March of the Magical Toys: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Robert W. Smith
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0002088
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Description
"'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Santa had dropped through the chimney with care, hoping the children would be up the stairs. He placed all the toys round the tree with delight, and wiggled his nose at the stroke of midnight. The toys came alive and marched round and round, singing and dancing to holiday sounds." So begins Robert W. Smith's program notes. Need more be said? Here is that "Smith creativity" at its finest! (2:31)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, March of the Magical Toys: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts 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:
Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
130
SKU:
00-PK-0002088
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith stands among America's most prolific voices in concert band and orchestral writing, with more than 400 published works to his name. His education includes a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Troy State University and a Master's degree in Music from the University of Miami. Smith's compositions have traveled across continents, from Japan to Australia to Europe, performed by ensembles ranging from developing bands to professional orchestras.
Beyond the concert hall, his music has appeared on major television broadcasts, Olympic ceremonies, and iconic American events including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. As both composer and clinician, he has shaped band programs throughout North America and internationally, establishing works like The Tempest as staples in developing ensemble repertoires.
Why we love this
Smith crafted a Grade 1 piece that actually captures the magic of the moment rather than oversimplifying it. The program notes tell the full story, giving young musicians context and emotional stakes for what they're playing. At just 2 minutes 31 seconds, it delivers genuine holiday joy without wearing out your ensemble or stealing rehearsal time.
What to expect
The toys spring to life with gentle wonder and infectious energy, marching with childlike delight through a landscape that feels both familiar and magical. It's the musical equivalent of watching toys move across a living room floor on Christmas night, full of character and movement without losing sight of the quiet joy underneath.
Who it's for
Beginning and developing concert bands looking for legitimate holiday repertoire that respects their current abilities while still sounding musical and engaging. Directors seeking pieces suitable for winter concerts or young band festivals will find this accessible enough for early-season performance yet polished enough for a real audience.
How to get the most out of it
- Bring the narrative to life by shaping dynamics around the story arc: build energy as the toys awaken, peak during the "marching round and round," then soften at the resolution.
- Balance the melodic line across sections so the main theme remains clear even with accompanying figures underneath.
- Keep articulation clean and consistent in the rhythmic figures to maintain the playful character without losing precision.
- Use the full range of your dynamic palette within Grade 1 constraints; even small contrasts between phrases create shape and hold attention.
How to use it
Place this as a centerpiece in a holiday concert where it can anchor a shorter set or open the second half with a shift in mood. It pairs well with more traditional carols or hymn arrangements, offering a contemporary alternative that still honors the season without requiring a large or experienced ensemble.
Skills your students will build
- Playing sustained accompaniment figures while others carry the melody
- Dynamic contrast and shaping within a Grade 1 technical framework
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in repeated patterns
- Balancing articulation across a full band texture
- Interpreting program music and connecting it to ensemble performance