CASTLES AND DRAGONS and More Flexible Concert Pieces for Beginning Band Friday, December 22, 2023
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Castles and Dragons by Todd Stalter, Grade 1 Flex
“Castles and Dragons” is a piece your students are going to love! As they embark on their journey toward the castle, the knights must confront and slay a dragon that threatens the local village. The ensuing battle ends with the defeat of the dragon, and the victorious knights return in a noble procession to their home. This best-selling composition serves as an ideal introduction to program music and is available in FLEX format, for just about any combination of four instruments.
Atomic Clock by Chris M. Bernotas, Grade 0.5 Flex
The Atomic Clock is the most accurate clock in the world. “Atomic Clock” by Chris M. Bernotas, is an exciting piece that is now available in FLEX format. This composition challenges students to be the most accurate performers by maintaining a steady pulse. Using only six notes, the piece generates energy and excitement through the incorporation of interesting harmonic and melodic tension and release. Students will engage in tactile performance while clapping the beat and playing the melody as it is traded throughout the ensemble. The legato section offers a chance for students to perform expressively before the powerful melody and rhythm drive the piece to a dynamic conclusion.
Celebratory Fanfare by Scott Watson, Grade 1 Flex
“Celebratory Fanfare” is a bright, festive fanfare. It is the perfect concert opener and can lend its jubilant air to any celebration or observance in which your band plays a part. Hopeful and triumphant, and in FLEX format, this brief fanfare is written well within the ability level of developing players.
Hope Rising by Tyler S. Grant, Grade 1 Flex
Develop your ensemble’s tone, phrasing, and overall musicianship with this beautifully lyrical work.
Resilience by PinkZebra, Grade 1 Flex
This beautiful and haunting piece, with lyrical melodies projecting strength and determination, is like a modern chorale with film score undertones, providing an opportunity for band members to focus on tone and shape emotionally dramatic phrases. Great for a concert program needing a short piece to provide a contrast in mood and energy.
Thor’s Hammer by Patrick Roszell, Grade 1 Flex
“Thor’s Hammer” is a dramatic piece for beginning band, now in FLEX format. Musically designed to portray the Norse god, Thor, and his hammer, this piece is accessible to students in the second half of their first year of instruction. The stable, reinforced pulse allows for the introduction of neighboring eighth notes in the upper woodwind parts. The percussion contribution brings this delightful piece to life.
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About the Authors:
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.
Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!