Half-Past Two Cover Image

Half-Past Two: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

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Half-Past Two Cover Image

Half-Past Two: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Randall D. Standridge

Grade: 1 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-44983

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Description
"Half-Past Two" is a rock piece for young band intended to reinforce and deepen the students' understanding of dotted quarter/eighth note rhythms, providing a vehicle for this concept that is fun and memorable for both students and audiences. The title is both an homage to time-inspired rock songs ("25 or 6 to 4," "Rock Around the Clock," "Midnight Hour," etc. . . .) and a nod to the concept being taught---placing a note halfway past beat two. (2:35)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Half-Past Two: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred Debut Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 126
UPC: 038081517711
SKU: 00-44983

More about this title

About the Composer: Randall D. Standridge

Randall D. Standridge is a prolific composer and arranger whose work centers on accessible, engaging music for young ensembles. His compositions consistently balance pedagogical goals with genuine musical interest, making him a trusted voice in the Debut Series and across school music programs.

Standridge's approach to young band writing reflects a deep understanding of what captures student attention and builds foundational skills simultaneously. His work appears regularly in curricula where directors need pieces that teach specific concepts without sacrificing the joy of performance.

Why we love this

This piece does something smart: it teaches dotted quarter/eighth rhythms by embedding them in genuinely fun music that students want to play and audiences want to hear. The rock idiom keeps energy high, and the clever title reinforces the rhythmic concept so students remember what they're learning even after rehearsals end.

What to expect

A rock song built on solid rhythmic ground, with a title that's both a wink to classic rock radio and a teaching tool. The piece feels contemporary and fun without demanding advanced technique, making it rewarding for players and listeners alike.

Who it's for

Young band conductors working with Grade 1 ensembles who want an intentional, memorable vehicle for dotted quarter/eighth note understanding. This piece works equally well for students encountering this rhythm for the first time and those who need reinforcement through an engaging context.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock in the rhythmic pocket by having students isolate the dotted quarter/eighth figure in sectionals before running the full arrangement. Hearing how their part interlocks with others builds confidence in the concept.
  • Use the rock groove to your advantage: establish a steady tempo and invite sections to feel the backbeat, which naturally supports where those dotted rhythms land.
  • Balance the rock energy with clarity. Young players often rush this style, so steady conducting and occasional tempo checks keep the piece grounded while maintaining the intended spirit.

How to use it

Program this early in the concert season when you're actively teaching rhythmic concepts in rehearsal, allowing the piece to reinforce classroom instruction. Its accessibility and novelty value make it an excellent opener or mid-concert energy boost, and its recognizable rock style often delights student musicians and family audiences alike.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and executing dotted quarter/eighth note rhythms
  • Understanding rhythmic concepts through rock style and idiom
  • Ensemble awareness of rhythmic interlocking between parts
  • Maintaining steady tempo in a contemporary musical context

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