Gershwin by George!: Concert Band Conductor Score

This medley captures the full range of Gershwin's genius in a single, conductor-friendly package. Jerry Brubaker's arrangement moves seamlessly between the rhythmic drive of "I Got Rhythm," the lyrical warmth of "Embraceable You," and the orchestral grandeur of "An American in Paris" and "Rhapsody in Blue," giving your band a genuine concert experience without overextending your program time. At Grade 4, the writing is idiomatic and engaging without sacrificing the swagger and sophistication these melodies deserve.

A journey through American musical optimism. You move from the infectious, irrepressible joy of "I Got Rhythm," through the tender vulnerability of "Summertime," and into the lush, romantic sprawl of "An American in Paris." There's a sophistication woven through the entire arc; these are melodies that have survived a century because they carry real emotion alongside their infectious charm.

Concert bands at the intermediate level seeking a crowd-pleasing, musically substantial program piece that doesn't demand virtuosity from every section. This medley works equally well for bands building confidence in their musicianship and those looking to add spark to a concert program without adding risk.

• Balance the section solos that emerge throughout the medley. Gershwin's melodies thrive when they're sung rather than buried; clear leadership from your solo chairs will let the themes speak.
• Pay attention to tempo relationships between sections. The transition from "I Got Rhythm" into "Embraceable You" is dramatic, and a clean cutoff followed by a genuine shift in pulse will punctuate the journey through Gershwin's worlds.
• The rhythmic vitality of the popular song sections ("I Got Rhythm," "Strike Up the Band") needs swing and precision. Lighten the articulation and let the syncopation breathe; this isn't a march.
• Reserve your full dynamic power for the "Rhapsody in Blue" and "An American in Paris" moments. The contrast between intimate and grand will feel more impactful if you've held something back earlier.

Program this as a centerpiece in a concert celebrating American composers, or as a full medley that bridges classical and popular traditions. Its 6+ minute length makes it suitable for a pre-intermission number that leaves your audience in high spirits, or as a season opener that sets a confident, celebratory tone.

• Transitioning between contrasting tempos and styles within a single work
• Playing with jazz-influenced articulation and rhythmic flexibility (swing, syncopation)
• Balancing featured melodic lines across the ensemble while maintaining accompaniment clarity
• Reading and interpreting dynamic contrast across a large-scale medley form
• Developing sectional independence in works where different sections carry the melody at different moments