The Next Thing: 1st Percussion

The piece has a swagger and infectious groove that feels nothing like a traditional concert march. With its bluesy melody and rock sensibility, it captures the energy of contemporary popular music while remaining accessible to young players learning fundamental band skills.

This works perfectly for Grade 1 concert bands making their first steps into contemporary styles. The limited note range and straightforward figures mean new readers can focus on tone production and ensemble balance rather than technical struggles. Directors building a repertoire that reflects the music students actually listen to will find this especially valuable.

• Isolate the slur figures in sectionals before full rehearsal. Since slurs are new material here, have each section practice them separately at a moderate tempo, then bring the sections together once the articulation feels secure.
• Lock the rhythmic foundation first. Establish the pulse with percussion and low brass before layering in the melody, so the groove stays steady when all parts combine.
• Encourage articulate tongue attacks on the rock rhythms. The bluesy feel depends on crisp note attacks on the syncopated figures, so avoid letting the style soften into legit classical phrasing.

Program this as a contrast piece on a concert featuring traditional concert band literature, or use it as a warm-up that energizes an audience before more serious works. It also serves as a confidence builder mid-rehearsal season when students need a quick win and a chance to play something that feels current.

• Slur articulation and legato phrasing
• Reading and performing rock rhythm figures and syncopation
• Part independence with simple imitative writing
• Ensemble balance when multiple parts carry equal musical weight
• Stylistic awareness of contemporary concert band arranging