Five Star Features for Intermediate Concert Band Friday, December 03, 2021
5 Star Features for 5 Star Players
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recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Brasstown Bald Overture by R. Alan Carter, Grade 2.5
This concert and contest overture depicts the beauty and grandeur of the panoramic views from the top of Brasstown Bald mountain, the highest point in Georgia. An opening fanfare sets the mood with a middle section based on folk tunes. A fanfare return builds to a triumphant finish. Use this to develop listening and balance skills and to teach students about ABA form.
The Edge of Adventure by Todd Stalter, Grade 2.5
Excitement, anticipation, dread, wonder…all of these thrilling aspects of the journey of discovery into the unknown are musically depicted in composer Todd Stalter’s work, “The Edge of Adventure.” Players will love the energetic tempo of the beginning, with its unanticipated rhythmic accents, driving percussion, and foreboding chords, and have an opportunity to play expressively in a middle section that builds to a triumphant, musically satisfying expression of amazement and beauty. Listeners and performers alike are drawn into the piece, constantly sitting on adventure’s edge, unaware of what to expect as their quest for discovery unfolds. An ideal young band piece to open or close a concert, “The Edge of Adventure” lends itself to connections to literature and artwork that can inspire your students to find deeper levels of meaning in the music.
Fanfare for a New Day by Evan VanDoren, Grade 2.5
“Fanfare for a New Day” captures the excitement and exuberance of the new! Highly playable for a younger band, this brief concert opener provides opportunities to explore lyrical melodies, exciting fanfare figures, and sudden dynamic changes in appropriate settings. You will want to program this attention-getter to start your next concert!
Mama Sea Turtle by Heather Hoefle, Grade 2.5
The first movement in “Water Tales, Suite for Band,” this lyrical work is a beautiful depiction of a sea turtle departing the beach after laying her eggs in the sand. This piece in 3/4 time is a great opportunity for your students to work on slurs and phrasing while they learn about these amazing, endangered water creatures. This first installment of this marine-based suite has great potential for themed concerts and cross-curricular activities!
Time After Time arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 2
Awarded Song of the Year at the 1985 Grammy Awards, Cyndi Lauper’s timeless ballad “Time After Time” is still as poignant as ever. The song was a success on the charts as well; it became her first number-one single on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart on June 9, 1984 and remained there for two weeks. With its gentle groove and positive message, this classic tune arranged by Patrick Roszell will make a great addition to your pop or spring concert program, even graduation.
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About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 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, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.