Game of Bones: Mallets

Story nails the balance between novelty and genuine musicianship here. The glissando feature gives your first-year band a chance to sound sophisticated and engaged without compromising their readiness, and the exotic flavor keeps the piece interesting for both players and audience.

Playful and exotic in equal measure. The glissando moments inject personality and lightness, while the harmonic backdrop keeps the piece grounded and engaging rather than gimmicky.

Beginning concert bands ready to program something with humor and harmonic color beyond standard Grade 1 fare. Directors working with groups that have solid fundamentals but need an accessible showcase piece.

• Isolate the glissando passage with your section before full ensemble rehearsal. Even Grade 1 players can execute it cleanly if they understand the pitch content and slide direction.
• Bring the percussion section into early rehearsals. The enhanced and doubled parts drive the piece's forward momentum and set the tone for how energetic this performance becomes.
• Lock down the main theme rhythmically before worrying about tempo. Once the ensemble owns the skeleton, the upbeat character emerges naturally without rushing.

Program this as a mid-concert brightener or season opener. Its two-minute duration and novelty appeal make it ideal for establishing energy and demonstrating to families what first-year ensembles can accomplish musically.

• Executing sustained glissandos across multiple registers
• Balancing melody and counter-melody in ensemble texture
• Reading and playing rhythmic patterns with secure quarter-note subdivisions
• Responding to percussion-driven articulation and energy cues
• Performing with stylistic awareness (exotic/playful character)