If You See Dolphins (You've Gone Too Far): Concert Band, Score and Parts

Buoyant and rhythmically alive, with a playful title that belies the musical craftsmanship underneath. The energy feels natural to the ensemble rather than imposed, making it a piece students will want to perfect.

Grade 3 concert bands looking for a piece with genuine musical substance and rhythmic drive. Directors can program this with confidence that it will engage both student players and audiences without oversimplifying the musical content.

• Set a tempo that lets the band articulate the rhythmic figures cleanly; rushing will muddy the precision that makes this piece shine.
• Balance the A sections so they maintain their character across both statements; the second time through should feel like a familiar idea returned to, not a repetition.
• Watch the transition into B; the contrast is most effective when the band commits fully to the character change rather than easing into it.

Pair this with a lyrical work in a concert to showcase the band's range, or program it in a section of lighter contemporary concert music. The humor in the title and the accessibility of the grade level make it a natural crowd-pleaser for fall or winter programs.

• Rhythmic precision and articulation in syncopated figures
• Ensemble balance and blend within a clear A-B-A form
• Conducting gesture clarity through tempo and character changes
• Maintaining style and energy across repeated musical sections