Goodnight Moon (arr. Michael Markowski): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Eric Whitacre / By Margaret Wise Brown / Arranged by Michael Markowski
Grade: 3-4
Item: 35-PK01107244
$125.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Arranged for Grade 3-4 Concert Band. "Over the past few years I must have read "Goodnight Moon" to my son a thousand times - maybe more. Somewhere around reading number 500, I began hearing little musical fragments as I read, and over time those fragments began to blossom into a simple, sweet lullaby. I knew it was a long shot, but I asked my manager, Claire Long, to contact HarperCollins and see if they would allow the text to be set to music. To my surprise and delight they agreed - the first time they had ever allowed "Goodnight Moon" to be used in such a way. I composed the piece relatively quickly, originally setting the text for harp, string orchestra, and my son's mother, soprano Hila Plitmann. I later arranged "Goodnight Moon" for SATB choir and piano. More recently, my dear friend Verena Mosenbichler-Bryant arranged the piece for wind ensemble and soloist. The melody of "Goodnight Moon" will forever make me think of those quiet nights, reading my son to sleep." -Eric Whitacre
Goodnight Moon (arr. Michael Markowski): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK01107244
More about this title
About the Composer: Eric Whitacre
Eric Whitacre stands as one of the most performed living composers in the world, known for choral works that prioritize emotional directness and accessibility alongside sophisticated harmonic language. His compositions span from intimate vocal pieces to large-scale orchestral and wind ensemble works, all marked by his gift for melody and his commitment to making classical music resonate with contemporary audiences.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures something rare: a piece that works equally well as a concert closer and as a genuine teaching moment about sensitivity in ensemble playing. The restraint in Markowski's orchestration keeps the focus on the text and the lullaby quality of the melody, giving young musicians permission to play softly without losing projection or clarity. Programming this creates natural programming opportunities around thematic concerts or end-of-year concerts where poignancy fits the moment.
What to expect
A quiet moment before sleep, where every word from the beloved book lands clearly and the band becomes an instrument for reflection rather than display. The harmonies unfold gently, creating a sense of peace that audiences feel physically in their bodies.
Who it's for
Grade 3-4 concert bands looking for repertoire that develops musical maturity without technical overreach. This works particularly well for directors building confidence in younger ensembles while introducing the emotional range beyond marches and upbeat festival fare.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the phrase as if singing the text aloud; let the rhythm of the words guide your articulation and phrasing rather than treating it as purely instrumental.
- Balance the melody line so it floats above the supporting harmonies without forcing tone. Players should think of supporting, not shadowing, whoever carries the tune.
- Resist the urge to add vibrato or dig in too hard during the softer passages. The lullaby effect depends on tonal simplicity and a restful quality.
- Rehearse the accompaniment figures separately to ensure they remain gentle and unobtrusive; these players are setting a mood, not driving momentum.
How to use it
Place this near the end of a concert where the audience has settled and is ready to listen closely. It pairs beautifully with other accessible choral or melodic works and offers a chance to pivot from a more energetic first half into something contemplative. Consider programming it during spring concerts, holiday celebrations, or any performance where you want to leave audiences in a thoughtful frame of mind.
Skills your students will build
- Dynamic control at very soft volumes (ppp to p range)
- Ensemble balance and inner-part awareness
- Phrase shaping driven by text and emotional content rather than technical gesture
- Lyrical tone production without vibrato or forced expression
- Sustaining a unified musical intention across rests and longer notes