Buenaventura: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Hodges writes with a clear understanding of what keeps a concert band engaged and energized. The Latin percussion and syncopated rhythms give every section something compelling to play, while the jazz interlude offers a stylistic shift that feels fresh without requiring advanced harmonic reading. This piece closes a concert with unmistakable excitement, making it equally effective as a festival selection.

Buenaventura pulses with heat and forward motion. The Latin percussion ignites immediately, and the syncopated lines throughout the band create a propulsive, almost restless energy that feels contemporary and fun. When the jazz section arrives, the momentum shifts into something looser and more exploratory, before building back to a finish that leaves no doubt about the band's joy in playing.

This arrangement suits concert bands at the 3.5 grade level and strong programs looking to program with confidence in either concert or contest contexts. Experienced directors appreciate Hodges' clarity of texture and his gift for keeping every player engaged without overwriting the arrangement. Programs seeking a closer that leaves an audience energized will find this piece delivers exactly that.

• Lock the rhythm section into the Latin groove early in rehearsal; the syncopations drive the entire arrangement, so secure that foundation before layering melodic elements.
• Emphasize the articulation contrast between the driving sections and the jazz passage; this shift in character will keep the band engaged and help the audience follow the arc.
• Balance the Latin percussion so it sits as a primary voice rather than accompaniment; these colors are what give the piece its character and should punch through the band sound.
• Prepare the full ensemble for the energy curve; this piece demands consistent power and control from top to bottom, so build stamina in rehearsal through targeted sectional work.

Program this as your closing number when you want to send an audience out smiling. It pairs beautifully with a concert that mixes standard band repertoire with contemporary selections, offering stylistic breadth without requiring extended rehearsal time. The piece also carries the energy and appeal that contest audiences reward, making it a solid choice for festival programming when you want your final impression to be one of vitality and control.

• Maintaining precision in syncopated rhythmic figures across all sections
• Balancing Latin percussion textures so they project as primary voices
• Shifting articulation and style between Latin and jazz sections
• Sustaining energy and dynamics in fast-moving, rhythmically active passages
• Listening for and locking into a steady rhythmic groove with the rhythm section