Piccolo Literature-the Good Stuff Does Exist!

Used to be, we could sum up piccolo feature literature in a few words: The Stars and Stripes Forever, Vivaldi concerti, and Red's White and Blue March. (Hey, don't knock 'em. I've got fond memories of those, especially the first and last. If you don't know what the latter one is, I'll explain later.) It is possible to perform a complete recital with just a piccolo, and a GOOD recital at that.

The proficient piccoloist is capable of not only playing fast, technical passages and high pitches, but also legato, average range selections usually associated only with flute. As in any performance, a range of repertoire is necessary for success. Tammy Sue Kirk has had success in this area. An accomplished piccoloist who studies with Jan Gippo, has her master degree in Piccolo Performance (as well as holding office of president for the Flute Society of St. Louis AND of the Southern Illinois Flute Society). Tammy Sue has compiled a list of suitable piccolo works for an artistic recital. This list not only includes solos, but ensembles and chamber works.

Jim Panttaja also has a compilation of piccolo literature on the 'Net, available from Mill Rock. The Mill Rock Piccolo Library includes music with band and orchestra accompaniment, music for D-flat piccolo, and unusual duet combinations with piccolo (try piccolo/bassoon!).

For another great piccolo resource, try Fluteworld. Fluteworld carries not only a a great selection of titles for piccolo, but also recordings.

A Handbook of Literature for the Flute by James Pellerite has been a standard for flutists for nearly 35 years. It also comes in handy for piccolo. The book includes piccolo solos, methods, and other literature, graded by difficulty level, with comments about style and technique for each.

In auditioning for college or major ensembles, playing piccolo can be an advantage because of the lack of competition, meaning not many flutists consider auditioning on piccolo alone.

Tod Brody has compiled a list of the best piccolo standards, including solos and orchestral excerpts, which are ideal for an audition.

If you are a high school student seriously considering taking a piccolo solo to your district or state music festival this spring, J.W. Pepper has a compilation of solos, including piccolo, that are included in each state's activities associations list of acceptable works.

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