Aragon 1945-1952 (Dance Suite): V. Accentuate: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Upbeat and swinging, with the warm nostalgia of 1940s cinema. The orchestration bounces with good humor and forward motion, anchored by the song's memorable melody and supported by bright brass and reed writing that feels both playful and purposeful.

Concert bands at the upper intermediate level who are ready to tackle jazz idioms with serious musicianship. This movement works for directors building a program around American songbook standards or looking to close a concert with style and personality.

• Balance the syncopated lines in the ensemble so the rhythmic drive stays clear without any section overshadowing the melody. Grade 4 bands often cluster weight in one part; check your saxophone and brass voicings in rehearsal.
• Establish the swing feel early in sectional rehearsals. Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums if available, or rely on your low brass and low woodwinds) so the full band can commit to the articulation and phrasing.
• Shape phrases around the song's lyrical hook. Even in an energetic arrangement, the underlying melody should sing. Let your principal melody voices breathe between phrases.

Program this as a concert finale to send the audience out with a lift. It pairs well with other mid-century American works or serves as the culminating movement if you program the full Aragon suite. The accessible Grade 4 level makes it suitable for spring pops concerts or community performances where you want to showcase your ensemble's versatility.

• Swing articulation and jazz phrasing in a wind band context
• Reading and performing syncopated rhythmic figures
• Balancing sectional lines in a thick harmonic texture
• Ensemble coordination across multiple rhythmic layers