"Rock Mood" has been written with the beginner Band in mind. The arrangement focuses on rhythm and sectional playing, This piece has quavers in on-the-beat pairs or, groups of four which always start on beats one or three. Pitch does not change on any pair but may change on the second pair of a group of four. Where stacatto is used on a crotchet, it should be taken to mean staccatissimo so that they are equal to the quavers.

     "Rock Mood" is a very sectional arrangement with tutti and soli sections. The soli sections may be played soli or if desired, as a solo. There are also cues to assist in flexibility for missing instruments and artistic freedom for the conductor. Some alternate parts have been included to cater for the different methods and syllabus.

     The introduction is a good training opportunity to work on just one bar (Bar1) to ensure that the ensemble is able to get their instruments to speak precisely together. Please ensure that after the intro., the players observe that the Staccato has ceased and the full values are to be played. Section A is a duet and is unchanged in its two re-occurrences - again there is no staccato. For something different, if you second players are playing correctly, tacet the first players on one of these re-occurrences. Sections B (bar 21), C (46) & D (58) give stand-up soli/solo opportunities to develop stamina and confidence. For an added dimension, use the cues to vary which section plays the lead or, try it as a Brass ensemble (with percussion).

The following teaching points are covered in this arrangement:

Rhythm - Semibreves, Minims, Crotchets, quavers in pairs or fours, simple ties. Optional semiquavers for some percussion in groups of 4 (tic-ke-tic-ke)

Ensemble - harmony, solo/soli, tutti, whole bar and block rests, single whole bar repeats, cues.

Articulation - Staccato and non staccato, Fermata

Dynamics - Fortissimo, Forte, Piano, Crescendo & Decrescendo.

Percussion - Snare, Bass, Toms and suspended & Hi Hat Cymbals, as individual instruments and/or on the Kit. Glockenspiel and/or Xylophone, Timpani or; roto or other toms if no timps, Tambourine, shaker (or equivalent) and Cowbell.

Whilst parts are included for these percussion instruments, it is not essential that all are played - on the other hand it ensures that there is plenty to do if you have a large section. Practice on all four subsections of percussion is thus also available.

Form - Intro, A, B, A, C, D, A Codetta.

Ranges and notes required

Concert pitch A, Bb, C, D, Eb, F, G (G is not required for 2nd. parts).

Bb instruments B, C, D, E, F, G, A. (A is not required for 2nd. parts).

Eb woodwind F#, G, A, B, C, D, E. (E is not required for 2nd. parts).

F horn B, C, D, Eb E, F, G. (Eb & G are not required for 2nd. parts).

Eb Brass C, D, E, F, F#, G, A. (F and A are not required for 2nd. parts).

Note that for the Bass Line, the highest note shown above is optional.

Additional Parts

      Some alternate parts have been included to cater for the different methods and syllabus used by different organizations and teachers, e.g. Glockenspiel. At this level there is a very real difference between Eb Bass and Bb Bass tubas, thus each has its separate part. To assist with flexibility, several parts are printed in both the Clefs used by different teachers. It is not intended that all the parts are to be used - you have the flexibility to choose the one(s) that suits you in your Band. There should be parts to cover your teaching method and what suits you in your Band.