A Very Respectable Hobbit (from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Howard Shore / arr. Jack Bullock
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0005580
$61.00
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Description
A very playable, choice selection from the hit movie The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, this tune will delight audiences and players alike. Crafted specifically for beginners in their first or second year of instruction, solo sections are included which easily divide between sections to spread the fame. (2:30) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
For educational usage/non-profit performances only; for professional arrangements, visit our rental library at alfred.com/rental.
For educational usage/non-profit performances only; for professional arrangements, visit our rental library at alfred.com/rental.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Very Respectable Hobbit (from The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
128
SKU:
00-PK-0005580
More about this title
About the Composer: Howard Shore
Howard Shore has established himself as one of the most versatile and prolific film composers of the past three decades. His work spans sweeping orchestral epics, intimate character studies, and fantastical adventure scores that blend classical orchestration with contemporary sensibilities. Shore's ability to craft memorable melodic lines that serve both the narrative and the listener's ear has made his music accessible to performers of all levels, from young band students to professional orchestras.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the whimsy and charm of Shore's Middle-earth without overwhelming beginners. Jack Bullock's orchestration respects the original while distributing solos generously across sections, giving every student a moment to shine and building ensemble confidence through shared musicianship.
What to expect
A gentle stroll through the Shire, full of quiet charm and good-natured humor. The melody carries warmth and lightness, inviting players to shape phrases with character rather than power.
Who it's for
Beginning band students in their first or second year who are ready for material beyond method books. Directors seeking repertoire that connects students to film music they know while building section strength and confidence.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melody between woodwinds and brass as it passes between sections. Younger players often play louder when excited about their part, so rehearse the dynamic handoffs separately before running the full arrangement.
- Keep the tempo steady and conversational rather than rigid. The folk-like quality benefits from a relaxed, walking pulse that lets the tune breathe naturally.
- Use the solo passages as opportunities to spotlight individual players and reinforce their part independence. Consider rotating soloists in rehearsal to give multiple students performance experience.
- Pay attention to the 2:30 duration. The piece moves quickly, so articulation clarity and rhythmic precision matter more than volume.
How to use it
Program this early in a concert alongside other film or popular music selections to engage audiences and students alike. It works well as a second-half opener to shift mood after a more challenging selection, or as part of a thematic program exploring adventure and fantasy in cinema.
Skills your students will build
- Passing melody between sections while maintaining stylistic continuity
- Solo performance within an ensemble context
- Maintaining consistent pulse in a lyrical, folk-like idiom
- Balance and blend when multiple sections share similar ranges
- Phrasing and articulation that serve storytelling rather than technical display