How Many Trumpets Does it Take was commissioned by the UCLA Trumpet Ensemble, directed by Professor of Trumpet, Jens Lindemann. The first version was composed in 2005 for ten-part trumpet ensemble. Mr. Lindemann specified that the piece should include multiple styles and to that end it is somewhat of a brief history of trumpet beginning with the Renaissance and moving forward through Baroque, Classical, Romantic and ending with up tempo jazz swing. In 2012, Jens requested a revised version of the piece, this time for eight parts. He requested that I add a bossa nova and end with a 12/8 style bluesy section with a screaming high-note trumpet solo to end the piece. So, you can choose which version you prefer.

You need a very solid lead trumpet player. Trumpets 1 and 2 double on Bb piccolo. Other doubles include flugelhorn in the eight-part version.

Here is the UCLA Trumpet Ensemble premiering the eight-part version at the National Trumpet Competition in 2012. This ensemble chose to use cornets for the Renaissance section. This is not indicated in the score.

https://youtu.be/DnsjJuNMPsI?si=sV–5LY7qKx7XyCX