Dem Bones: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Featuring the Trombone Section
Music by James Weldon Johnson / arr. Michael Story
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0001669
$55.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Dem Bones: Score | $10.00 | |
| Dem Bones: Flute | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: Oboe | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: 1st B-flat Clarinet | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: B-flat Bass Clarinet | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: E-flat Alto Saxophone | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: B-flat Tenor Saxophone | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: E-flat Baritone Saxophone | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: 1st B-flat Trumpet | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: 1st F Horn | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: 1st Trombone | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: Baritone T.C. | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: Baritone B.C. | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: Tuba | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: Mallets | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: 1st Percussion | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: 2nd Percussion | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: 3rd Percussion | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: (wp) 1st Horn in E-flat | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: (wp) 1st B-flat Trombone B.C. | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: (wp) 1st B-flat Trombone T.C. | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: (wp) B-flat Baritone B.C. | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: (wp) B-flat Tuba B.C. | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: (wp) B-flat Tuba T.C. | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: (wp) E-flat Tuba B.C. | $3.00 | |
| Dem Bones: (wp) E-flat Tuba T.C. | $3.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
The tune is a traditional African-American spiritual, but your trombones will adore the chance to demonstrate the glissando. Also known by the name "Dry Bones" this arrangement is sure to tickle your funny bone as well.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Dem Bones: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
138
SKU:
00-PK-0001669
More about this title
About the Composer: James Weldon Johnson
James Weldon Johnson (1871, 1938) was a towering figure in African-American letters and music. Beyond his renown as a poet and civil rights activist, Johnson was a skilled songwriter and composer who helped preserve and elevate the spiritual tradition during a time when these songs were often dismissed or appropriated.
As an educator and cultural ambassador, Johnson understood the power of music to connect communities and tell stories. His work with spirituals kept these vital American songs alive in concert halls and classrooms, ensuring future generations could claim their heritage.
Why we love this
Michael Story's arrangement preserves the spiritual's character while giving young bands genuine fun with glissandos in the trombone section. At Grade 1, it's accessible enough for early-year ensembles but includes enough personality and sectional color to keep players engaged and rehearsals lively.
What to expect
Warm and familiar, with a respectful nod to tradition alongside moments of playful trombone sparkle. The tune carries the quiet strength of a spiritual while the arrangement invites your band to explore and celebrate its character.
Who it's for
Beginning concert bands ready to tackle a recognized spiritual with authentic roots. This works especially well for groups building confidence with sectional features and looking to program music that connects students to African-American musical heritage.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the glissando style in rehearsal by having trombones practice the technique on a single note first, then apply it deliberately to their featured passages. Consistency across the section makes the effect land properly.
- Balance the melody across sections rather than letting any single part overshadow the spiritual's familiar tune. The arrangement's charm depends on clean ensemble blend.
- Keep the tempo steady and relaxed. Spirituals breathe best when given space; rushing undermines the traditional character.
- Bring out the rhythmic vitality without losing the reverent foundation of the piece. This is a spiritual with personality, not a comic novelty.
How to use it
Program this early in a concert to establish an inviting, accessible tone before moving into more complex works. It pairs naturally with other sacred or traditional music and serves as an excellent choice for educational contexts where cultural repertoire matters.
Skills your students will build
- Glissando technique in trombone section
- Balancing sectional melody and accompaniment
- Ensemble blend across sustained and lyrical passages
- Rhythmic precision in Grade 1 ensemble writing
- Stylistic interpretation of spiritual traditions