Feed the Birds (from Mary Poppins): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

This arrangement respects the simplicity of the original while giving every section ownership of the tune. The gentle passing of the melody from woodwinds to brass to low voices creates natural ensemble building and prevents any one section from feeling sidelined, a quality that makes rehearsals more engaging and performances more cohesive for groups still developing their independence.

Quiet and contemplative, like a moment of stillness in a film. The melody carries genuine tenderness without sentimentality, and the arrangement unfolds at an unhurried pace that invites listening rather than showing off.

Second year band students who have enough fundamental technique to sustain longer phrases but still benefit from straightforward harmonic progressions and clear orchestration. This works equally well for mixed-ability ensembles where you want all voices meaningfully engaged.

• Balance the clarinet opening by letting them sing without pushing; this is a lullaby, not a march. The exposed entrance will feel sturdier if the section commits to a warm, sustained tone.
• Shape the phrase contours clearly when the trumpet entry arrives. Even at this grade level, students can grasp the difference between landing on a note versus floating through a passage.
• Bring out the low brass section when they claim the melody in the later phrase. Many young tuba and baritone players rarely feel like melody carriers; make this moment feel earned and important.

Consider pairing this with other accessible film or Broadway arrangements to create a "Music from Cinema" concert segment that draws families and community members who recognize the source material. It also works beautifully as a slow, lyrical contrast in a program that might otherwise lean toward march or novelty selections.

• Sustaining phrases across longer note values
• Balancing within a section so primary melodic lines stay prominent
• Transitioning seamlessly when the melody passes between families of instruments
• Controlling dynamics in the absence of complex technical passage work