BOUNDLESS: New for Advanced Symphonic Band Monday, November 24, 2025
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Boundless by Robert Thurston, Grade 5
Open your concert with this exciting 3-minute fanfare for concert band – fun, fast and exuberant! This great work is bubbling over with energy that will engage the audience and the players from start to finish. This is one you don’t want to miss!
Dramatic Overture by James Barnes, Grade 5
“Dramatic Overture” is a lively, celebratory piece commissioned to mark the 80th anniversary of The United States Air Force Band. It begins with a stark, powerful introduction of the main theme by the trombones and percussion, soon joined by the other brass before the music moves into a dance-like allegro section. Dramatic brass statements, scampering woodwinds and long, soaring melodies dominate this allegro section until the band slows once again, to present a dramatic fanfare based on the basic intervals of the opening theme. The work then ends with a flashy, energetic coda.
Fanfare and Gambol by David Carbone, Grade 5
“Fanfare and Gambol” follows a lively A-B-A form, beginning with a bold brass fanfare layered over running woodwind lines. The playful B section, or “Gambol,” evokes jumping and skipping with mixed meters beneath an airy woodwind theme, highlighted by solo trumpet and horn. As if eager to join the fun, the brass section bursts in with a celebratory flourish before retreating, allowing clarinets and muted trombones to softly reprise the original theme. A dramatic crescendo leads to a powerful recapitulation of the fanfare, building to a resounding conclusion – punctuated by one final nod to the Gambol from the French horns. An exhilarating and dynamic piece sure to energize any performance!
First Prelude by George Gershwin/arr. Ben Hawkins, Grade 5
Originally composed for piano, Gershwin’s “First Prelude” suits the concert band perfectly! Its samba-like feel and spicy rhythms will set off musical fireworks at your next concert. A great way to introduce your students to the music of this American composer whose sound remains modern a century after its creation.
Five Dances for Five Clarinets by Alfred Reed/arr. Yasuhiro Murakami & R. Mark Rogers, Grade 5
Alfred Reed composed “Five Dances for Five Clarinets” in 1956 at the request of the LeBlanc instrument company to introduce the performance capabilities and tone of each instrument of the clarinet family. The five movements are based on musical styles from around the world: 1. Hoe-Down (E-flat Soprano Clarinet), 2. Sarabande (E-flat Alto Clarinet or Basset Horn in F), 3. Guaracha (Bass Clarinet), 4. Afro (E-flat Contra Alto or B-flat Contra Bass Clarinet), and 5. Hora (B-flat Clarinet). Previously, the score and parts for Five Dances for Five Clarinets were only available on a rental basis, and Reed had not included the composition in his own list of published works. Yasuhiro Murakami, author of an annotated list of Reed’s works, created this edition based on Reed’s manuscript. This work may be performed by one soloist on five different clarinets, by five separate soloists, or a smaller number of the movements may be played by one or by multiple soloists.
Heijo Corridor by Yosuke Fukuda, Grade 5
The first city in Japanese history was built in 710 A.D. in Nara’s Heijo-kyo. It became the final destination of the Silk Road that connected Europe and Japan. The work was created to symbolize the powerful Japanese culture that has continued from the past to the present.
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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!