The Empire Strikes Back Medley: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

This arrangement captures two of Williams's most recognizable Star Wars themes without sacrificing their character or impact. Grade 2 ensembles rarely get material this engaging and thematically substantial, and the 2:51 duration makes it ideal for concert programs that need something with genuine audience appeal. Your students will recognize these melodies immediately, which means they can focus on execution rather than learning unfamiliar material.

The Imperial March commands attention with its relentless, dark energy. The arrangement then shifts to the romantic sweep of Han Solo and the Princess, offering a moment of warmth and lyricism before the medley closes. Together, these themes create a dramatic arc that feels substantial despite the easy playability.

Concert bands at the Grade 2 level looking for repertoire that motivates students through familiarity and excitement. Directors programming concerts that need to reach general audiences will find this medley connects immediately with listeners of all ages, making it especially valuable for pops concerts, family events, or school assemblies.

• Keep the Imperial March march-like in feel: steady, deliberate articulation in the lower brass will anchor the ominous quality without rushing the tempo.
• Balance the melody lines across sections when Han Solo and the Princess begins; this lyrical section demands clarity from whoever carries the tune so the shift from march to romance registers clearly.
• Allow the ensemble to breathe at phrase endings, especially in the slower section. Student bands sometimes push through these moments, but the musical contrast depends on respecting the silence.
• Use the tutti moments to build confidence in younger players. There's real power in these iconic themes when the full band commits to them together.

Program this early in a concert to capture audience attention and set an energetic tone, or save it for a pops-themed segment where it will anchor a collection of film and TV music. The recognizable melodies and straightforward technical demands make it an excellent teaching tool for rehearsing balanced ensemble sound and stylistic contrast without overwhelming students with difficult passages.

• Contrasting articulation and character between march and ballad styles
• Balanced ensemble sound across multiple sections with exposed melody lines
• Maintaining steady tempo and pulse in march-style figures
• Dynamic shaping and phrasing in slower, lyrical passages
• Reading and executing a full concert band score at Grade 2 level