Clarinet Cookin': Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Story writes clarinet features that actually let clarinets shine without overwhelming the rest of the ensemble. The bluesy character and groove-based accompaniment make this feel contemporary and fun rather than academic, so students play with genuine musicality from the first rehearsal. At Grade 1, the orchestration is transparent enough for young bands to balance themselves while the articulations and dynamics give every section something specific to do.

Casual and confident, like a group of musicians relaxing into a blues-inflected groove. The clarinet line floats above a steady, easygoing rhythm section, with just enough attitude in the articulations to feel grown-up. Nothing here feels like an exercise; it sounds like real music from the very first read-through.

Band directors building programs for Grade 1 ensembles who want students to experience playing in a contemporary groove setting without complexity. Clarinet players benefit from a genuine feature that demands controlled articulation and phrasing, while the ensemble as a whole learns to support soloists with locked rhythm section work.

• Shape the clarinet melody with a slight push on beat 2, letting the rhythm section lock in behind them. This creates the groove without rushing.
• Mark the articulation style clearly in your first rehearsal. The 'bluesy' character depends on consistent tonguing across the clarinet section.
• Balance the rhythm section so the ensemble swings together. If the accompaniment overwhelms the clarinet feature, the whole point of the arrangement disappears.
• Use the recorded accompaniment (available separately) to help clarinets hear their part in context before ensemble rehearsals begin.

Program this early in a concert or as a feature moment within a larger set. It works beautifully alongside other light concert selections at this level and serves as a natural springboard into discussions about blues and popular music forms. The 2:18 duration makes it flexible for mixed programming without eating rehearsal time on complicated passages.

• Controlled articulation and tonguing in a groove context
• Balancing and supporting a featured section within ensemble texture
• Responding to and maintaining steady rhythm in popular/blues-inflected settings
• Reading clearly marked dynamics and articulation for style interpretation
• Playing with stylistic attitude and musical character beyond traditional concert band idioms