Groovin': Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Groovin': Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-49101S
Price: 7.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Steve Hodges

Grade: 1.5 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-49101S

$7.00

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Fingers will be snapping with this cool piece by Steve Hodges. Groovin' features a walking bass line and jazz drum patterns that provide a strong foundation for the catchy melodies and jazz articulations. The drummers will love the short fills and interplay with the rest of the band throughout. A great opportunity for the young concert band to get their groove on with this fun jazz piece! (2:15)

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Series: Challenger Band Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 12

ISBN10: 1-4706-4613-7

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-4613-4

UPC: 038081564494

SKU: 00-49101S

More about this title

About the Composer: Steve Hodges

Steve Hodges holds degrees from Western Oregon University (B.S.) and Central Washington University (M.A. in Music Education). Over four decades in public school music education, he directed bands, choirs, and chamber ensembles across multiple levels, building a deep understanding of what works in the classroom and what engages young musicians.

Since 1986, Hodges has composed more than 120 concert band works published by Alfred Music, along with choral arrangements through Staff Music and Shawnee Press. His music travels widely; commissions have come from honor bands and schools in Virginia, Iowa, Winnipeg, British Columbia, and throughout the Pacific Northwest, while his compositions have also been licensed by TBS and ESPN. A member of ASCAP, Hodges now resides in The Dalles, Oregon, where he remains active in community music and finds particular joy watching his grandchildren perform his works in their own school bands.

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Why we love this

Hodges writes with real knowledge of what young bands can execute and enjoy. The walking bass and jazz drum patterns give your rhythm section genuine responsibility without overwhelming them, while the catchy melodies stay memorable through a single read-through. This sits perfectly in the Grade 1.5 sweet spot: accessible enough for early-year ensembles, but with enough jazz vocabulary and instrumental interplay to feel genuinely musical, not dumbed down.

What to expect

Relaxed and propulsive at once. The foundation of the walking bass and steady drum patterns gives you something solid to float the melodies over, creating that snappy, finger-snapping energy that makes audiences lean in. It's the sound of a band discovering they can actually play jazz convincingly.

Who it's for

Beginning to early intermediate concert bands ready for their first real exposure to jazz style and swing feel. This works especially well for younger ensembles that need confidence-building success with a stylistically mature piece.

How to get the most out of it

Isolate the walking bass line in sectional rehearsals before combining with full ensemble. Players need to hear and feel the pulse underneath the written rhythms.
Have your drum section work the fills and interplay passages separately first. These moments define the groove, so they deserve focused practice time.
Shape the melodic lines with jazz articulations as written. Clean tonguing on short notes and careful legato on the longer phrases will bring out the style distinctly.
Let the groove establish itself gradually rather than rushing into full tempo. Once the band feels the pocket, they'll naturally lock the time together.

How to use it

Perfect for a winter or spring concert devoted to light jazz repertoire, or as an opener that sets an upbeat tone for a mixed program. At under two and a half minutes, it also pairs well alongside other Grade 1.5 pieces as a festival selection that won't tire your ensemble but will showcase their stylistic range.