Belwin Very Beginning Band Kit #4: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Four complete pieces in one package means you can build an entire concert without hunting through multiple catalogs. Bullock's arrangements respect what beginning bands actually sound like while keeping the music engaging and recognizable, so students feel the satisfaction of playing real literature from day one. The variety across these titles gives your students exposure to different musical styles and character without overwhelming them technically.

Playful, approachable, and genuinely musical. Each piece has melodic warmth and clear character without pretension, giving students immediate connection to what they're learning. The familiar reference points (Beethoven, a folk melody, a novelty number) help young players understand that band music comes from real musical traditions.

Directors working with grade 1.5 concert bands or mixed ensembles still establishing fundamental ensemble skills. These pieces suit new programs, early-year curricula before students move into more challenging literature, or mixed-ability rehearsals where you need material that sounds polished but remains technically accessible.

• Balance the "Lullaby" so your clarinet section feels supported by the rest of the band rather than exposed; this builds confidence in your younger players.
• Keep the tempo of "Russian Folk Dance" steady and connected; Beethoven's melodies will sing more naturally when the underlying pulse stays secure.
• Work out entrances carefully in "Popcorn," as the staggered parts need precision without sounding mechanical.
• Let "March of the Midgets" breathe slightly on the longer notes so the forward motion doesn't drag; younger bands often rush these sections.

Program these four pieces together as a complete opening concert in the fall, or spread them across your year as seasonal or thematic offerings. "Lullaby" and "Russian Folk Dance" work well in winter or spring concerts, while "March of the Midgets" makes an effective closer if you want something lighter and more playful. They also serve as reliable teaching pieces for section rehearsals when focusing on specific technical or musical concepts.

• Reading parts with independent melodic lines and supporting harmony voices
• Maintaining steady tempo in dance forms and march rhythms
• Balancing volume and tone quality within larger ensemble textures
• Responding to melodic phrasing and articulation cues appropriate to each style
• Managing staggered entries and layered rhythm patterns across the ensemble