Five to Go: Concert Band Conductor Score

Five to Go lands at that crucial Grade 3 sweet spot where bands begin to sound genuinely musical without getting bogged down in technical demands. Bullock's writing includes a section feature, so every section gets a moment to shine, which keeps rehearsals engaging and gives every student something to prepare. The 28-page score gives you substance to work with—this is a real piece with arc and development, not filler.

Five to Go balances approachability with genuine musical interest. The Grade 3 level keeps technical demands reasonable, but Bullock's compositional hand creates phrases that breathe and sections that feel purposeful rather than simplistic.

Band directors working with Grade 3 ensembles who want an accessible piece with real musical content and ensemble depth. This score serves conductors looking for a concert vehicle that showcases section identity while building foundational ensemble skills.

• Balance the section features carefully during rehearsal; isolate each featured section and ensure they sit comfortably in the mix once the full band enters.
• Mark your conductor score with clear cues tied to the section features so players know exactly when their moment arrives and can settle in beforehand.
• Work the transitions between sections in isolation before putting the full arrangement together, especially if energy or tempo shifts occur.
• Listen through a full rehearsal recording to catch any spots where the featured section overwhelms the harmonic foundation.

This works well as a festival or concert staple in the Grade 3 rotation—solid enough to program confidently, engaging enough to keep both students and audiences invested. Consider pairing it with a lyrical ballad and an uptempo novelty to round out a concert set.

• Balancing ensemble sound when featured sections carry the melody
• Executing clean section transitions
• Building dynamic shape across longer phrase structures
• Reading and responding to conductor cues that highlight section features