Play a Simple Melody: E-flat Alto Saxophone

Tom Johns' scoring here is thoughtful about ensemble balance. The doubling of important lines means your group will sound full and confident regardless of instrumentation gaps, which is exactly what Grade 2 bands need. Beyond that, the arrangement preserves Berlin's gift for melody while adding a genuine fun factor: that surprise moment when three other famous tunes surface near the end gives students a real payoff for their playing.

Bright and approachable, with the kind of rhythmic spring that comes from Berlin's gift for popular song. The piece bounces forward with genuine warmth, never condescending to younger players, and that moment when familiar melodies appear gives the whole thing a wink and a smile.

Grade 2 concert bands with mixed instrumentation, especially those looking for something accessible that still entertains an audience. This works equally well for directors building confidence in younger ensembles or for those programming a lighter, more upbeat concert set.

• Pay attention to the soft-shoe character in the opening sections. Keep articulation clean and light; let the melody sing without weight.
• When the piece shifts into swing feel, lock in your subdivision with the rhythm section first. The groove matters as much as the notes.
• Bring out the woodwind lines that support the main melody. These secondary voices keep the arrangement moving and prevent anyone from getting lost.
• Use that familiar-melody moment near the end as your chance to shine. Students who recognize the tunes will play with more energy and confidence.

Slot this into the middle of a concert where you want to shift the mood toward something lighter and more entertaining. It pairs well after a more serious Sousa march or before a closing upbeat number, and the 2-minute length makes it ideal for opening or bridging sections of your program.

• Articulation control across soft and swing styles
• Rhythmic precision in both straightforward and syncopated passages
• Balance between melody and supporting harmonic lines
• Listening and responding to groove in ensemble playing