be played with mallets that give a warm, rounded tone. Avoid metal mallets if at all possible.

• Double headed concert toms are preferred, but single headed toms will be just fine. • There is, indeed, only one cymbal crash. Use a large, resonant cymbal.

• The percussion part can be played from the score. A separate trombone part is provided.