Clarinet Cookin': Concert Band Conductor Score

Story has crafted a piece that lets your clarinet section shine without leaving the rest of the ensemble behind. The bluesy groove and clearly marked dynamics and articulations mean even first-year bands can execute this with confidence and style, sounding far more sophisticated than the Grade 1 difficulty suggests.

The piece has swagger and modern energy without pretension. A blues-tinged groove propels the music forward, and the clarinet lines dance over a solid rhythmic foundation, inviting the audience to feel the pulse and enjoy the musicianship on display.

Beginning concert bands looking for an engaging first-year piece that allows them to tackle popular idiom. This score works equally well for conductors introducing their students to featured section writing and the clarinet players eager to demonstrate what they've learned.

• Balance the clarinet feature with the supporting ensemble; the goal is to highlight the section's voices without drowning them out. During sectional rehearsals, have the clarinets mark their parts lightly while working on articulation and phrasing together.
• Emphasize the bluesy character through phrasing and articulation. The marked articulations are your roadmap; honor them as written to capture the attitude the piece calls for.
• Lock in the groove early. Once your rhythm section (percussion, low brass, and tuba) feel the pulse together, the clarinets' melodic lines will sit naturally on top of the foundation.

Program this as a highlight on a fall concert or festival performance where the clarinets have earned stage time. The upbeat character and 2:18 runtime make it an ideal pairing with slower concert pieces, providing contrast and keeping the audience engaged.

• Articulation control in popular and blues idioms
• Ensemble balance in a featured section context
• Phrasing over a driving rhythmic accompaniment
• Dynamics management to support melodic lines