Hard Times in the City: Score
By Larry Henry
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0001428
$6.00
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Description
Every young band wants to rock. This is the perfect arrangement to teach the band about articulation and style. A trumpet solo and a drumset solo with an optional trade-off with congas, tom-toms, bongos (or whatever is available) allow the band to feature their "star" players. Young bands will love to get into the groove of this catchy tune. Rock on! (3:10)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Hard Times in the City: Score 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:
134
SKU:
00-PR-0001428
More about this title
Why we love this
This arrangement does exactly what a Grade 1 piece should do: it lets young players sound good while teaching them something real about style and execution. The articulation work embedded in the rock groove means students internalize phrasing naturally, and the solo sections give you a genuine reason to develop individual players rather than just moving through the book.
What to expect
Energetic and modern without trying too hard. The rock rhythm and catchy melody create immediate appeal for students, while the articulation and style requirements keep the musical demands honest.
Who it's for
Young concert bands ready to move beyond march style into contemporary grooves without losing sight of fundamentals. This works especially well for groups that need engagement and a win on the concert stage.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the articulation in the rhythm section first. Once the drums, bass, and lower winds nail the kick-snare pattern and tonguing style together, the rest of the band will fall into place.
- Let the trumpet soloist play with the recorded tempo at rehearsal, then gradually tighten ensemble precision as confidence builds. A shaky solo early on is better than a cautious one.
- Use the conga/tom-tom/bongo trade-off as a percussion section moment to shine. This isn't just filler; it's your chance to balance what soloists get in the band.
How to use it
Place this on a concert alongside more traditional repertoire to show your audience the range of your band's skill. It's short enough (3:10) to work as a closer that leaves the crowd wanting more, and the solos make it memorable for parents watching their child perform.
Skills your students will build
- Rock articulation and style (short-long tonguing patterns in a contemporary groove)
- Solo confidence in front of the full ensemble
- Listening to rhythm section leadership and locking to a groove
- Ensemble balance when trading between melody and percussion features