Power Up!: Concert Band Conductor Score

Hodges nails the balance between accessibility and energy that makes Grade 1.5 bands sound genuinely impressive. The strong rhythmic foundation in percussion and bass lets younger players anchor themselves while the contrasting lyrical section gives your ensemble room to demonstrate musicality, making this a smart contest or festival selection that doesn't oversell the difficulty.

Power Up! channels the energy of classic rock with a driving rhythmic pulse and bold harmonic movement. The aggressive opening gives way to a reflective moment before building back to a dynamic finish, creating an arc that holds listener attention and lets your band show range.

This score is designed for Grade 1.5 concert bands seeking a piece with contemporary appeal and festival viability. Directors working with younger or developing ensembles will find the accessible instrumentation and straightforward part-writing manageable while still delivering an exciting performance.

• Keep the aggressive opening theme tight and unified in the rhythm section; the piece's power depends on the foundation locking together cleanly.
• Shape the lyrical section with clear phrase breathing and dynamic control to maximize the contrast from what comes before and after.
• Balance the harmony progressions so that the supporting voices don't overshadow the melody line during the rock sections.

This works exceptionally well as a concert opener or closer where you need to establish momentum and audience engagement. Consider pairing it with a lyrical work to demonstrate your band's versatility, or use it as a confident selection for a festival appearance at this level.

• Rock rhythm and syncopation in 4/4 time
• Balancing aggressive ensemble attacks with controlled releases
• Playing through harmonic progressions as a unified section
• Dynamic contrast between driving and lyrical sections
• Part independence while maintaining rhythmic cohesion