Gershwin by George!: Full Orchestra Conductor Score

Jerry Brubaker's arrangement threads together Gershwin's most distinctive works into a coherent narrative arc that avoids patchwork feeling. The orchestration is both respectful to Gershwin's original voicings and expertly adjusted for full orchestra forces, making it approachable for mid-level ensembles without sacrificing sophistication. Audiences recognize these melodies instantly, which means your ensemble gets to experience the reward of playing genuinely beloved music.

Sophisticated yet accessible, drawing listeners from the very first notes of "Strike Up the Band!" through the unmistakable genius of Rhapsody in Blue. The medley captures the brilliance of American popular song and concert music at the moment they became indistinguishable, wrapped in orchestrations that feel both celebratory and intimate.

Conductors programming a full orchestra concert who want repertoire that connects with audiences and rehearsal needs. This works equally well for concert bands looking to program something jazzy and recognizable, as well as for orchestras seeking repertoire that builds section cohesion and musicianship without excessive technical demands.

• Balance the jazz elements carefully in your section rehearsals. The rhythmic swing and syncopation in pieces like "I Got Rhythm" require clarity from brass and woodwinds rather than heaviness.
• The transition between classical moments ("An American in Paris," "Prelude II") and jazz-inflected sections demands subtle tempo and character shifts. Mark these shifts clearly in your score and spend rehearsal time on the musical pivots, not just the notes.
• Summertime and Rhapsody in Blue contain lyrical passages where the ensemble needs to breathe together. Even though these are arranged for full orchestra, resist the impulse to overload the texture; let the melodies sing through.
• "Strike Up the Band!" opens the medley with energy. Secure confident articulation and rhythmic precision in the first pages so the conductor and ensemble establish clear momentum for what follows.

Use this as the centerpiece of a concert exploring American composers, or as a major pops program offering that appeals to families and donors. At 5 minutes 45 seconds, it works as a substantial closer or as the opener that establishes the evening's energy and sets a high musical bar for what follows.

• Swinging eighth notes and jazz rhythmic styles in an orchestral context
• Balancing lyrical ensemble playing with rhythmic precision
• Reading and executing rapid key changes and modulations
• Understanding orchestral texture and balance across classical and popular idioms
• Maintaining ensemble cohesion through extended medley form