Whirligigs: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By James Curnow
Grade: 2.5
Item: 35-PK00293760
$55.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Whirligigs - Full Score | $7.50 | |
| Whirligigs - Flute | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Oboe | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Bassoon | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Bb Clarinet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Bb Clarinet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Bb Clarinet 3 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Eb Alto Clarinet | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Bb Bass Clarinet | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Eb Alto Saxophone 1 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Eb Alto Saxophone 2 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Bb Tenor Saxophone | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Eb Baritone Saxophone | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Bb Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Bb Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - F Horn | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Trombone | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Baritone B.C. | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Baritone T.C. | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Tuba | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - String Bass | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Percussion 1 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Percussion 2 | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Mallet Percussion | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Timpani | $6.00 | |
| Whirligigs - Marching Machine | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
This attractive suite of three concise movements depicts various types of "whirligig" contraptions, or "wind-toys" which were popular in Europe as early as the 16th century. "Marching Soldier" features an optional "marching machine" creating the effect of soldiers on parade, while "Flower Lady" depicts a figure in constant fluid motion moving up and down while picking flowers. The concluding movement, "The Flying Horse", describes a very active whirligig with moving feet and flapping wings. A unique and descriptive programming option for young players.
Dur: 4:15
Whirligigs: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00293760
More about this title
About the Composer: James Curnow
James Curnow is a prolific composer and arranger whose output spans educational wind band repertoire, orchestral works, and chamber music. His compositions are characterized by clear orchestration, accessible harmonic language, and a gift for writing memorable melodies that engage young musicians without condescending to them. Curnow's work appears regularly on festival lists and concert programs across North America, reflecting his deep understanding of what conductors need and what students benefit from playing.
Why we love this
Curnow captures childhood wonder through music here without relying on cutesy tricks or oversimplification. The three movements work together as a complete artistic statement while remaining playable by solid Grade 2.5 ensembles, and the programmatic content gives your students something genuine to imagine and express, not just notes to execute.
What to expect
Whimsical but never precious, these movements have kinetic energy that pulls the listener along. The music captures the mechanical fascination of old wind toys while maintaining genuine musicality; players feel the imagery come alive through their own playing rather than relying on narration to explain it.
Who it's for
Band directors seeking concert material that entertains without talking down to audiences, and intermediate ensembles ready to tackle characterization and phrasing alongside fundamental technique. This works equally well for festival programming, spring concerts, or family matinee performances.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape each movement as its own complete character study. The whirligig concept is your compositional roadmap; use the descriptive titles to guide your interpretation of phrasing, articulation, and tempo flexibility rather than treating them as separate pieces.
- Balance clarity with momentum in 'Marching Soldier.' The optional marching machine part adds texture, but don't let it overshadow the main melodic line or pull the ensemble's attention away from ensemble cohesion.
- Find the contrast between sections within each movement. Even at this level, Curnow builds harmonic and rhythmic interest that rewards attention to form and architectural shape.
How to use it
Pair this as a lighter moment in a concert that includes a serious work, or build an entire family concert around early music and folk traditions by programming it alongside pieces from other eras. The 4:15 duration and three-movement structure make it ideal for filling a specific programming slot without requiring intermission.
Skills your students will build
- Phrasing and shaping melody in concert band context
- Translating descriptive imagery into musical interpretation
- Maintaining ensemble balance while featuring different sections
- Rhythmic precision in contrasting tempos and characters
- Dynamic control across a full Grade 2.5 range