Five Little Dances: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Paul Creston / Arranged by Robert Longfield
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00272111
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Description
Paul Creston was one of the most performed composers of the 1940s and '50s, and his music remains important and relevant today. His unique rhythmic and harmonic style is apparent in "Five Little Dances", his only work for piano. Robert Longfield's marvelous adaptation for band retains the character and charm of these delightful dances. Dur: 6:40
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00272111
More about this title
About the Composer: Paul Creston
Paul Creston (1906-1985) composed prolifically across all major genres, establishing himself as a leading American voice during the mid-twentieth century. His output includes four symphonies, numerous concertos, chamber works, and band compositions that showcase his gift for memorable melody paired with inventive harmonic language. Though he composed primarily for orchestra and concert band, his single piano work, "Five Little Dances," distills his compositional philosophy into five charming miniatures that reveal his ear for rhythmic vitality and color.
Creston's music earned consistent performances throughout his lifetime, and his concert band works remain staples in school and community ensembles. His influence extended beyond composition into pedagogy; he taught at multiple institutions and created educational materials that shaped generations of musicians. The accessibility of his writing, combined with its musical substance, explains why his works have sustained performance beyond his era.
Why we love this
Creston's original dances translate beautifully to band through Longfield's ear for color and balance. The Grade 3 difficulty hits that sweet spot where students tackle genuine compositional personality without drowning in technical demands, making this perfect for developing ensembles that are ready to move beyond simplified arrangements.
What to expect
These five miniatures sparkle with rhythmic energy and harmonic color. Each dance offers distinct character, from playful charm to lyrical warmth, unified by Creston's elegant orchestration and melodic invention. The adaptation captures the piano original's transparency while exploiting the band's palette for subtle shades of sound.
Who it's for
Grade 3 concert bands with solid fundamentals and a director comfortable navigating Creston's characteristic rhythmic flexibility. The set suits ensembles seeking substantive music that engages audiences without requiring virtuosic soloists or exhausting rehearsal schedules.
How to get the most out of it
- Attend closely to Creston's rhythmic language; these dances contain syncopations and cross-rhythms that can blur if the ensemble doesn't internalize the underlying pulse. Drill the main themes with consistent subdivision before adding accompaniment figures.
- Balance the woodwind soloists against ensemble passages. Many of these dances feature prominent melodic voices over a supportive harmonic foundation; resist the urge to let fuller sections eclipse the featured lines.
- Each dance has distinct character and tempo. Clearly establish the mood shift between movements in rehearsal so transitions feel intentional rather than abrupt. Use the score's tempo markings as your anchor.
How to use it
Sequence this as a cohesive suite on a concert where you want to showcase your band's musicality and rhythmic precision. The six-minute duration and variety across the five movements make it a satisfying standalone offering, ideal for spring concerts alongside heavier repertoire or as the centerpiece of a Creston-themed program.
Skills your students will build
- Creston's rhythmic language, including syncopation and cross-rhythms
- Balancing solo voices over ensemble texture
- Phrasing and character differentiation across contrasting movements
- Reading and executing articulation patterns that define each dance's character