Music from Star Wars Thursday, December 10, 2015
by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist –
We’re 1 week away from the opening of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and in addition to the numerous toys, action figures, shirts, collectibles, and other merchandise that you’re scooping up don’t forget to program some music from Star Wars on your spring concert or grab an instrumental play-along for you or someone you love. Below are the currently available, best-selling concert band arrangements and solo collections for winds and strings. We will update this post as new releases become available – the score to The Force Awakens is just recently finished, so arrangements and play-alongs featuring any new music have yet to be determined (and receive John Williams’ sign-off).
If you want to geek out on more Star Wars goodness, check out IGN’s helpful guide to what is now canon, and recent episodes of the Assemble After Dark podcast featuring Episodes I-VI.
Star Wars for Concert Band
*New for 2016!*
Star Wars Heroes
arr. Jerry Brubaker
This new arrangement has been announced, but is not yet available for order.
Celebrate the heroes with some of the most beloved music from Star Wars Episodes I-VI! This stunning medley arranged by Jerry Brubaker includes Star Wars (Main Title), Luke and Leia, Battle of the Heroes, Han Solo and the Princess, and The Throne Room.
Star Wars (Main Theme)
arr. Carl Strommen
Belwin Beginning Band
Grade 1 $56.00
One of the most recognizable movie themes ever written, John Williams’ explosive theme from Star Wars is made accessible to very young musicians in this Carl Strommen arrangement.
Highlights from the Star Wars Saga
arr. Paul Cook
Belwin Young Band
Grade 2 $70.00
Great music from the motion pictures Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. Composer John Williams’ genius shows in this very playable montage of Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme), Princess Leia’s Theme, Cantina Band, Han Solo and the Princess, and Star Wars (Main Theme).
Selections from the Star Wars Saga
arr. Michael Story
Belwin Young Band
Grade 2.5 $67.00
Michael Story has expertly selected and arranged titles from Episodes I-VI of the Star Wars films for young band including: Star Wars (Main Title), Cantina Band, Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme), Augie’s Great Municipal Band, Across the Stars, and Battle of the Heroes.
Star Wars – The Marches
arr. Jerry Brubaker
Belwin Concert Band
Grade 3 $77.00
John Williams created so many stunning marches to accompany the Star Wars motion pictures that they had to be combined in one powerful piece. The arrangement features: Star Wars (Main Theme), Parade of the Ewoks, Imperial March, Augie’s Great Municipal Band, and The Throne Room.
Suite from the Star Wars Epic – Part I
arr. Robert W. Smith
Belwin Concert Band
Grade 3.5 $80.00
A serious collection of the most recognized John Williams themes from the Star Wars prequels, the Suite from the Star Wars Epic – Part I contains three movements: Duel of the Fates (from The Phantom Menace), Across the Stars (from Attack of the Clones) and Revenge of the Sith (from Revenge of the Sith).
Suite from the Star Wars Epic – Part II
arr. Robert W. Smith
Belwin Concert Band
Grade 3.5 $82.00
A serious collection of the most recognized John Williams themes from the original Star Wars trilogy, the Suite from the Star Wars Epic – Part II contains three movements: Princess Leia’s Theme (from A New Hope), Imperial March/The Forest Battle (from The Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi), and, of course, the Star Wars (Main Theme).
Star Wars Solo Collections
Star Wars: A Musical Journey
Episodes I – VI $12.99
Star Wars: A Musical Journey includes selections from all six Star Wars movies. The wind instrument arrangements in this series are completely compatible with each other and can be played together or as solos, however they are not compatible with the string collections in this series. Each book contains a carefully edited part that is appropriate for the Level 2-3 player and a fully orchestrated accompaniment CD that includes a instrumental demo track followed by the play-along accompaniment track. Also included is both 4-color and black and white art from the movies.
The Star Wars Trilogy
Episodes IV – VI $12.95
These instrumental editions are completely compatible with each other and can be played together or as solos. Melodic ranges and rhythms are carefully considered for each instrument so every tune is easily accessible to all players. This collection includes music from the original trilogy not available in Star Wars: A Musical Journey – Ben’s Death/TIE Fighter Attack, Han Solo and the Princess, Yoda’s Theme, Luke and Leia, Parade of the Ewoks, The Emperor Arrives, and Victory Celebration. Please note that no play-along tracks or piano accompaniment book are available for this collection.
Star Wars Episodes I, II, and III $14.95
Part of an instrumental series arranged for Flute, Clarinet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Trumpet, Horn in F, and Trombone, these arrangements are completely compatible with each other and can be played together or as solos. Each book contains a carefully edited part that is appropriate for the Level 2-3 player and a fully orchestrated accompaniment CD. Each song on the CD includes a demo track, which features a live instrumental performance, followed by the Play-along accompaniment track.
About the Author:
Ken is a former band director, and has been with Stanton’s since 2004. He finds it very hard to believe that The Force Awakens will be the first Star Wars movie he’s seen on the big screen – especially having been born in 1977. He also wonders if the R2-D2 and C-3PO action figures that he and his brother had still exist somewhere in his parents’ basement.
