The Syncopated Clock: Score
By Leroy Anderson / arr. Jack Bullock
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0003729
$9.00
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Description
That clock just doesn't sound right! Poking musical fun by tipping the sands of time, this Leroy Anderson classic theme is certain to bring a smile to all! Scored with your beginners in mind, the woodblocks tick away while the rest of the band presents the famous melody. A real winner! (2:00)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Syncopated Clock: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
132
SKU:
00-PR-0003729
More about this title
About the Composer: Leroy Anderson
Leroy Anderson (1908-1975) composed some of the most recognizable light music of the 20th century, earning a place in American popular culture alongside his serious concert works. His gift for orchestration and humor transformed everyday sounds into musical moments, and his pieces remain standards in school and community band programs worldwide.
Anderson's training at Harvard and his work as a composer-conductor gave him deep knowledge of ensemble writing. He understood how to write music that entertained audiences while remaining accessible to student musicians, making him an ideal choice for beginning band repertoire.
Why we love this
Anderson's wit translates beautifully to the concert band setting, and Jack Bullock's arrangement keeps the Grade 1 instrumentation in focus without sacrificing the charm of the original. The woodblock part gives percussionists a genuine musical responsibility rather than busywork, and the straightforward melody allows your ensemble to build confidence while drawing genuine laughter from the audience.
What to expect
Imagine a clock running slightly off schedule, ticking away with quirky charm while a playful melody dances on top. The music captures that moment of gentle comedy when something familiar goes just slightly wrong, creating warmth and familiarity rather than unease.
Who it's for
This arrangement is built for beginning concert bands and Grade 1 programs looking for repertoire with genuine appeal to both players and audiences. It works equally well for middle school bands launching their first concert season or community groups emphasizing accessible, entertaining music.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the woodblock steady and even throughout. That "tick" is the musical foundation of the piece; any rushing or dragging will throw off the entire effect.
- Balance the melody voices so the famous tune sits comfortably above the accompaniment parts. Young players often have a tendency to play loud in their sections, so rehearse dynamics specifically.
- Communicate the humor during rehearsal. Once students understand they're meant to make the audience smile, their phrasing and articulation often improve naturally.
- Let the tempo breathe slightly during the melody sections. A little rubato feels more conversational and less mechanical, which suits the character perfectly.
How to use it
Program this early in your concert to set a friendly, approachable tone for the audience. It pairs nicely with other Leroy Anderson selections or works well as a palette cleanser between more serious selections, and the modest 2-minute length makes it ideal for variety concert contexts.
Skills your students will build
- Steady pulse maintenance in simple meters (4/4)
- Balance between melody and accompaniment
- Articulation control in staccato passages
- Rhythmic precision in syncopated figures
- Dynamic contrast and phrasing in accessible ranges
- Percussion integration into band texture