Old Stomping Grounds: Concert Band Score & Parts

Old Stomping Grounds radiates warmth and movement. The opening conjures a community gathering, unpretentious and spirited, while the central quieter section invites reflection before the music returns with renewed vigor. There is genuine nostalgia in the writing, but never sentimentality; the energy keeps everything forward-moving and alive.

Concert bands at the intermediate level seeking repertoire that sounds more sophisticated than its Grade 3 difficulty suggests. Directors wanting to program something rooted in American and Irish traditional music without venturing into full arrangements or folk-song collections will find a polished, self-contained piece here.

• Anchor the opening barn dance melody in steady eighth-note pulse rather than rushing; the rhythmic accompaniment will tighten once the ensemble locks onto a common groove.
• Shape the calmer section as genuine contrast, not just a tempo drop. Encourage players to listen for the development happening underneath; it builds momentum toward the return.
• Let the frenzied final section breathe into its intensity. Rushing here sacrifices clarity for speed. The exciting conclusion lands harder when precision precedes it.
• Balance the derivative Irish fiddle tune melody so it projects above the accompaniment figures without drowning them out; the arrangement relies on both layers for its authentic character.

This works beautifully as a first-half closer on a concert or as a bridge between a more formal opening selection and a heavier closing work. The barn dance and jig heritage makes it an excellent fit for programs exploring American roots music or for concerts celebrating seasonal traditions.

• Maintaining rhythmic pulse and groove across changing textures
• Balancing multiple melodic and accompaniment layers
• Playing with stylistic authenticity in dance-inspired music
• Executing dynamic contrast and sectional form