Mousetail Shuffle

With a title taken from a place in Tennessee called Mousetail Park and Mousetail Landing, Mousetail Shuffle is a combination of classical compositional techniques fused with a funky melodic and harmonic setting that is sure to get get you and your audience up and out of your seats!

Program Notes

At their 2021 Biennial Convention, I received the American School Band Directors Association’s “Edwin Franco Goldman Award” for my service to the school band movement. Every two years, I am reminded of how much my teaching philosophy aligns with that of ASBDA.

At their convention, there is an auction to raise money for the organization. I “pledged” a flex band commission with a minimum bid of $1000. A group of Tennessee band directors seized the opportunity and Mousetail Shuffle was the result. The title comes from a place in Tennessee called Mousetail Park and Mousetail Landing, given the name shortly after the Civil War.

The work is a combination of classic compositional technique fused with a “funky” melodic and harmonic setting.
-J.S.

Grade Level: 4
Copyright: 2022
Number of Players: 5+
Publisher: C. Alan Publications
Series: SpectraFlex Band Series
Category: Flex Band

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Instrumentation

Part 1
Flute/Piccolo
Oboe
B-flat Clarinet

Part 2
Oboe
B-flat Clarinet
B-flat Trumpet

Part 3
B-flat Clarinet
Alto Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet
F Horn

Part 4
Tenor Saxophone/Baritone T.C.
Trombone
Euphonium

Part 5
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon
Baritone Saxophone
Tuba

Percussion
Bells [optional]
Percussion 1 [2 players]: Snare Drum/Cowbell, Bass Drum/Woodblock
Percussion 2 [2 players]: Tambourine, 2 Concert Toms