By THAT Much: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Smallman's concept is brilliantly simple: build intentional musical mistakes into the score so they land as part of the joke rather than interruptions to avoid. Your band plays exactly what's written and gets the laugh. It's a masterclass in using humor to keep rehearsals light while maintaining engagement, and Grade 3 ensembles can actually pull off the sophistication of the gag.

A musical wink and a nudge. The piece unfolds with the earnestness of a traditional concert work, then delivers perfectly timed comic moments that feel earned rather than cheap. It's playful without being condescending.

Conductors looking to program something that entertains both the ensemble and the audience without sacrificing musicianship. Grade 3 bands ready for music that rewards precise execution of unconventional writing.

• Commit fully to the written "mistakes." They only work if the ensemble executes them cleanly and confidently; hesitation or uncertainty kills the comedic timing.
• Mark your score clearly so you know when the intentional errors occur. This prevents the band from trying to "fix" what should stay broken.
• Vary your conducting expression during the mishaps. Your face and gestures should subtly signal that something delightful is about to happen without breaking the musical line.

Place this early in a concert to set a warm, approachable tone and establish that your band doesn't take itself too seriously. It works especially well before a set of more substantial repertoire, giving the audience permission to relax and enjoy the musicianship that follows.

• Reading and executing intentionally unconventional notation
• Maintaining ensemble cohesion during rhythmic and harmonic disruptions
• Understanding how musical context shapes listener expectations
• Performing with control and precision under comedic pressure