Where the Wild Things Dance - Celebrating the Sandhill Cranes of Monte Vista: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

The piece pulses with the kind of joyful movement you might feel watching the cranes themselves. There's momentum and groove from the opening notes, a sense of celebration woven throughout, and moments of lyrical reflection that prevent it from becoming one-dimensional. By the end, both performers and listeners will feel they've witnessed something alive and vital.

Concert bands at the 3.5 grade level looking for a showstopper that combines accessibility with genuine musical interest. This works equally well for a community band wanting something fun and memorable or a school band seeking a crowd-pleaser that musicians genuinely enjoy playing.

• Lock in the low woodwinds and tuba opening as your foundation. This groove drives the entire piece, so spend rehearsal time getting the rhythmic precision and pocket absolutely solid before layering in the rest of the band.
• Let the energy breathe. This work is lively, but avoid pushing the tempo too hard too soon. Control the dynamics so the climactic moments have room to land.
• Highlight the descriptive moments that evoke the cranes. Listen for how Earp uses orchestration to paint the landscape, and shape those passages with intention rather than just driving through them.

Use this as an opener or closer on a concert where you want to set or sustain an upbeat, accessible tone. It pairs beautifully with more serious programmatic works or classical arrangements, offering contrast without feeling out of place. The natural imagery also makes it a thoughtful choice for spring concerts or community celebrations.

• Maintaining rhythmic groove and pocket in ensemble playing
• Balancing programmatic storytelling with musical phrasing
• Listening and sectional blend across low woodwind and brass voices
• Dynamic contrast and control across the full range of the piece