NEW Featured Titles for Flex Band Friday, March 17, 2023
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Antecedium Ed Huckeby, Grade 3
“Antecedium” was Ed Huckeby’s first published work, and this magnificent, high-energy overture has been a staple of concert and festival performances ever since. The modal melodies and harmonies provide a uniquely contemporary style when combined with the fresh changing meter elements. The composer has creatively adapted this work for the “Build-A-Band” series, to allow for performance by ensembles with limited or unusual instrumentation.
Benediction by John Stevens, Grade 3
The beautiful lyric composition “Benediction” has established itself in the repertoire for full concert band. Composer John Stevens has skillfully adapted his work for flexible instrumentation retaining the rich chorale flavor and flowing melodies of the original. Various options are available for the featured solo spots at the beginning and end.
Danza Sonora by Claude T. Smith/arr. Joseph Benjamin Earp, Grade 3
“Danza Sonora” can be defined as a pleasant-sounding dance. South American rhythms and melodies represent the inspiration behind this exciting work originally written for concert band. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as thirteen musicians, providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound.
Encanto by Robert W. Smith, Grade 3
Robert W. Smith’s “Encanto” has been a staple of the festival repertoire for young bands for over 30 years! With its dramatic fanfare and rhythmic energy throughout, this version for flexible instrumentation is adapted directly from the original.
Freedom arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
From the acclaimed album “We Are” by Jon Batiste (Grammy Award for album of the year), the New Orleans flavored hit song “Freedom” exudes a sense of joy and optimism rare in today’s music. Paul Murtha’s outstanding arrangement for band features plenty of rhythmic energy and powerful scoring.
Fugue in C Minor by J.S. Bach/arr. Ed Huckeby, Grade 3
This classic Bach fugue is ideal for bands of all sizes and skills, but especially adapted for those with limited instrumentation desiring to challenge their developing musicians. It is also appropriate for very small ensembles, having been carefully crafted by the arranger to work well with as few as five performers. The required independence of parts provides opportunities for developing technical and musical skills while also presenting the option for performance of a masterwork from the Baroque era.
Ghillie Dhu by Joseph Benjamin Earp, Grade 3.5
“Ghillie Dhu” (Gill-e Dew) Elf of the Forest is inspired by a friendly but often wild creature from Scottish Folklore. This mythical being is given life through the captivating writing of Joseph Benjamin Earp. Scored for flexible instrumentation, “Ghillie Dhu” is a wonderful teaching tool for instrumental ensembles focused on polyrhythms and compound time signatures.
Infernal Galop by Jacques Offenbach/arr. Evan VanDoren, Grade 3
Jacques Offenbach’s “Infernal Galop,” or “Can-Can” as it is more often called, has been reimagined throughout history. From classical composers like Saint-Saens, to more modern uses in movies, television, and even video games, the timeless appeal of Offenbach’s melody is without question. Evan VanDoren’s new flexible instrumentation arrangement for concert band is a perfect addition to any concert. Particularly effective as a closing selection or encore, this recognizable flourish will have your audience on their feet.
Tales of Sea and Sail by Larry Neeck, Grade 3
This sparkling medley of sea chanteys offers many familiar melodies and provides plenty of interest and opportunities for each section to really shine. Familiar tunes include “A Roving,” “Blow the Man Down,” “Rio Grande,” “Shenandoah,” “Drunken Sailor,” and “Santy Anna.”
Symphonic Variations on Amazing Grace by Claude T. Smith/arr. Joseph Benjamin Earp, Grade 3.5
“Amazing Grace” is one of the most well-known spiritual songs known to date. Claude T. Smith cleverly created this band setting forming variations throughout. With Smith’s passing in December of 1987, this was one of the final works he produced. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound.
Them Basses by G.F. Huffine/arr. Andrew Glover, Grade 3
Who says bass instruments never get the melody? This classic march – and please forgive the ungrammatical title – gives the melody to the basses all the way through! Perhaps no other march is better suited to the “Build-A-Band” flex/limited instrumentation format. “Them Basses” is a guaranteed hit for musicians and audiences alike.
Waltz #2 by Dmitri Shostakovich/arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
This popular waltz melody from Shostakovich’s “Suite for Variety Stage Orchestra” is well-known throughout the world and often used in TV and films. Here is a well paced version scored for flexible instrumentation.
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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.