A Gershwin Tribute to Love: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Heisinger's arrangement captures the sophistication of Gershwin's harmonic language while making these beloved standards accessible to developing bands. The medley format allows you to program a substantial, concert-length work without the rehearsal burden of four separate pieces, and the mix of tempos and textures keeps both musicians and audiences engaged throughout.

These four standards evoke the elegance and warmth of early twentieth-century American song. Gershwin's melodies sit naturally in the band's tessitura, and Heisinger's orchestration moves smoothly between intimate, lyrical moments and fuller, swinging ensemble passages.

This medley works for concert bands at the Grade 4½ level and above, particularly those ready to tackle sophisticated harmonies and style variety in a single program. It suits directors seeking a substantial closer or centerpiece that showcases both technical growth and musicality without requiring soloists.

• Establish the swing feel early in sectional rehearsals for the uptempo numbers. Lock the rhythm section's interpretation of the shuffle eighth notes so the band can commit fully to that style rather than playing it tentatively.
• Bring out the solo lines in the slow ballads. These melodies need singers, not just players, so encourage section leaders to listen across the band and balance accordingly.
• Pay attention to the transitions between pieces. Heisinger's orchestration guides you here, but mark cues clearly so the ensemble doesn't lose momentum when moving from one song to the next.
• Balance the rich voicing in the fuller passages without letting the middle voices get buried. Test the mix at a rehearsal's midpoint when ears are fresh.

Program this as a substantial concert centerpiece or finale that celebrates American musical heritage. The eight-and-a-half minute duration and stylistic variety make it ideal for spring concerts or pops programs where you want to feature well-known material without resorting to novelty arrangements.

• Interpreting swing style and straight eighth-note subdivisions
• Balancing solo lines with harmonic accompaniment
• Managing style shifts within a continuous medley
• Executing Gershwin's chromatic harmony and jazz-influenced voicings
• Sustaining ensemble blend across richly orchestrated textures