The Funky Donkey: Conductor Score

Name: The Funky Donkey: Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 36-50105138
Price: 8.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Gerald Sebesky

Grade: 2

Item: 36-50105138

$8.00

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A familiar style, accompanied by syncopated rhythms and contemporary harmonies, make this a favorite with young musicians. Chromatics allow for the expansion of student ranges while remaining conservative in terms of the tessitura. Let's rock!

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Series: LudwigMasters Developing Band

Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.

ISBN10: 1-62-876677-8

ISBN13: 978-1-62-876677-6

UPC: 654690692139

SKU: 36-50105138

Instrumentation: Concert Band

More about this title

About the Composer: Gerald Sebesky

Gerald Sebesky earned degrees from the Manhattan School of Music (B.M. and M.M.), Columbia University (M.A.), and Kean University (M.S. in psychology). His work spans public school teaching, university instruction, composition, conducting, and lecturing across the US, Canada, and England.

Sebesky has published over 350 works for concert band, stage band, orchestra, and chorus. His contributions to music education earned him recognition through the New Jersey Council of the Arts Fellowship, and his work has extended to film composition, including the score for the 1991 motion picture Waiting for the Light.

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Why we love this

Sebesky writes with a sharp ear for what engages developing musicians. The syncopated rhythms and rock-funk groove here give young players genuine style to sink their teeth into, not just note-reading exercises dressed up as fun. The deliberate approach to range and tessitura means students stay comfortable and confident while learning to handle contemporary harmony.

What to expect

Playful and propulsive. The funky title promises humor, but the composition delivers real musicality through syncopated rhythms that sit naturally in the hands and contemporary harmonies that feel fresh without sounding foreign. The chromatic movement adds sophistication without losing the youthful exuberance.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands seeking high-energy material that connects with contemporary musical taste. Young musicians respond to this blend of accessibility and genuine groove, and directors appreciate a piece that builds musicianship without sacrificing engagement.

How to get the most out of it

Lock in the syncopated rhythmic figures early in rehearsal. The funk vocabulary won't land without precision in the rhythm section, so spend time isolating these patterns before combining them with the full score.
Balance the chromatic movement so it sits comfortably within each section's range. Encourage singers and players to hear these pitch shifts as intentional color, not register breaks.
Let the contemporary harmonies breathe. Resist the urge to over-conduct; allow the band to feel the groove and respond to the natural rhythmic pulse.
Use the title as permission to embrace attitude. This is a piece that invites personality and energy from the ensemble.

How to use it

Program this as a concert centerpiece that balances classic repertoire. The funk and rock sensibility make it ideal for themed concerts or pops-style programs where you want to showcase your band's versatility and rhythmic chops. It also serves as a natural gateway to more advanced contemporary works.