The Best of Leroy Anderson: Concert Band Conductor Score

This medley captures six of Anderson's most infectious melodies in a single, freshly arranged package that respects the Grade 2 ensemble while preserving his signature wit and craft. The arranger's careful distribution of melodic lines means no section gets left out or relegated to accompaniment for long, making rehearsals engaging and performances satisfying. It's the kind of piece that builds musicianship, generates genuine enthusiasm from students, and reminds audiences why light music deserves a place in serious concert programming.

Playful, bright, and endlessly charming. Each tune sparkles with its own personality, from the delicate pizzicato of "Plink! Plank! Plunk!" to the swinging groove of "The Syncopated Clock" and the wistful nostalgia of "Forgotten Dreams." The piece moves with effortless lightness, making the band sound considerably more polished and assured than the grade level might suggest.

Grade 2 bands seeking concert repertoire that entertains without compromising musicality. Conductors building programs that balance skill-building with genuine performance satisfaction will find this medley immediately useful. Young musicians benefit from playing recognizable melodies in well-crafted arrangements that reward attention to detail.

• Maintain clarity in the sectional shifts. Each tune should feel distinct in character, but the transitions must feel inevitable. Let the accompaniment figure underscore the connection rather than abruptly stopping and starting.
• Balance the melody against supporting voices carefully, especially in passages where multiple sections carry thematic material. Anderson's orchestration often hides as much as it reveals; listen for inner lines that deserve presence.
• Anchor the rhythmic buoyancy that Anderson requires without rushing. His syncopations and ragtime inflections need space to breathe; precision and relaxation go hand in hand.
• Give the rests their weight. With ample breaks built in, silence becomes part of the piece's character. Use rest passages to reset articulation and posture rather than as dead time.

Place this near the end of a concert where it can serve as a finale or encore, lifting the room after more serious repertoire. It works equally well as a standalone feature or as a bridge between classical and contemporary music, demonstrating that concert band literature spans far beyond military marches. The familiar tunes make it an excellent entry point for audiences unfamiliar with concert band sounds.

• Reading and executing sectional rests and entrance cues
• Maintaining stylistic consistency across contrasting melodic ideas
• Balancing primary melodies against supportive harmonic voices
• Playing with rhythmic precision in syncopated and ragtime-inflected passages
• Responding to conductor direction for transitions and tempo adjustments