Ensemble

Sustained, beautiful playing is perhaps the most difficult skill to teach young musicians. That makes a chorale at the grade 1 level a valuable commodity. Conservative ranges, no technical difficultie...

This treatment of an African American spiritual, "The Gospel Train," also known as "Get On Board," is a treat for young players. It has a melody they may well know that lies well for their instruments...

Seldom do young students get to perform music by the master composers. Hymn of Freedom from Brahms' first symphony is an exception. Of sublime beauty, the theme has been arranged by Robert Longfield i...

An exciting new work from the pen of Aric Branchfield, Into the Deep is an exercise in syncopation. There is a middle passage that sounds slower because of the note values, but the work remains at a c...

The spoken word is an excellent tool for teaching rhythm. Combined with an easily mastered musical vocabulary, it can lead a group to an excellent performance now and in the future. Alligator Stomp by...

This piece has everything the grade 1 conductor is looking for: safe and solid scoring, limited and comfortable ranges, enough percussion to keep the section busy and out of trouble, and exciting them...

Heroic themes for everyone in Jeremy S. Martin's The Conquerors---scored safely for ultimate success highlight this outstanding work for grade 1 band. There is opportunity for teaching chromatic finge...

Some vocalizations and the use of a flexatone highlight this beginning band tour de force. Only the standard first six notes are used and even percussion plays no notes shorter than eighth notes. The...

Stark lines and open harmonies give The Ice Zone by Aric Branchfield a mature sound without difficulty. Clarinet stays below the break, trumpet below B, and all instruments lie within a carefully thou...

Using only the first six notes taught to beginners, Across This Land by Kevin Hilbun is suitable for performance midway through the first year of instruction. It is surprisingly sophisticated, with su...

Imagine yourself on a camel ride through the desert. Your ride, the "ship of the desert," has an awkward, rolling gait, and as you sway back and forth you gaze upon the mysteries and wonders of the ar...

Tone, intonation, phrasing, and legato style are the foundational aspects of band musicianship. Coraggio by Quincy Hilliard is a lovely ballad that allows your students to concentrate on these skills...