News & Views Tuesday, December 24, 2024

2024 Band Classics in Flexible Instrumentation Tuesday, December 24, 2024

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

By the Rivers of Babylon by Ed Huckeby, Grade 3 Build-a-Band
One of Ed Huckeby’s most popular works has been adapted for limited instrumentation in this Build-A-Band edition of “By The Rivers Of Babylon.” This outstanding composition features strong lyrical writing, combined with exciting rhythms and mixed meters, making it an exceptional choice for contest or concert performances. Several short solo passages are featured throughout along with strong active parts to keep your percussionists involved and challenged. A Huckeby classic!

Castles and Dragons by Todd Stalter, Grade 1 Flex Debut
Your students are going to love this one! This best-selling composition is an ideal introduction to program music and is available in FLEX format for just about any combination of four instruments.

Dr. ROCKenstein arr. Steve Hodges, Grade 1.5 Flex Challenger
Take memorable scary musical motives, set them to an exciting rock beat, and have the perfect end-of-rehearsal piece! This clever FLEX arrangement is both challenging and engaging, providing ample opportunities for each section of the band to shine.

Moscow 1941 by Brian Balmages, Grade 3 ColorFlex Young Band
Now available in ColorFlex format! This powerful work uses the famous Russian song Meadowlands to tell the story of the Red Army successfully defending Moscow against the German invasion of WWII. Exploring various sounds, colors, and harmonies, this captivating work is sure to inspire your students and audience!

Scarborough Fair arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3 Build-a-Band
One of the most familiar melodies of all time is the beautiful ballad, “Scarborough Fair,” and this flexible instrumentation arrangement for the “Build-A-Band” series places this timeless tune in reach of any ensemble! Everybody gets to play the famous melody along the way, and great opportunities abound to teach the concepts of blend/balance, dynamics, arching musical phrases, and overall musicianship. A guaranteed band and audience favorite, listeners will be singing this tune out the door!

Simple Gifts arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3 Build-a-Band
This famous Shaker melody is one of the most beloved of all time, and this flexible instrumentation for the “Build-A-Band” series is perfect for mid-level ensembles. Everybody has the chance to play the melody at some point, and opportunities are provided for your musicians to work on the concepts of blend/balance, dynamics, arching musical phrases, and physical movement. A definite crowd pleaser and a welcome addition to any concert!

Themes from The Planets by Gustav Holst/arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2 Flex Young Band
Gustav Holst’s masterful work transcribes wonderfully for concert band. This arrangement includes themes from The Planets to create a through-played medley for young bands in FLEX format.

Ye Banks and Braes O’ Bonnie Doon arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 1.5 Easy Flex-Band
This tender and mournful traditional folk song remains a favorite with ensembles of all levels. Even in the easy flex format scored for four parts, this arrangement provides ample variety in textures, and musicality with effective emotional pacing.

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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!

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