Jump Start: 2nd Percussion
By Steve Hodges
Grade: 1.5 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0015102_PC2
$3.00
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Description
This catchy tune lets the band cut loose with a strong jump beat powered by an old school bass line and active percussion. A dynamic introduction leads to the melody presented by the trumpets and then repeated by the rest of the band. The solo tom-tom leads to the give-and-take middle section that builds into a repeat of the melody. A short coda section provides a big finish to this exciting piece. Careful attention to articulation markings will add even more energy to the rhythmic patterns throughout the piece. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Jump Start: 2nd Percussion 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:
Challenger Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
120
SKU:
00-PC-0015102_PC2
More about this title
About the Composer: Steve Hodges
Steve Hodges brings four decades of band directing experience to his composing work, having shaped musicians across all levels in public school settings. He holds degrees from Western Oregon University (Bachelor of Science) and Central Washington University (Master of Music Education), grounding his compositional approach in deep pedagogical understanding.
Since 1986, Hodges has composed over 120 concert band pieces published by Alfred Music, along with choral arrangements for Staff Music and Shawnee Press. His works have traveled internationally, appearing at festivals and state conventions while also earning placements with honor bands across Virginia, Iowa, Winnipeg, British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, and North Carolina. His music has crossed into broadcast media through TBS and ESPN, and he holds membership in ASCAP. Now based in The Dalles, Oregon, Hodges continues to engage with community music and takes particular joy in hearing his compositions performed by his own grandchildren's school bands.
Why we love this
Hodges writes with a clear sense of what makes young bands tick. The old school bass line paired with a strong jump beat gives this piece genuine swagger without requiring advanced technical facility, and the careful articulation markings throughout reward attention to detail in rehearsal. The give-and-take middle section builds ensemble listening naturally, making it rewarding to conduct.
What to expect
Jump Start captures the energy of a funk-influenced groove transplanted into the concert band idiom. The rhythm pushes forward with infectious momentum while the melody soars, creating a piece that feels modern and upbeat without losing the clarity expected at this level.
Who it's for
This Grade 1.5 piece fits young bands that have solid fundamentals but may not yet have extensive experience with syncopated rhythms and ensemble articulation work. Conductors looking for an accessible number that still demands musical attention will find a genuine teaching piece here.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock in the articulation patterns early. Hodges uses these markings as the primary energy source, so consistent tonguing across all sections will make the rhythmic drive unmistakable.
- Balance the tom-tom solo section so it lands as a true moment of focus rather than texture. This brief spotlight transitions the form effectively and deserves clear projection.
- Emphasize the bass line throughout. That old school foundation carries the piece, so keep low brass and low woodwinds connected and forward in the mix.
- Shape the dynamic arc into the coda. The build toward the final section should feel inevitable, with each repetition of the melody adding urgency before the big finish.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert opener or as part of a lighter program segment where you want to showcase ensemble cohesion and rhythmic precision. The accessible difficulty and strong audience appeal make it ideal for young band concerts or community performances where you want to build confidence and celebrate growth.
Skills your students will build
- Articulation control in syncopated rhythmic figures
- Maintaining pulse and groove over a sustained bass line
- Balanced voice leading in full ensemble textures
- Dynamic contrast and phrasing within a contemporary idiom
- Ensemble listening in give-and-take dialogue sections