Contempo: Concert Band Conductor Score

Story balances genuine musical content with conductors' real-world needs: the soloistic moments are fully cued so you're not hunting through parts during rehearsal, and the percussion writing is active without overwhelming a developing section. The 3:17 length fits concert programming perfectly without demanding extensive sectional prep time.

Contemporary in harmonic language without sacrificing accessibility, Contempo moves with purposeful energy. The writing feels elegant because it's economical: every part serves the whole, and the orchestration creates depth without unnecessary complexity.

Grade 2 band directors seeking a substantive concert work that doesn't require extensive rehearsal time or solve advanced technical challenges. Students at this level gain exposure to a real composition rather than an exercise, played with genuine musical purpose.

• Highlight the soloistic moments in sectional rehearsals before full ensemble work; Story's cueing ensures players know when others carry the line, but drilling those transitions separately builds confidence and clarity.
• Engage your percussion section early and often. With avid contributions throughout, they're not accompaniment here but integral to the musical fabric.
• Use the contest/festival context as motivation: this piece is designed to compete well, so the payoff from careful attention to balance and articulation is immediate and audible.

Program this as a centerpiece on a concert where you're pairing Grade 2 repertoire with slightly more advanced pieces; it reads as ambitious yet achievable, which builds student confidence. It also competes well at regional festivals, making it a natural choice for groups targeting spring competition dates.

• Balancing soloistic independence with ensemble cohesion
• Following cueing and responding to conductor gesture during exposed passages
• Articulation clarity in contemporary harmonic contexts
• Ensemble blend when multiple sections carry thematic material
• Rhythmic precision in support of active percussion writing