The Trombone Blizzard

About the Composer & Composition: E. Philip Severin (1876-1942) composed The Trombone Blizzard, a Comique March featuring a trio for three trombones, in 1901. The work was published by Frank Holton, the famed trombone soloist with the Sousa Band and founder of the Holton musical instrument company in Chicago. Holton had already earned national recognition as a virtuoso trombonist and entrepreneur, establishing his company in Chicago in 1896 before developing it into one of Americas premier brass instrument manufacturers, particularly renowned for its trombones. The association between Severin and Holton is especially significant because both men were part of the flourishing Midwestern musical culture centered in Illinois during the early ragtime and concert band era. Severin, also based in Illinois and active as both a composer and professional musician, likely moved within many of the same band and theater orchestra circles that relied heavily on brass performance traditions. The publication of The Trombone Blizzard by Holton suggests that Severins writing was respected within professional trombone and band communities at a time when Holton was actively promoting trombone literature alongside his rapidly growing instrument business. This edition has been updated and enhanced in several ways. The clarinet parts have been simplified and carefully edited for improved range and playability. Textures, articulations, and dynamics have been clarified and refined to better reflect the most authentic performance style. A 1st Alto Sax part has been constructed containing some of the technical aspects found in the flutes and clarinets. In addition, percussion instruments including Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Timpani, and Sleigh Bells have been added to provide greater color and brilliance to the overall sound.