Selections from The Rolling Stones: Oboe

Michael Story's medley lets you program legitimate Stones material without sounding like a cover band tribute. The Grade 2 arrangement makes these iconic songs accessible to developing ensembles, and the five-tune format keeps rehearsal time focused while delivering maximum impact in concert. Students recognize these tunes instantly, which shifts their energy from "another transcription" to "we're playing the real thing."

Raw, driving, and undeniably cool. The medley captures the Stones' swagger and swagger across contrasting moods: the relentless propulsion of "Jumpin' Jack Flash," the sinister psychedelia of "Paint It Black," and the unhurried confidence of "Ruby Tuesday." When played with conviction, this arrangement feels like genuine rock and roll translated into wind band language.

Concert bands at the Grade 2 level looking to expand beyond classical and standard wind band fare. Directors seeking repertoire that energizes students and resonates with audiences of all ages because everyone knows these songs.

• Nail the rhythmic swagger in "Jumpin' Jack Flash" by locking the backbeat with your rhythm section before worrying about melodic refinement. The groove is the song.
• Let the upper woodwinds shine on "Ruby Tuesday's" introspective melody; the texture relies on their clarity and vibrato control to feel genuine rather than mechanical.
• Drive through the transitions between movements so the medley feels like one statement, not five disconnected pieces. Use tempo to propel listeners forward.
• Encourage your brass section to embrace the aggressive, slightly raw character of rock voicings. Perfection serves these arrangements less well than confidence and pocket.

Anchor a pop-focused concert or use it as the opening number to grab immediate audience attention. This works equally well as the closer on a mixed program, sending the audience home energized. Pair it alongside other contemporary or arranged rock repertoire to create a thematic concert.

• Maintaining steady rhythmic groove across extended phrases
• Balancing melody and accompaniment textures in rock-influenced voicings
• Reading and executing syncopated rhythms typical of rock and roll
• Responding to stylistic cues for rhythmic swing and articulation
• Ensemble blend in non-traditional chord structures