King of Level Cross: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Oare taps into genuine student interest by anchoring this piece in a real place and real people, making the medieval royalty imagery feel earned rather than generic. The narrative arc (medieval court to stock car finale, complete with victory lap) gives young bands a clear story to inhabit, which translates into more engaged playing and better phrasing. At grade 1, the writing respects what beginning ensembles can accomplish while never condescending to them.

The piece pulses with controlled excitement, moving from stately medieval processional into the kinetic energy of a roaring crowd and screaming engines. The victory lap finale lets students feel what it means for music to accelerate and build toward triumph without requiring advanced technique.

First-year band students and their directors who want to teach ensemble concepts within a context that actually interests teenagers. This works equally well for a fall concert opener or a spring program closer.

• Balance the fanfare sections so they feel regal without losing clarity; young brass players often sacrifice articulation when playing loudly. Emphasize clean attacks and precise cutoffs.
• The victory lap finale rewards ensemble listening. Work the accelerando in sections so the band hears itself speeding up together, not just watching the conductor.
• Keep rhythmic precision crisp in the racing imagery passages. Grade 1 players often rush when excited, so establish a confident tempo and use the recording to anchor the pulse if needed.

Pair this as your concert opener to set an energetic, accessible tone, especially if you're programming for families and community members who may not attend classical concerts regularly. It also serves as an excellent finale if your program has a lighter theme or if you want audiences to leave with a smile.

• Ensemble blend and balance between sectional families
• Responding to conductor tempo changes and accelerandos
• Sustaining tone quality through dynamic extremes (soft fanfares to powerful racing passages)
• Articulation clarity under varying dynamic contexts
• Following a narrative arc through music, connecting imagery to phrasing choices