Crooner’s Serenade: 1st Percussion

Williams understood exactly what makes these classic standards resonate with modern audiences when he selected three Michael Bublé signature songs. The medley structure itself is immaculate: textures shift meaningfully between the sultry opening of 'Moondance,' the sophisticated harmonic landscape of 'I've Got You Under My Skin,' and the rhythmic drive of 'Save the Last Dance for Me.' Your band will find the Grade 3 writing accessible without feeling thin; every section gets memorable material, and the arrangement respects what made these songs matter in the first place.

Sophisticated without pretension. The medley opens with the smoky warmth of 'Moondance,' shifts into the urbane elegance of mid-century songwriting with 'I've Got You Under My Skin,' and closes with unbuttoned swing and romance. You're conducting a concert, not accompanying a karaoke machine.

Concert bands in the Grade 2-4 range looking for accessible pop repertoire with genuine musical substance. This medley works equally well for high school programs seeking intermediate literature and middle school groups that want to stretch beyond beginner-level pop charts without overwhelming their musicians.

• Establish the velvety character suggested by the Bublé connection from the first downbeat. This isn't a chart to play brightly or mechanically; the legit articulation and phrasing in the woodwind and brass lines define the medley's appeal.
• Pay attention to the textural variety between movements. Each song occupies its own space, so transitions should feel intentional rather than mechanical.
• Balance the saxophone section carefully in 'Moondance' and 'I've Got You Under My Skin.' These voices carry the melodic sophistication, and they'll lose definition if the rest of the band plays too loudly.
• Lock the rhythm section into a conversational groove in 'Save the Last Dance for Me.' The chart gains energy here, but if the drums and low reeds rush, the medley feels frantic rather than celebratory.

Program this as a standalone feature in a concert setting where you want to showcase the band's ability to handle popular music with finesse. It works beautifully as a closer to a pop or swing-themed concert, or as the anchor of a medley concert. The variety of styles makes it an excellent choice for a non-traditional concert format where you're mixing Great American Songbook classics with contemporary interpretations.

• Legit jazz phrasing and articulation in a concert band context
• Balancing lyrical melody lines against supporting harmonic textures
• Transitioning smoothly between distinct musical styles within a single arrangement
• Interpreting the subtle swing feel that distinguishes authentic popular standards from novelty pop
• Maintaining ensemble blend while playing accessible, memorable material