INSPIRATION FANFARE: Flex Concert Pieces for Developing Band Monday, January 15, 2024
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Inspiration Fanfare by Adrian B. Sims, Grade 2
Fueled by the inspiration of morning sunlight, Adrian Sims has written this colorful fanfare depicting joy and opportunity. The opening statement transforms throughout the piece, providing musically engaging parts for all. Extremely playable yet sophisticated in sound, “Inspiration Fanfare” creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. A joyful celebration of music!
Rippling Watercolors by Brian Balmages, Grade 2
While many often underestimate the extensive colors, harmonies, and emotional ranges available to younger ensembles, this stunning lyrical work by Brian Balmages sets out to explore those very qualities and more. While playable by middle school bands, “Rippling Watercolors” is a fully expressive work that is equally at home with mature ensembles. Gorgeous.
Tripwire by JaRod Hall, Grade 2
“Tripwire” is an incredibly clever work unlike anything out there and offers some extraordinary colors as a spy attempts to infiltrate enemy defenses. From the sneaky beginning melody to the loud and raucous rips that follow later on, this is an incredible change of pace for any concert! A fantastic and highly entertaining work by JaRod Hall!
Canon In Boombucket Major arr. Joseph Benjamin Earp, Grade 2
“Canon In Boombucket Major” was inspired by Pachelbel’s Canon. Utilizing boomwhackers and five-gallon buckets, the percussion section is featured in this new, inspired take on a timeless classic. It is also a great recruiting opportunity as you feature elementary students on their boomwhackers at your next concert. A great finale for any program!
Crusade by Vince Gassi, Grade 1.5
Set in the Dorian mode, “Crusade” by Vince Gassi opens with a foreboding theme and develops with vibrant and dramatic energy. It conjures images of strength, majesty, and passion. It continues to build throughout, culminating with a powerful, climactic ending. This FLEX title will add just the right amount of intrigue to your next concert!
Dr. ROCKenstein arr. Steve Hodges, Grade 1.5
Take some of the more memorable “scary” musical motives, set them to an exciting rock beat and you have the perfect end-of-rehearsal piece! Challenging and engaging, this clever FLEX arrangement of “Dr. ROCKenstein” by Steve Hodges provides plenty of opportunities for each section of the band to shine. With active percussion and solid scoring, this piece will be a real hit with the band and audience alike!
Flight of the Thunderbird by Richard L. Saucedo, Grade 2
First published in 2004, Richard Saucedo’s “Flight of the Thunderbird” has remained a popular choice for contest and festival for young players. Skillfully scored in this new edition for flexible instrumentation, this exciting work in one tempo will sound great with an ensemble of any size.
Shakespeare Meets Godzilla (The Good Bard and the Ugly) by Robert Buckley, Grade 2
Here is a flex version of Robert’s popular work for full band which colorfully depicts the madness and mayhem as musical worlds collide. An inventive mash-up of Renaissance and classic horror music, “Shakespeare Meets Godzilla” is entertaining but still with plenty of musical depth for teaching.
Themes from The Planets by Gustav Holst/arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2
Gustav Holst has long been revered as a master composer. His work transcribes wonderfully for concert band. Douglas Wagner has chosen portions of “The Planets” to create a through-played medley for young band in FLEX format. The arrangement contains the themes from “Venus, the Bringer of Peace”; “Mars, the Bringer of War”; and “Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity.” The best of Holst arranged especially for your young band.
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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!