Hocus Pocus: B-flat Clarinet 1

Mischievous magic unfolds through a sequence of musical sorcery. The austere, mysterious opening conjures atmosphere before the tarantella ignites, spinning the ensemble through a dizzying dance where themes swirl, collide, and propel forward with almost reckless momentum.

Grade 3.5 and 4 concert bands seeking repertoire with genuine character and energy. Directors preparing festival or contest submissions will find a piece that demonstrates musicianship while entertaining audiences with clear thematic storytelling.

• The 6/8 tarantella requires subdividing the beat as two groups of three; lock this pulse early in sectionals so the piece grooves rather than rushes. Conductors should feel the dotted quarter, not the eighth note.
• Shape the mystical opening flute and percussion section with generous space and clarity. This moment sets the magical atmosphere that justifies everything that follows.
• Manage the collision of themes in the middle section by letting each entrance speak distinctly. Resist the urge to equalize dynamics; the overlapping material benefits from slight hierarchies that keep texture readable.
• Maintain articulation consistency in the fast passages, especially in the lower voices. Crisp tonguing in the tarantella prevents muddiness even at feverish tempos.

Program this as a secondary work alongside a more substantial piece to showcase your band's control and personality. The novelty element and theatrical character make it ideal for family concerts or youth music festivals where you want the audience engaged and smiling alongside the musicians.

• Conducting and playing in mixed meters (6/8 tarantella sections)
• Maintaining pulse and rhythmic precision at accelerated tempos
• Balancing layered textures when multiple themes sound simultaneously
• Clarity and articulation in rapid passage work
• Thematic independence and sectional blend