The Best of Leroy Anderson: Baritone T.C.
Featuring: Plink! Plank! Plunk! / The Syncopated Clock / Forgotten Dreams / Blue Tango / A Trumpeter's Lullaby / Fiddle-Faddle
Music by Leroy Anderson / arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0016764_BTC1
$3.00
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Description
From the dean of American light music, this through-played medley is scored to be accessible for young and developing bands. It includes "Plink! Plank! Plunk!," "The Syncopated Clock," "Forgotten Dreams," "Blue Tango," "A Trumpeter's Lullaby," and "Fiddle-Faddle." With ample shifting of melodic responsibility that permits adequate rests for all, Leroy Anderson's unique style remains as young and fresh as the very day on which it was composed. (4:45)
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
248
SKU:
00-PC-0016764_BTC1
More about this title
About the Composer: Leroy Anderson
Leroy Anderson (1908–1975) stands as one of America's most prolific and beloved composers of light orchestral music. His gift for memorable melody, rhythmic wit, and orchestral color made him a fixture of mid-century American concert life; his works were championed by Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler and remain staples of pops concerts and community bands worldwide. Anderson's music succeeds because it takes nothing for granted: every phrase is crafted with care, every orchestration choice serves a musical purpose, and every piece respects the listener's intelligence while delivering immediate, genuine pleasure.
What sets Anderson apart as a composer for young musicians is his clarity of voice. His melodies sing, his rhythms bounce without confusion, and his harmonies, while sophisticated, never obscure the underlying musical architecture. Teachers and conductors treasure his catalog because it demonstrates that accessibility and artistry are not at odds.
Why we love this
This medley captures the infectious charm that made Anderson a household name while remaining genuinely playable by developing ensembles. Wagner's arrangement preserves Anderson's orchestral color and melodic generosity while distributing the workload intelligently across the band, ensuring that every player experiences moments of musical responsibility and adequate rest. The result is a program piece that builds confidence and musicianship without sacrificing one moment of Anderson's signature style.
What to expect
Stepping into Anderson's world feels like entering a music box of American optimism. The melodies are catchy and inventive without ever turning precious; the rhythms dance and occasionally surprise. There is genuine warmth in 'Forgotten Dreams' and 'Blue Tango,' genuine humor in 'Plink! Plank! Plunk!,' and throughout, a sense that the composer delighted in his craft and wants the musicians and audience to delight alongside him.
Who it's for
Young and developing concert bands at the middle school or early high school level will find this medley immediately gratifying to learn and perform. Directors seeking a program piece that entertains audiences, builds student confidence, and demonstrates that 'light music' demands real musicianship will return to this again and again. Solo students and smaller ensembles can also work from the individual parts.
How to get the most out of it
- Maintain the rhythmic buoyancy that runs through all six tunes; Anderson's syncopations and unexpected accents are what give his music its personality. Underscore these with crisp articulation and a steady but never rushed tempo.
- Honor the shifts in melodic focus throughout the medley. When the clarinet has the tune in 'Plink! Plank! Plunk!' it should soar; when the trumpet leads in 'A Trumpeter's Lullaby,' the band becomes accompaniment. Conductor precision here prevents balance issues.
- Lean into the orchestration changes between tunes. Anderson wrote to show off the band's color palette, and each selection highlights different instruments. Bring these moments to life with dynamic variety and clear sectional blend.
- Allow 'Forgotten Dreams' and 'Blue Tango' their moment of sentiment. These slower selections sit in the medley as genuine musical breathers, and they reward an unhurried approach and careful phrase shaping.
How to use it
This medley works beautifully as a spring or early-season concert opener, setting an upbeat and inviting tone while the audience settles in. It also pairs well with a more substantial classical work, offering contrast and a chance to showcase your band's rhythmic precision and style. The six-tune structure makes it ideal for a youth or family concert where variety keeps younger listeners engaged.
Skills your students will build
- Executing syncopated rhythms and offbeat accents with precision
- Shifting between melodic and accompaniment roles within a single piece
- Balancing independent lines while maintaining ensemble cohesion
- Responding to frequent changes in tempo, texture, and instrumentation
- Sustaining musical phrasing across shorter, contrasting melodic ideas