Pennsylvania 6-5000: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Music by Jerry Gray, lyric by Carl Sigman / arr. Victor López
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0002364
$56.00
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Description
With all the charisma of the original, "Pennsylvania 6-5000" is a treat for your beginners . . . Of course you'll have to explain the Pennsylvania exchange concept from the pre-touchtone days. The chart offers lots of opportunity to be creative with the ringing sounds---bring it up to date by using a cell phone ring! Take a journey through musical---and communication---history with this energetic tune. (1:45)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Pennsylvania 6-5000: 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:
Pop Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
170
SKU:
00-PK-0002364
More about this title
About the Composer: Jerry Gray
Jerry Gray (1915-1976) was a prolific composer and arranger who shaped the sound of the big band era. His gift for crafting memorable melodies and accessible orchestrations made him a favorite among bandleaders, and his charts remain standards in the concert band repertoire.
Gray's arrangements blend sophistication with playability, a balance that has kept his music vital in music education for decades. His understanding of how young musicians learn shines through in works designed for developing ensembles.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the infectious energy of the original without overwhelming a Grade 1 ensemble. Victor Lopez's adaptation opens the door to genuine swing style for players still building fundamentals, making it both musically rewarding and eminently achievable.
What to expect
Bright, energetic, and playful, with a nostalgic wink at mid-century communication. The piece bounces along with the optimism of a 1940s novelty hit, complete with opportunities to add period flavor through creative use of sound effects.
Who it's for
Grade 1 concert bands ready to explore authentic popular music from jazz history. This works especially well for ensembles that have solid quarter-note and eighth-note reading but are new to swing style and syncopation.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the tempo steady and dance-like throughout; this tune lives and dies on rhythmic precision from the full band.
- Layer in the phone ring sound effect creatively (live bell, electronic tone, or recording snippet) to anchor the nostalgic hook and engage your audience.
- Balance the melodic voices so the tune remains clear even when the accompaniment fills out; beginners often bury the hook under busy parts.
- Encourage a light, articulate touch on the eighth-note patterns to capture the song's inherent swagger rather than a heavy, weighted sound.
How to use it
Program this early in a concert or spring show when you want to shift energy and mood. It pairs well with other Grade 1 standards and gives your audience a laugh while showcasing your ensemble's command of steady rhythm and style.
Skills your students will build
- Playing with a steady swing feel and syncopated rhythms
- Balancing melody and accompaniment voices
- Articulation clarity in fast-moving eighth-note passages
- Ensemble precision at a dance-like tempo
- Understanding stylistic context and historical music in performance