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Play a Simple Melody: Concert Band Conductor Score

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Play a Simple Melody: Concert Band Conductor Score

By Irving Berlin / arr. Tom Johns

Grade: 2

Item: 98-B1153S

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Description
Here's a fun-to-play arrangement of one of Irving Berlin's most famous classics. This arrangement is masterfully scored to double all important lines and will sound great no matter how small your group is. From soft shoe to swing, this piece will have all the toes tapping. See if you can recognize the three other familiar melodies toward the end of the piece! (2:00)

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Additional Details
Series: FJH Young Band
Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.
UPC: 241444465868
SKU: 98-B1153S

More about this title

About the Composer: Irving Berlin

Irving Berlin (1888-1989) was one of America's most prolific and influential songwriters, composing over 1,000 songs across a career spanning nearly eight decades. Though he had no formal training and could not read music fluently, Berlin shaped the sound of American popular music through his gift for melody and his deep understanding of what audiences wanted to hear and sing.

Why we love this

Tom Johns' arrangement respects the infectious simplicity of Berlin's melody while making it instantly accessible to young bands. The doubled lines mean every section contributes meaningfully to the overall sound, so students feel heard regardless of ensemble size. The added bonus of recognizing three hidden melodies near the end gives the piece a rewarding "aha" moment that keeps both players and audiences engaged.

What to expect

Upbeat and approachable, with a vaudeville sensibility that makes audiences smile the moment the melody enters. The shift from soft shoe to swing gives the piece theatrical flair without demanding technical virtuosity, and the buried melodies create a playful sense of discovery.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands looking for repertoire that delivers immediate success and genuine enjoyment. This works equally well for groups with full instrumentation or smaller ensembles, since the doubling ensures the arrangement stays balanced at any size.

How to get the most out of it

  • Let the soft shoe section breathe. The rhythm is the star here, so keep the tempo steady and let articulation define the style rather than rushing.
  • Balance the swing section carefully. The arrangement works best when the rhythmic feel stays light and bouncy, not heavy or forced.
  • Use the conductor score to track where those three familiar melodies appear. Your awareness will help you shape the transitions and give the ensemble clear direction when the music shifts character.

How to use it

Pair this with other Broadway or jazz-inflected pieces to create a concert segment with consistent personality and energy. The familiar source material and short duration (2:00) make it ideal for pops concerts, family programs, or any performance where you want to showcase your young musicians' ability to play with style and character.

Skills your students will build

  • Playing with swing articulation and rhythmic style
  • Balancing tone as a doubled section member
  • Maintaining steady tempo through style changes (soft shoe to swing)
  • Listening for and responding to dynamic shapes in accessible melodic writing

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