Rock It!: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

A burst of confident energy and good humor. Rock It! doesn't apologize for its simplicity; instead, it channels that simplicity into a driving beat and straightforward groove that makes young musicians feel like they're part of something cool. The style carries genuine attitude without demanding technical sophistication.

Beginning concert bands in their first year of performance, especially those building a program concert or looking for a closing piece that feels contemporary and fun. This works for groups with players on mixed instruments at very early stages of development.

• Keep the energy propulsive without rushing. Young bands tend to accelerate when excited, so use a steady click track in rehearsal to lock the tempo before removing it.
• Balance the rock feel against precision. The style calls for swagger, but sloppy ensemble attacks will undermine the effect. Drill dynamic entries as a unit.
• Highlight any melodic moments in the upper voices without letting them dominate the groove. The rhythm section (and any reinforcing parts) is the foundation here.

Save this for your concert closer. The rock-and-roll energy and celebratory character make it an ideal final number that leaves the audience energized and reminds them that beginning musicians can make music that's genuinely entertaining.

• Playing with rhythmic precision in a contemporary style
• Maintaining consistent tempo and groove against the natural tendency to rush
• Balancing individual voice with ensemble sound
• Understanding the role of rhythm section and accompaniment in ensemble texture
• Performing with stylistic confidence and attitude