Stay: Composer Highlight on RANDALL STANDRIDGE Thursday, November 21, 2024
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Stay by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
Part of the unBroken Project, this piece is intended to be an anthem of hope, love, and understanding for those who find it challenging to go on in the face of adversity and for those who sometimes feel that the weight of the world is too much to bear. The piece carries a paraphrase of that message at the top of the score and on all of the parts: “Hey you. The one playing this. The world is better with you in it.”
Blackthorn March by Randall Standridge, Grade 1.5
Return to the Darklands with this exciting Grade 1 march. Dark harmonies and precise articulations combine to paint a portrait of Lady Blackthorn, the mysterious figure who rules the outer edges of the kingdom. Mixing elements of traditional march structure with a cinematic flair, this work will be an excellent introduction to the genre for younger and developing musicians and will be a perfect choice for your next festival or concert performance!
Heartland March by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
Take a trip down home in this dazzling work that mixes bluegrass music with the traditional march structure. Fiddle and folk harmonies inspire the catchy melodies, with engaging parts for all instrumentalists. With optional parts for authentic bluegrass instruments, this march will be sure to leave your audience’s toes tapping at your next concert or festival performance!
March of the Hobgoblins by Randall Standridge, Grade 1.5
Dance rhythms and creepy melodies combine in this new 6/8 concert march for young band! Inspired by the mischievous spirits of the British Isles, it paints a portrait of imps dancing and cavorting in a dark forest. Scored carefully to serve as an approachable introduction to compound meter, your performers and audiences will enjoy the catchy melodies, dark harmonies, and colorful scoring as every player gets the chance to shine!
Scream by Randall Standridge, Grade 1.5
“Scream” is a bombastic work for concert band that utilizes three main components to create its soundscape: a 12-tone row, an octatonic scale (created by alternating whole and half steps), and the sounds of screaming (both from our human performers and from a nifty little instrument with the best name ever: The Aztec Death Whistle!). The three elements combine to make a highly dissonant, energetic piece of music whose main purpose is to channel the negative emotions of the performers into something exciting for themselves and the audience.
Sirens by Randall Standridge, Grade 2.5
The mysterious and haunting voices of the sea serve as the inspiration for this next chapter in the “A Pirate’s Adventure” series. Having escaped Shadow Cove, Captain Fangg and his crew are lured to a mysterious isle by a siren’s song, where they are hypnotized until attacked by fiends and demons! Featuring singing moments for instrumental musicians, this programmatic work provides contrasting tempi and style to help develop your young musicians while telling an exciting pirate’s tale. Sure to be a favorite of audiences and players alike at your next concert or festival performance.
Son of Santa the Barbarian by Randall Standridge, Grade 2.5
After the “Snowpocalypse,” Santa the Barbarian is at odds with his son, Nicholas, who wants Christmas to be merry. Unwilling to relinquish his wintery hold on the holiday, the not-so-jolly old elf refuses. War breaks out between the two, represented by major and minor modes, combining elements of “Mars, the Bringer of War,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Fum, Fum, Fum,” and more! Equal parts holiday cheer and epic movie battle music, this stirring climax to the “Santa the Barbarian” series is sure to bring a smile to performers, audiences, and lovers of Christmas carnage everywhere. “Ho! Ho! Who will win?”
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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!