Mercury in Retrograde: HybridNOW Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Mysterious and forward-moving despite its title, with an almost hypnotic quality that comes from repeating simple figures. The piece evokes watching something familiar do something impossible, creating an ethereal rather than chaotic mood.

Beginning bands that need a concert or festival opener with real sophistication and impact. It works equally well for students just finding their voice on their instruments and those ready to focus on ensemble blend instead of reading challenges.

• Let the clapping and stomping breathe rhythmically. Young players often rush these collaborative moments out of nervousness, so isolate those sections in rehearsal to lock them together before adding pitched instruments.
• Balance the ensemble so the accompaniment stays truly underneath. With simple materials, any one section poking through will derail the illusion Roszell is creating.
• Treat the moment where voices enter as a genuine structural event. Even though the notes are accessible, shape them as if they're the turning point of the piece.

Open a concert with this to establish maturity from the first notes, setting an expectant tone for everything that follows. It also makes an excellent festival selection for groups whose reading level doesn't yet match their musical aspirations.

• Ensemble balance and blend with minimal textural complexity to hide behind
• Rhythmic precision in unison and simple two-part textures
• Coordination of body percussion (clapping, stomping) with instrumental entrances
• Expressive phrasing within a limited melodic range