Brian Balmages

Close your program with this non-stop, energetic barnburner that combines elements of dance, jazz, and Latin grooves! As its title suggests, Rail Riffs feels like one massive party on rails that is ce...

Journey into a place where shapes constantly shift as the light moves, and nothing is quite as it seems. While very approachable for intermediate orchestras, Into the Shadows pushes harmonic boundarie...

Wake up to a brilliant stream of sunshine as portrayed by a wave of sound that instantly hits your audience. Scored to help your group project a massive sound regardless of its size, this accessible w...

This familiar aria from Puccini's opera Gianni Schicchi is scored to feature solo tuba or euphonium. Gorgeous, lyric lines meld with a simple, warm background... an unforgettable arrangement. The wind...

Flying is a favorite activity of lucid dreamers, who are able to become aware that they are dreaming and then control their actions while inside the dream. Among the Clouds takes us into the minds of...

Make a powerful statement with this intense yet introspective work. The opening exclamation by percussion becomes a fixture throughout, supported by epic brass lines and energetic woodwind flourishes....

The dual meaning of this title embodies the aggressive, powerful nature of the music while also recognizing the critical impact that arts programs have on students and local communities. The ultimate...

Written to celebrate an amazing orchestra teacher's retirement, this piece strives to capture the joyful things, the emotional, loving, and supportive things - literally All the Things. Opening with a...

Fanfare for the Fearless is a dynamic fanfare by Brian Balmages celebrating those willing to take risks in an effort to grow musically, personally, or academically. Powerful melodic statements contras...

While many often underestimate the extensive colors, harmonies, and emotional ranges available to younger ensembles, this stunning lyrical work sets out to explore those very qualities. While playable...

This hauntingly aggressive work investigates the legends surrounding the exploration of Antarctica. Inspired by the recent brutal winters involving the polar vortex, the music depicts magical scenery...

It is time to revolutionize fundamental skill practice while also motivating students to practice twice as much on average! This collection of technique exercises is designed to support the pedagogy p...

Hold onto your seats with this explosive, heavy metal-inspired holiday spectacular! Metal Bell Carol by Brian Balmages uses original material interwoven with "Ukrainian Bell Carol" and hints of "We Th...

Hold onto your seats with this explosive, heavy metal-inspired holiday spectacular! Metal Bell Carol by Brian Balmages uses original material interwoven with "Ukrainian Bell Carol" and hints of "We Th...

Dark and passionate melodies are overcome with heavy metal inflection in this incredibly innovative and unique work for strings. The cello section imitates the sound of distorted guitars as the work u...

It is time to revolutionize fundamental skill practice while also motivating students to practice twice as much on average! This collection of technique exercises is designed to support the pedagogy p...

This spirited work depicts a parade in Scotland from a spectator’s viewpoint. Based on the popular folk song Aiken Drum, the piece layers various elements to create the iconic sound of Scottish pipes...

Experience the rush of Go Time! This high-energy piece by Brian Balmages blends elements of rock, funk, and jazz. A relentless pulse combines with dynamic meter changes, a cooking percussion section,...

Experience the rush of Go Time! This high-energy piece by Brian Balmages blends elements of rock, funk, and jazz. A relentless pulse combines with dynamic meter changes, a cooking percussion section,...

Experience the rush of Go Time! This high-energy piece by Brian Balmages blends elements of rock, funk, and jazz. A relentless pulse combines with dynamic meter changes, a cooking percussion section,...

Experience the rush of Go Time! This high-energy piece by Brian Balmages blends elements of rock, funk, and jazz. A relentless pulse combines with dynamic meter changes, a cooking percussion section,...

Lyrical melodies meet powerful fanfares in this emotionally-charged work that tells the true story of a world premiere and a band program’s final performance. 3-part fully adaptable with percussion an...

This original Broadway-style overture by Brian Balmages is full of energy and will transport audiences to the world of musical theater. The curtain comes up, the spotlight turns on, and the magic begi...

The glorious melody of Beethoven's Ode to Joy gets an adrenaline boost as your orchestra rolls down the windows and turns up the volume! Ideal as an opener or closer, this exciting work by Brian Balma...

Based entirely on just five notes (D through A), Five Note Fiddler is an ideal way to reinforce the D tetrachord while having a ton of fun in a fiddle-inspired setting. Brian Balmages playfully weaves...