Timber: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Michael Story's arrangement captures the infectious energy of a chart-topping hit while respecting the realities of a developing band. The optional drumset part elevates the authenticity without requiring it, and the scoring sits comfortably in the pocket for Grade 2 ensembles, making this a genuinely fun piece to rehearse and perform rather than a watered-down novelty.

Infectious and modern, with a western flavor woven into a dance-pop framework. The piece pulses with the kind of rhythmic confidence that makes younger musicians feel like they're playing something real, not a simplified version of a hit.

Grade 2 concert bands ready to tackle contemporary repertoire with genuine performance polish. Directors seeking a high-engagement piece that students already know, built on an arrangement that respects developing musicianship without condescension.

• Treat the rhythm section as your anchor. Even with developing musicians, locking the kick drum and bass line early in rehearsal will help everyone else find the groove.
• Balance the pop sensibility with clarity. These parts move quickly through sections, so clean articulation on repeated figures keeps the energy driving forward rather than sounding rushed.
• The optional drumset adds significant character; include it if you have a confident percussionist, but the arrangement stands on its own without it.
• Pay attention to dynamic shape within phrases. Grade 2 bands often play straight through at one level; subtle crescendos and pulls back will make this sound more like the recording and less like an exercise.

Program this in a concert celebrating pop and contemporary music, or pair it with other film/media scores and chart hits to show students where band music lives today. The two-minute length makes it ideal for hybrid concerts mixing traditional and popular repertoire.

• Maintaining steady groove and pulse in dance-pop rhythm patterns
• Balancing ensemble sound with emphasis on rhythm section parts
• Articulating rapid melodic figures with clarity and style
• Interpreting dynamic contrast within pop song structure
• Reading and coordinating with optional percussion ensemble part