Strange Pursuit: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Strange Pursuit delivers exactly what Grade 1 bands need: genuine musical excitement without oversimplifying the writing. Ford's use of contrasting styles and varied articulations keeps students engaged while building their technical foundation, and the chromatic material provides focused, meaningful exposure to accidentals that sticks in memory because it's embedded in actual music rather than drills.

Bright, propulsive energy throughout, with sharp contrasts that keep the ensemble alert. The chromatic moments add texture and sophistication to what remains fundamentally straightforward, giving students a taste of what more advanced writing feels like without overwhelming them.

Grade 1 concert bands ready to move beyond purely pentatonic or diatonic writing but still building foundational reading skills. This works equally well for festival preparation, concert programs, or rehearsals focused on rhythm precision and style differentiation.

• Shape the contrasting sections distinctly by adjusting the weight and precision of articulation between them; let the style changes breathe rather than rushing through transitions.
• Balance the chromatic passages clearly so the altered pitches cut through without sounding like mistakes; consider slightly more air support under these figures.
• Lock in a steady tempo before rehearsal; the up-tempo character works only if the underlying pulse is rock solid and your ensemble trusts it.

Program this as a concert opener or mid-set energizer; its accessible level and high-energy character complement both lighter fare and more serious repertoire. It also works well in contest or festival settings where you want to demonstrate technical growth without placing excessive demands on young players.

• Reading and performing chromatic passages
• Distinguishing and executing contrasting articulation styles
• Sustaining accurate intonation across up-tempo passages
• Responding to style changes within a single piece