Hopak!: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Owens captures the infectious energy of Ukrainian folk traditions without requiring your band to navigate exotic scales or unfamiliar harmonic territory. The optional trombone solo cue gives you genuine flexibility in performance without compromising the impact of the arrangement, and the percussion writing adds character without overwhelming younger players. This is exactly the kind of crowd-pleasing closer that works in both contest and concert settings.

Hopak radiates joy and urgency in equal measure, driven by bold melodic lines that feel both fresh and rooted in something ancient. The rich harmonies and lively percussion create an atmosphere of celebration, propelling the band forward with the carefree confidence of a folk dance.

Grade 2.5 bands looking for a spirited finale that showcases ensemble cohesion and individual voices alike. Conductors seeking repertoire that honors non-Western musical traditions while remaining technically accessible will find a solid concert or contest vehicle here.

• Balance the trombone soloist so the melody cuts through without asking the band to pull back too much; the ensemble harmonies need to stay energized.
• Attack the audacious melodies with clear articulation and forward momentum; don't let the folk idiom slip into sentimentality.
• Give your percussion section room to shine in their engaging parts; they're not just keeping time here.
• If using the cued trombone solo option, rehearse both versions with the full band so the transition feels seamless regardless of which way you perform it.

Save this for your concert finale; its spirited character and high energy make it a natural closer that sends audiences out smiling. For festival performances, the straightforward Grade 2.5 level means your band can focus on musical expression and ensemble balance rather than technical survival.

• Phrasing and shaping melodic lines with energy and direction
• Balancing solo and ensemble textures
• Articulation clarity in folk-inspired contexts
• Reading and executing percussion parts with musical purpose