A Little Bit O' Licorice: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Myers writes clarinet features that sit naturally in the instrument's register and sound genuinely musical rather than like exercises. This piece delivers the exact programming relief a director needs: something short, charming, and guaranteed to land well with audiences while keeping your beginning band engaged and successful.

Upbeat and lighthearted, with a melody that sticks in the ear immediately. The piece has the charm of a carnival or novelty number without condescension, making it genuinely fun to perform and hear.

Beginning band directors who want a feature that showcases their clarinet section without taxing young players technically or musically. This works equally well for directors looking to build confidence in musicians still developing fundamental skills.

• Shape the melody with subtle dynamic shaping rather than forcing projection; the catchy tune will carry itself if the phrasing feels natural.
• Keep the ensemble balanced so clarinet soloists stay in the foreground without asking them to play beyond their comfort zone.
• Find the groove early in rehearsal; a groove-based piece lives or dies on ensemble togetherness in the rhythm section.
• Let the recording accompaniment lock your intonation before performance; young musicians will settle into pitch more easily when the harmonic support is already established.

Place this midway through a concert after a more formal opening work; its infectious energy and short duration (2:00) make it an ideal palate-cleanser that engages audiences without demanding sustained attention. It also works beautifully as a finale if you want to send the audience out smiling.

• Phrasing and dynamic shaping in a melodic context
• Ensemble balance with featured soloists
• Rhythmic precision and groove awareness
• Playing with confidence in the chalumeau register