Concert Band Five Star Features from FJH Wednesday, November 30, 2022
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Action Scene by Brian Balmages, Grade 1.5
Experience the music for an exhilarating action scene…without the scene! Students need to get creative as they come up with their own action scene that corresponds to the music. Aggressive, relentless, and driving rhythms overlap with big Hollywood “hit” moments, including elements of added tension and release. A pure adrenaline rush, for sure!
The Civil War Roundtable arr. Timothy Loest, Grade 1.5
The nostalgic sounds of the American Civil War come to life in this anthology of sentimental ballads, spirited anthems, and authentic military fife, bugle, and drum calls. Featured songs include “The Irish Volunteer,” “Aura Lea,” and “The Battle Cry of Freedom.” An interdisciplinary work well suited for concert, contest, or military holiday programming.
The Country Club Stomp! by Jarod Hall, Grade 3
Experience a New Orleans vibe with this exciting, parade-inspired crowd pleaser! A celebration of music, life, and love, this piece has an infectious rhythmic groove and spirited melody. Elements of jazz occur throughout, and there is strong reference to the West African circle dances from which this music evolved. Stellar writing that is fun, catchy, informative, and spirited!
The Crystal Fountain by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5
Based on the hymn “Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer,” this heartfelt work begins delicately, relying on fragments of the hymn. Overlapping entrances establish a sense of timelessness as the music develops, ultimately reaching a powerful climax where the piece’s original melody and the full hymn tune are presented simultaneously. As the music fades, the listener is left with a sense of peace and closure.
The Fire’s Fury by Brian Balmages, Grade 0.5
An event so powerful that it is hard to control, seemingly unpredictable, aggressive, fast moving, and unstable. All these thoughts are explored as powerful percussion elements combine with dissonant intervals in the winds. Complex sounds for a work that is very approachable!
Fortify by Katie O’Hara LaBrie, Grade 1
Guards at the ready! Time to fortify the castle! Use your courage and power for good! This powerful, medieval-inspired work juxtaposes physical strength and inner strength through contrasting marcato and legato sections. The rhythmic energy that continues throughout is sure to energize your students!
Haven by Adrian B. Sims, Grade 4
This introspective work explores the relationship between oneself and the outside world. Turbulent forces and fast driving rhythms surround the listener in turmoil as personal growth takes place. Exciting woodwind flourishes, exhilarating percussive rhythms, and glorious brass fanfares bring this enthusiastic journey of self-discovery to a close. A powerful work and subject matter for mature bands.
March Wünderbar by Randall D. Standridge, Grade 2
Guten tag! This charming march takes inspiration from the polka music and fall festivals of Germany. The folk-like melodies and boisterous dynamic changes bring life to the traditional march form. A great choice for your next concert or festival that is sure to make your audience say “wunderbar!”
Silversides by William Owens, Grade 2
Audiences will quickly embrace this musical depiction of the iconic USS Silversides. The haunting opening statement portrays the vessel submerging to embark on her perilous assignment. A dramatic middle section and fiery closing yield a vivid picture of the heroic sea vessel in action.
The Wellerman Come arr. Travis J. Weller, Grade 3
Inspired by the wildly popular New Zealand sailing song “Soon May the Wellerman Come,” this outstanding work takes us on an epic journey with the captain and the ship’s energetic crew. Moments of peril intertwine with chants of victory as the struggle unfolds. A superb change of pace for any concert, and a fantastic closer as well!
Unknown by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5 and Grade 3.5
Composed during a time when everything was uncertain, this poignant work finds inspiration in anger, beauty, hope, sorrow and determination. Written to be performable by various levels of bands, the piece is playable as a medium-level version alone, a medium-easy version alone, or both versions combined
What I Do Today… by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5
“Who will be better because of what I do today?” These words inspire the opening chorale and the joyous celebration that follows. A powerful reminder of how each of us can affect positive change in the people and world around us, the music eventually erupts in a euphoria of sound, almost akin to a pop music concert. As quickly as this comes, the chorale returns once more, leaving everyone with a sense of peace.
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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.