Quintero: Concert Band Conductor Score

Hodges strikes an excellent balance between accessibility and musical substance here. The piece moves through clearly defined sections that give students distinct musical concepts to execute, while the contrasting themes and rhythmic interplay keep the arrangement engaging without overwhelming a Grade 2 ensemble. The finale delivers genuine excitement and a satisfying payoff that leaves audiences impressed.

The piece opens with quiet dignity before exploding into energetic brass statements and active percussion. A smooth, singing melody provides contrast before the band shifts into a lighter, swinging character that feels almost jazzy. The final section builds to genuine excitement as the full ensemble drives toward a powerful, celebratory conclusion.

This score works well for bands tackling Grade 2 repertoire with solid fundamental skills and ensemble discipline. Directors looking for a piece that sounds more substantial than its difficulty level suggests will find this particularly rewarding for mixed-ability groups.

• Shape the opening chorale with careful attention to balance and tone quality. This introduction sets the musical foundation, so invest rehearsal time in achieving blend and intonation before the low brass enters.
• Isolate the legato main theme from the busy percussion accompaniment in sectional rehearsals. Once players understand their independence from the percussion drive, the contrast becomes more pronounced and effective.
• Bring out the secondary woodwind theme with a lighter articulation than the opening material. The shift in character becomes clearer when woodwinds commit to the jazzy, bouncy style Hodges intends.
• Build momentum steadily through the final section. The percussion drives the ensemble forward, but this works only if the full band responds with increasing energy rather than holding back until the final measures.

Consider programming this as a strong opener on a concert where you want to establish energy and musicality immediately. The clear sectional architecture also makes it ideal for mid-year programming when students have built the fundamentals to execute contrast and style shifts convincingly. Paired with a slower piece and a popular arrangement, it anchors a full concert program nicely.

• Balancing lyrical melodic lines with active accompaniment textures
• Executing style changes (chorale style, legato, jazzy articulation) within a single piece
• Responding to and supporting percussion-driven rhythmic momentum
• Building dynamic shape and control through extended phrases
• Reading and playing with independence from contrasting ensemble sections