Smallfoot: Concert Band Conductor Score

Michael Story's arrangement transforms three film songs into a cohesive medley that maintains the emotional arc of the original score while sitting comfortably in a 2.5 grade range. The hopeful, uplifting character of these tunes makes them natural draws for students, and the film's message of acceptance resonates particularly well at recruiting concerts and year-end celebrations. You get genuine musical substance and audience appeal without overcomplicating the technical demands.

The medley has an optimistic, contemporary pop sensibility that never feels saccharine. Moving from the energetic drive of "Perfection" through the warmth of "Wonderful Life" to the culminating "Moment of Truth" creates an arc of growth and hope that feels earned rather than imposed. Students and audiences respond to music with that kind of emotional honesty.

This score is designed for concert bands working at the Grade 2-3 level who want contemporary, film-based repertoire that engages student performers and general audiences alike. Directors seeking spring concert programming that combines accessibility with genuine musical interest will find it especially valuable for mixed-ability sections and recruiting events.

• Balance the melodic lines across sections so the main themes come through clearly; at this grade level, clarity of voice leading matters more than virtuosic independence.
• Let the tempo breathe slightly at phrase endings to shape the lyrical quality of each song and avoid rushing through the transitions between medley sections.
• Encourage steady, connected articulation in the melodic instruments so the through-composed nature of the medley feels organic and storytelling-focused rather than episodic.
• Use the dynamic markings as emotional signposts; the contrast between "Perfection" and "Moment of Truth" should feel intentional rather than accidental.

Program this as a standalone feature rather than as filler; its 4:15 length and narrative shape make it substantial enough to anchor a spring concert set or serve as a crowd-pleasing closer. Pair it with either more contemporary selections for a modern-focused program or contrast it with a classical or jazz piece to highlight the range of your ensemble.

• Maintaining phrase shape and forward motion through extended melodic passages
• Balanced sectional voicing in arrangement contexts
• Articulation consistency within and across instrumental families
• Musical storytelling through dynamic and tempo shaping
• Sight-reading of contemporary film-based repertoire