Hailstorm: Concert Band Conductor Score

Rimmer wrote "Hailstorm" with an ear for what audiences love: lyrical vulnerability followed by virtuosic dazzle. This arrangement by David Marlatt transfers that appeal to concert band without softening the technical demands, giving your cornet section the chance to feature a soloist who genuinely shines. The combination of melody, cadenza, and rapid triple tonguing creates a performance arc that holds attention from start to finish.

The opening band gesture sets the scene quietly, like clouds gathering. Then the cornet enters with a singing melody that feels almost conversational, drawing the listener in with warmth and phrase. When the triple tonguing ignites, the piece transforms into kinetic energy and brilliance—rapid sixteenth notes that shimmer and dance, evoking the sound of hail pelting against windows. The emotional arc is what makes this endure: vulnerability, then virtuosity, all in service of a single narrative.

This score is essential for directors seeking a Grade 3 cornet feature that moves beyond simple lyrical solos into genuine technical display. The piece rewards a soloist with solid range, reliable tonguing technique, and musical maturity—a player ready to carry the band's attention for several minutes. Concert bands building a balanced season or preparing a showcase concert will find this a compelling centerpiece.

• Balance the band's opening so the cornet solo emerges clearly when it enters; this is the soloist's moment, and ensemble restraint serves the overall effect.
• Shape the lyrical melody with long lines and minimal vibrato in the early section; contrast this deliberate legato against the crisp articulation of the triple tonguing that follows.
• Mark the cadenza as a true moment of freedom for the soloist; a flexible tempo here builds anticipation for the technical passage ahead.
• Articulate the triple-tonguing section with precision and clarity; grain matters more than speed, so secure the tonguing pattern before driving the tempo.

Program this as a spring or early fall feature when audiences are ready for technical brilliance paired with musical storytelling. It works well in a pops concert or as the centerpiece of a program that balances ensemble depth with solo excellence. The 32-page score suggests it will carry its own weight on the stage without feeling overly long.

• Triple tonguing execution and control
• Cornet range extension (upper register facility)
• Lyrical phrasing and long-line singing in a solo context
• Cadenza interpretation and flexible tempo control
• Ensemble balance and awareness while performing as a featured soloist
• Rapid articulation precision under musical pressure