Overtures & Fanfares for Intermediate and Advanced Bands Thursday, January 28, 2021
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Flamingo Road by Steve Hodges, Grade 2.5
This Latin-inspired piece starts in the fast lane and never lets up! Featuring an active percussion section and some catchy themes, each section of the band will take a turn in the driver’s seat. Stay in your lane!
Heart of Gold by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5
This highly energetic work uses a simple melody combined with fantastic orchestration for amazing results. A fantastic opportunity to teach 7/8 in a fun, engaging way, the piece is always based on 2+2+3 groupings and has modest technical demands so students can focus on meter. Directors will be excited at how quickly students grasp the concept and are able to dive into the rich musical lines woven throughout. So much fun!
Long May We Reign by Gavin Lendt, Grade 4
“Long May We Reign” is the first movement of a large scale band work commissioned by the Denison High School Music Boosters to celebrate 100 years of bands in Denison, Iowa. It opens with a heroic and grandiose melody launched by the trumpets. Interjected throughout the fanfare is the school song, first introduced by the horns and later passed through various sections and soloists. After the introductory fanfare a new lyrical and uplifting melody is introduced by the woodwinds. The piece closes with the fanfare from the beginning, though with added percussion and low brass acrobatics. The fanfare from “Long May We Reign” will sure to be an audience pleaser and a fantastic opening for any concert.
Maverick by Jay Bocook, Grade 4
The term “maverick” has come to describe someone fiercely independent, and derives from the mid 1800s in the person of Samuel A. Maverick – Texas lawyer, politician, land baron and advocate for Texas independence from Mexico. In this descriptive work for band, Jay Bocook uses a blend of dramatic playfulness along with contrasts and excitement to depict a spirit of independence. Impressive sounding, and still fun!
Ride Through the Valley by Chris Bernotas, Grade 3
A fast-paced opening builds momentum leading to a bright and tuneful main theme. A lyrical contrasting section follows featuring a warmth of colors enhanced by vibraphone and gracefully cascading arpeggiated pyramids. A brief transition leads to a return of the main theme including a key change, bringing the piece to a driving conclusion.
No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, and hockey (especially the Penguins).