Rock, Paper, Scissors: 2nd E-flat Alto Saxophone
By Vince Gassi
Grade: 1.5 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0015883_AX2
$3.00
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Description
A driving beat, infectious melody, and finger snaps make this tune a real toe-tapper. This one will be an instant hit, and there is plenty of fun for all. Each section gets to play the melody, and the percussionists will delight in providing a driving rock beat throughout (paper and scissors optional). (2:10) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Rock, Paper, Scissors: 2nd E-flat Alto Saxophone comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Challenger Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
118
SKU:
00-PC-0015883_AX2
More about this title
About the Composer: Vince Gassi
Vince Gassi brings two and a half decades of classroom experience to his prolific output of over 100 published works. Trained at the University of Western Ontario and the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles, he holds a Ph.D. from York University in Toronto. His pieces appear regularly on contest and concert programs internationally and have been performed across North America, Europe, and Japan.
As a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician throughout the United States and Canada, Gassi has earned a reputation for energizing both students and educators. His seminars on Cool Ideas and Arranging Concepts and his Digital Workflows for Music Directors workshop reflect his commitment to helping music programs thrive. His work appears frequently at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago and continues to attract commissions from ensembles seeking music that engages young players.
Why we love this
Gassi nails the balance between accessibility and genuine musicality that Grade 1.5 bands desperately need. The melody rotates through all sections so every player gets a moment in the spotlight, and the rock groove is simple enough for early learners to lock into immediately while remaining energetic enough to hold an audience's attention. This is the kind of piece that builds confidence and enthusiasm without sacrificing musical integrity.
What to expect
Infectious and unstoppable, with a pulse that invites movement and a melody designed to lodge itself in players' heads. The rock groove is lean and modern without losing its connection to band sound; finger snaps and driving percussion give it a contemporary edge that still feels at home in concert settings.
Who it's for
Grade 1.5 concert bands ready for a high-engagement piece that doesn't demand advanced technical facility. Directors seeking repertoire that energizes developing musicians while building ensemble cohesion and sectional confidence will find this an instant rehearsal favorite.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a solid ground tempo before rehearsal begins. The driving rock beat should feel like a heartbeat the ensemble can rely on; let percussionists tap it out together at the downbeat to anchor everyone.
- Bring out the finger snaps as a textural anchor between melodic phrases. Even though the score suggests they are optional, they transform the piece from merely fun into genuinely groovy.
- Rotate who plays the melody during rehearsals so every section internalizes the line and feels ownership of it before performance. This builds both sectional confidence and section-to-section awareness.
- Keep the energy consistent in the bridge and supporting passages. Young musicians often fade dynamically when not playing the main tune; shape the harmonic content to demonstrate that every layer matters.
How to use it
Open a concert with this piece to set an upbeat tone and signal that the ensemble is engaged and ready. It works equally well as a morale-building closer after more challenging material, or as the centerpiece of a family concert where accessibility and fun are programming priorities.
Skills your students will build
- Locking into a steady rock beat and maintaining groove feel across phrase changes
- Playing and balancing a melody that moves between all sections
- Ensemble cohesion through rhythmic precision and shared pulse
- Percussion independence while contributing to overall band sound
- Dynamic shaping of supporting parts that don't carry the primary melodic line