Taking My Walrus for a Walk: Conductor Score

Adams writes for Grade 1 bands with a conductor's instinct for what actually works in the rehearsal room. The foot stomps and glissandos pull the ensemble together while teaching real articulation skills, and the novelty angle keeps young players engaged without sacrificing musical substance.

Lighthearted and quirky, with a touch of whimsy that makes rehearsal feel like play. The rhythmic energy of the foot stomps creates a sense of forward motion, while the trombone glissandos add color and character that students find genuinely fun to produce.

This score is designed for Grade 1 concert bands seeking an approachable first experience with articulation concepts and ensemble coordination. Conductors will appreciate the clear pedagogical focus: the work teaches staccato and slurs while keeping the full band engaged through physical, musical activity.

• Establish the stomp patterns early in rehearsal as rhythmic anchors. Have the full band practice the footwork separately before combining it with the music to lock in ensemble precision.
• Balance the trombone glissandos so they land as a musical gesture, not a gimmick. Brief sectional work on control and direction will make them land cleanly.
• Use the contrasting staccato and slurred passages to demonstrate articulation differences. Point these out explicitly and have players isolate each articulation type before moving through the full score.
• Keep the tempo steady and light. The piece works best when it feels playful rather than sluggish, which helps young players maintain energy through the simpler eighth note patterns.

Open a fall concert with this piece to set a friendly, approachable tone and demonstrate that concert band can be playful and engaging. It also works well as a pops segment or as a palette cleanser between more serious selections in a longer program.

• Staccato articulation across all sections
• Slurred articulation and phrase shape
• Ensemble coordination with rhythmic precision
• Reading and performing eighth note patterns in simple combinations
• Trombone glissando technique and control
• Responding to basic conducting gestures