Second Concerto for Faculty and Band: Concert Band Conductor Score

This piece transforms a concert into genuine entertainment by letting faculty members take center stage with percussion instruments and humor as their primary tools. Band directors consistently discover that audiences remember these moments far longer than polished classical selections, and students gain insight into how musical performance can be playful without sacrificing musicianship. The Grade 2 scoring ensures the ensemble supports rather than overwhelms the soloists, allowing four or more faculty musicians (regardless of percussive training) to shine in a true "light spot" that breaks up the formal flow of a program.

This piece walks the line between genuine musicality and deliberate absurdity. The band provides a competent, straightforward accompaniment while faculty soloists navigate their percussion parts with varying degrees of confidence, creating moments of comic timing that land best when the ensemble plays it completely straight. The overall effect is one of surprise and delight, as the audience realizes the concert has taken a turn toward levity without losing its musical foundation.

Concert band directors seeking an audience-friendly novelty piece that engages faculty members and creates a memorable program highlight. This works equally well in elementary and middle school settings, where the humor lands universally and the Grade 2 band scoring keeps rehearsal time manageable. It appeals to directors who view their concert as a community event rather than a formal recital.

• Select faculty soloists who embrace comedic timing and stage presence rather than percussion virtuosity. Their willingness to commit to the humor elevates the entire effect.
• Encourage soloists to rehearse with the band beforehand so entrances and exits feel integrated rather than awkwardly tacked on. Even minimal rehearsal time prevents distracting false starts.
• Seat the percussion soloists where they remain visible to the conductor and audience throughout. The visual element of watching non-musicians attempt percussion adds to the entertainment value.
• Establish clear cueing with the band prior to performance. Your eye contact and gesture work as a conductor will guide the soloists through unfamiliar territory far more effectively than written notes alone.

Slot this strategically near the middle or toward the end of your concert, after you have established the band's serious credentials with stronger repertoire. It serves as a palate cleanser between substantial works and gives audience members a chance to laugh and reset before the final selection. The 12-page score means minimal preparation time, making it practical for programs where you need an effective closer without extensive additional rehearsal demands.

• Maintaining ensemble cohesion and steady tempo while adapting to unpredictable soloists
• Accompanying non-standard soloists with flexibility and support
• Grade 2 concert band fundamentals (part independence, balanced voicing, dynamic control)