Pippin: 3rd B-flat Clarinet

This medley captures the theatrical heart of Pippin without demanding the orchestral resources of a full pit orchestra. Ralph Ford's concert band arrangement preserves Schwartz's melodic gifts while distributing the musical weight across your entire ensemble, giving every section moments to shine. Directors know that Broadway material energizes student musicians and audiences alike; this package delivers six beloved songs in under six minutes, making it an ideal choice for pops concerts, festival programs, or showcases where you want immediate impact.

Six minutes of theatrical joy, each song a small journey through Pippin's emotional landscape. The opening optimism of 'Corner of the Sky' gives way to the mystique of 'Magic to Do,' building toward the infectious earworm of 'Morning Glow.' Schwartz's melodies soar over Ford's band orchestration, creating moments of genuine theatrical warmth within an instrumental context.

Concert bands working at Grade 3 level looking for accessible Broadway repertoire that engages both musicians and audiences. This arrangement suits school bands preparing for pops concerts, festival programs, or community performances where popular music alongside traditional concert fare is welcome.

• Balance the melody between your woodwind and brass sections. These songs live or die by their singability, so highlight whoever carries each tune while keeping accompaniment rhythms crisp and supportive.
• Treat the transitions between songs as compositional moments, not bumps. Ford's arrangement likely links these pieces smoothly; rehearse the connections so they feel intentional rather than abrupt.
• Lock the rhythmic groove in the percussion and low brass. Broadway medleys rely on steady pulse and forward momentum to maintain energy across multiple key and mood changes.
• Shape the dynamics to tell each song's story. 'Corner of the Sky' and 'Morning Glow' work best with clear peaks and valleys; don't let them flatten into a single dynamic level.

Program this as a centerpiece for a pops concert or as a lighter moment in a mixed concert format. Its compact length and Grade 3 accessibility make it suitable for spring concerts, community events, or festivals where you need strong audience appeal without monopolizing rehearsal time with a longer work. It pairs well with a traditional march or overture, offering programmatic contrast.

• Phrasing across extended melodies typical of Broadway writing
• Balance and blend when multiple sections share the melodic line
• Stylistic flexibility moving between contrasting song moods and tempos within a single work
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated accompaniment patterns
• Dynamic shaping and expression in popular music contexts