Trumpets Olé!

The sixth piece in the concert is entitled Trumpets Olé! It was written in 1961 by Frank Cofield (see below).

“Trumpets Olé!” is a trumpet section feature with concert band accompaniment. The music is highly reminiscent of Mariachi music, although most Mariachi groups have two trumpet players, and this piece has four parts for the trumpets.

Trumpet-like instruments have historically been used as signaling devices in battle or hunting, with examples dating back to the 2nd Millenium BC. They began to be used as musical instruments only in the late 14th or early 15th century. Trumpets are used in numerous art music styles, appearing in orchestras, concert bands, chamber music groups, and jazz ensembles. They are also common in popular music and are generally included in school bands.

The sound of trumpets is produced by vibrating the lips in a mouthpiece, which starts a standing wave in the air column of the instrument. Since the late 15th century, trumpets have primarily been constructed of brass tubing, usually bent twice into a rounded rectangular shape.

There are many distinct types of trumpet. The most common is a transposing instrument pitched in B♭ with a tubing length of about 1.48 m (4 ft 10 in). The cornet is similar to the trumpet but has a conical bore (the trumpet has a cylindrical bore) and its tubing is generally wound differently. Early trumpets did not provide means to change the length of tubing, whereas modern instruments generally have three (or sometimes four) valves in order to quickly add or remove pieces of tubing to the overall length of the tubing, altering their pitch. Most trumpets have valves of the piston type, while some have the rotary type.

Composer Frank D. Cofield (1913 – 2005) was born in New Castle, Indiana. He pursued his education in music, earning a Bachelor's Degree from Indiana University and a Master's Degree from George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. His academic background laid the foundation for a successful career in music education and composition.

Cofield had a diverse career as an instrumental and choral music instructor, band director, guest conductor, and clinician. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he was part of a military band, playing the trombone. After the war, he became associated with Hal Leonard Publishing Corp., where he worked as a composer, arranger, and editor from 1957 until his retirement in 1991. His work at Hal Leonard was significant during the formative years of the company, and he was known for his fresh writing and orchestrational style that enhanced the performance quality of bands of all sizes.

Frank Cofield composed and arranged hundreds of works for both concert and marching bands, many of which have been performed internationally. His compositions are characterized by their accessibility and appeal, making them popular among musicians and audiences alike. He was a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and various music fraternities, reflecting his commitment to the music community.

Cofield’s legacy continues through his published works, which remain a staple in band repertoires. His contributions to music education and composition have left a lasting impact, influencing generations of musicians and composers.

The music for Trumpets Olé! was provided for the band by Rick and Debbie Pabst.