New OMEA Required Concert Band Preview #7 – Junior High Class C Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Our final preview of the new required pieces on the OMEA junior high/middle school concert band lists features the new Class C titles. You can view and listen to the complete OMEA required concert band lists by clicking on the OMEA Required Music Lists option on our concert band webpage, and selecting the list you wish to view. We hope you find this preview to be useful, and look forward to helping you plan a successful contest program.
New OMEA Junior High Class C Required Selections
Above and Beyond – James Swearingen
All of the sound educational and musical characteristics that make James Swearingen’s music popular with students and teachers alike are present in this triumphant fanfare. A strong melody, solid rhythmic pulse and patterns, and uplifting sound combine to make this work a great teaching piece that is a perfect concert opener or festival selection.
Air Force One – Chris Bernotas
The U.S. Presidential aircraft represents freedom and evokes a sense of pride wherever it travels. The sense of flight is ever-present in this rhythmic, overture-style work for young bands. Contrasting 8th note patterns with soaring, lyrical lines, call and response between the low winds and percussion, and never-ending forward motion Chris Bernotas creates an exciting work that is perfect to open your concert or festival performance.
Ovation – Michael Story
Aptly titled, Ovation is a celebratory overture for very young bands. Its stately theme provides bookends to a lyrical B-section during which the tempo is maintained. This work is perfect for working articulation, basic quarter and 8th note patterns (including dotted quarter-8th), accidentals, and some rhythmic independence – the melodic line passes through sections of the band in the B section. A positive selection for concert programming.
Racing the Sun – Roland Barrett
The inspiration for this piece comes from a phrase used by solar-powered car enthusiasts to describe the act of piloting their exotic vehicles. Employing a variety of styles and textures, this original work will capture the imagination of your students.
Siege of the Dark Castle – Travis J. Weller
The chance for a lesson on early western music and medieval history is presented with this excellent work by Travis J. Weller. Characteristic 8th note rhythms, minor tonality, and even a 3-voice fugue create plenty of learning opportunities, and the period style and sound make for a nice programming alternative in this musical depiction of medieval battle.
All of these titles can be ordered via Stantons.com, or by phone (1-800-426-8742). Don’t forget to order your judges’ scores – ordering now can save you stress come contest time (avoid them being out-of-stock, or worse, temporarily out-of-print). Keep following the Stanton’s blog for more concert band recommendations from our band staff.