Waltz for Band and Water Glasses (with Apologies to Johann Strauss): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Michael Story's arrangement captures everything that makes introducing Strauss rewarding: a genuine masterwork melody that students recognize immediately, paired with the novelty of water glasses that makes the piece unforgettable. The humor doesn't undercut the music; it invites young players to engage with a classical form while having genuine fun, and the written parts remain musically solid even as the gimmick delights an audience.

A waltz in three counts, moving with the grace and lilt Strauss perfected, yet interrupted by the playful metallic ping of water glasses delivering the famous melody. The arrangement balances genuine musical substance with lighthearted novelty, creating a moment that feels both sophisticated and joyful.

This score and parts set is designed for concert bands with first-year players in their second semester, students with limited reading experience who are ready for ensemble work. Directors seeking repertoire that teaches classical music history while building confidence and enjoyment will find this piece invaluable.

• Let the water glass players rehearse their rhythm separately before integrating with the band. The precision of their clanking directly mirrors the melody line, so rhythmic clarity from this section ensures the arrangement reads clearly.
• Establish steady, even tempo through the waltz; the three-four pulse should feel dancing and natural, not stilted. Conductor clarity with the beat pattern helps both the water glass players and the band lock together.
• Balance the water glasses so they project without overwhelming the supporting band parts. Experiment during rehearsal with the number of players or their proximity to the microphone if amplifying.
• Treat the traditional band parts with the same attention to musicality as you would any Strauss arrangement. The novelty serves the music, not the reverse, so phrase and shape the accompaniment accordingly.

Program this early in a concert to set a warm, engaging tone and introduce the audience to both classical music and the personalities of your young musicians. The four-minute duration and novelty appeal make it an ideal bridge between full-band opening numbers and more substantial repertoire later in the show.

• Reading and performing in three-four time
• Maintaining steady ensemble tempo in a lyrical, dancing style
• Playing sustained harmonic accompaniment while listening to a featured melodic line
• Understanding phrase structure and musical phrasing in a Romantic-era masterwork
• Ensemble balance and blend when one section carries the melody