Dance of the Jabberwocky: Concert Band Conductor Score

Grice knows exactly how to write for young bands without talking down to them. The absurdist humor of Carroll's poem translates perfectly into musical mayhem, trombone glissandi and a ratchet that actually serve the character rather than feel like gimmicks. Your students will remember this piece because they had genuine fun playing it, and your audience will appreciate that you trusted them with real musicianship wrapped in comedy.

Bouncy, mischievous energy with moments of controlled chaos. The piece captures the nonsensical wildness of Carroll's creature while remaining musically coherent and accessible, making rehearsals feel like storytelling rather than drudgery.

Beginning concert bands that need a confidence-building piece with personality. This works equally well for a young band just establishing its sound or a mature ensemble looking to program something that reminds audiences why music can be joyful.

• Lean into the chaos with the trombone glissandi. Let them slide freely rather than trying to nail exact pitches; the unpredictability is part of the Jabberwocky's character.
• Coordinate the ratchet cues carefully during rehearsal so it enhances the comedic timing rather than overshadowing the band's rhythmic ensemble.
• Balance the lighthearted energy with clean articulation in the ensemble passages. Crisp attacks keep the humor sharp instead of sloppy.

Plant this in the middle of your concert to shift the mood and give audiences a breather. It pairs well after a serious march or hymn arrangement and before a patriotic closer, letting you demonstrate your ensemble's range from lyrical control to theatrical fun.

• Reading and performing straightforward concert band textures with confidence
• Executing glissandi with musicality and control
• Ensemble precision in rhythmic and melodic alignment
• Responding to comedic musical intent with disciplined execution