RANDALL STANDRIDGE Five Star Features for Band Tuesday, December 06, 2022
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Danse Perpetuo by Jason K. Nitsch. Grade 3.5
Your audience will barely be able to stay in their seats (if at all) as the groove and energy of “Danse Perpetuo” overwhelms them. This catchy new work from Jason Nitsch evokes the qualities of many folk dances and combines them in exciting new ways. A clarinet solo is prominent throughout, but has been cued for other instruments as well to provide maximum flexibility.
The First Day of Summer by Jorge Vargas, Grade 2
The energy and fun of the summer season are captured in this delightful new work from Jorge Vargas! Soaring harmonies, dance-like rhythms, and colorful orchestration are utilized to great effect in work from a rising voice in the band world. A great selection to open or end a concert on a high note!
Toboggan by JaRod Hall, Grade 3
The beauty and fun of a snowy day are captured in this cinematic new work from acclaimed composer, JaRod Hall. A winter scene is painted gently with the bells at the beginning before the piece takes off in a blizzard of sparkling flourishes and catchy rhythms. This versatile work would be appropriate for a winter concert, a holiday concert, but it would also work as a powerful and fun statement at a festival. Sure to be a hit with your audiences and adjudicators, whatever the season!
Vuelo by Salvador Jacabo, Grade 2.5
The sky is the limit with this exciting new work from Salvador Jacobo. “Vuelo” (or “Flight”) begins with an airy, expansive opening that creates a great sense of anticipation. This gives way to an explosive faster segment with dazzling fanfares, exciting rhythms, and wonderful harmony. A great selection to start or end a concert!
Wanderlust by Erin Keeton-Howard, Grade 2
Get ready for an adventure! This delightful overture from newcomer Erin Keeton-Howard exudes positivity and rhythmic energy. A slow middle section with thoughtful scoring offers a wonderful contrast. A great musical statement from a new musical voice.
American Declaration by Randall Standridge, Grade 1.5
Add a patriotic flare to your next concert in this exciting new fanfare from composer Randall Standridge. “America (My Country Tis of Thee)” serves as the primary thematic material, with hints of other familiar tunes hidden throughout. Scored carefully to be accessible to younger players, this piece adds a mature touch to the next concert for your developing musicians.
The Black Cat by Randall Standridge, Grade 1.5
Looking for a quirky selection to excite your students and audience? Look no further than “The Black Cat” by Randall Standridge. This unique work combines unusual harmony, melodic moments for all instruments, creative and engaging percussion, with special sound effects to create a spooky soundscape that captures the mystique of the fatalistic feline. A great selection for a Fall Concert or whenever humor and novelty are called for.
Blue Sky Horizon by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
Uplifting and bursting with energy, “Blue Sky Horizon” is a work that is very personal to the composer. Written on a day when he came out of a long depression episode, Randall Standridge communicates the elation that individuals who live with mental health conditions feel when it is “a good day.” Driving motives, catchy rhythms, accessible ranges, and a pops-inspired feel combine to celebrate the moments when we can all find joy in our lives.
Columbia by Randall Standridge, Grade 4
Named after both “Lady Columbia” (the personification of liberty) and the city of Columbia, Missouri, this exciting new work by Randall Standridge is sure to be an audience favorite. Hints of Americana, quartal harmony, soaring brass lines, and sparking woodwind flourishes abound in this work that will make a dramatic statement at your next concert or festival performance.
Fragile by Randall Standridge, Grade 1.5
Drawing from his experiences with depression, this mature work for young ensembles by Randall Standridge is a meditation on the lives of those who live with mental health conditions. At times melancholy, terrifying, triumphant, and confused, this work was carefully tailored to be accessible to younger ensembles and to provide programs with a tool to spark discussions about mental health. Beautiful melodies, limited ranges, colorful scoring and an aleatoric moment create a stunning work that will leave an impact on player and audience alike.
March Phantasma by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
Looking for a non-traditional march? Look no further than “March Phantasma!” This new march from composer Randall Standridge creates a decidedly creepy vibe while staying true to the traditional march form. Minor modes, catchy melodies, and plentiful percussion help make this an excellent and unique selection for your next concert or festival performance.
River Valley Overture by Randall Standridge, Grade 3
An homage to some of his favorite band composers of the past, Randall Standridge wrote “River Valley Overture” with the intent that is sound like it was from the heyday of the band overture. Rhythmic low brass, soaring melodies, and a lyrical middle section make this piece a wonderfully nostalgic selection for your next concert or festival performance.
Shadow Fire by Randall Standridge, Grade 0.5
This driving new work from Randall Standridge uses the first six notes to great effect! Pulsing rhythms, bombastic percussion, hand clapping, and an aggressive edge make this a true standout in beginning band literature! Sure to be a favorite of your developing musicians.
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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.