Take Five: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Your students will connect immediately to a tune they likely already know, which transforms what could feel like an intimidating meter into something genuinely musical and playable from the first rehearsal. The included student worksheet does real pedagogical work, explaining the concept directly to each section so everyone understands not just what to play, but why the meter feels the way it does. That combination of accessibility and depth makes this an unusually smart choice for introducing asymmetrical meters.

Cool and unhurried, with a walking groove that feels inevitable despite the unconventional meter. The melody sits in a comfortable range for most instruments and carries the kind of understated sophistication that makes your students sound more mature than they are.

Directors working with developing concert bands who want to introduce unusual meters without resorting to modern classical repertoire that lacks melodic interest. It's also ideal for students already familiar with the tune through popular culture, who will experience genuine recognition and ownership when they discover they can play it themselves.

• Establish the pulse in rehearsal by having students count the five beats aloud while tapping the quarter note; many will naturally want to hear it as 2+3, so name that subdivision explicitly and use it as your rehearsal anchor.
• Let the rhythm section lock in completely before bringing in the melody; the walking bass and cymbal rhythm are what make 5/4 feel inevitable rather than awkward, so give those parts room to settle.
• Resist rushing through the slower sections. The piece breathes best when players stay patient with the space, which actually makes the swing feel more relaxed and authentic.
• Have players listen to the original Brubeck Quartet recording together. Hearing the piece in its native context gives everyone an intuitive sense of the groove that transcends counting.

Program this on a concert dedicated to American standards or jazz repertoire, where it can sit comfortably alongside other accessible swing pieces or Brubeck arrangements. It also works beautifully as a fall concert opener, the instant recognition from your audience buys goodwill while your band demonstrates command of genuine musicality.

• Reading and performing in 5/4 meter
• Understanding subdivision in asymmetrical time signatures
• Maintaining a steady pulse while navigating irregular phrase lengths
• Swing rhythmic interpretation and inflection
• Listening for harmonic movement as a structural anchor in non-traditional time