CONCERT TITLES
GRADE 1
BATTLE SCAR (Grade 1.5) is an exciting piece for young concert band. While the ranges are suitable for all 2nd-year players, the rhythms and percussion make this a level 1.5. The rhythm for all wind parts are mostly unison. Low brass is almost entirely unison. Percussion is much more aggressive but can be played with fewer players/parts if necessary.
WOODWINDS - Fl, Ob, Bsn, Clar(2), BC, AS(2), Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(2), Hn, Tb, Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, SD, BD, Tambourine, Toms(2), Triangle, Tambourine
BreakAway (Grade 1) Great piece for that end of year festival piece for beginner band or mid-year for 2nd-year players. There is a LOT of percussion parts to go around but it can be played with much fewer parts. Low brass/WW is unison. Clarinet and trumpet are split but it is for range issues with younger players. Rhythms on these are unison.
WOODWINDS - Fl, Ob, Bsn, Clar(2), BC, AS, Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(2), Hn, Tb, Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, SD, BD, Tambourine, Toms(2), Triangle, Tambourine, Brake Drum
GRADE 2
A GALAXY MARCHES ON is obviously "inspired by Holst's "Mars". It has a dark and emotive feel to it. This would work as a short concert piece or even a march. It's a great piece to introduce kids to Holst and his music.
WOODWINDS - Fl, Ob, Bsn, Clar(3), BC, AS(2), Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(3), Hn(2), Tb(2), Bass Tb, Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Vibes, Chimes, Xylo, SD, BD, Tambourine, Toms(2), Low tom, Gong
CHANCE is an original composition based on a couple of melodic ideas. Those ideas are expanded stylistically, texturally and rhythmically. This piece introduces the aleatoric techniques to young students. The instrument ranges and rhythms are still easily in a 2nd-year player ability allowing them to sound like a much older group. While I list it as a Grade 2, it may be closer to a 3 for younger groups. Middle School & High School groups will enjoy this piece.
WOODWINDS - Fl, Ob, Bsn, Clar(2), BC, AS, Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(2), Hn(2), Tb(2), Bass TB (opt.) Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, Chimes, Marimba SD, BD, Tamb Cymbals & Gong
San Antonio Sunrise is an original composition inspired by spending a week at the annual TMEA convention. The instrumentation, rhythms, and ranges definitely fit a grade 2 work but sounds much bigger. It is easily playable by a young band but would fit well with an older band looking for a nice melodic concert piece.
WOODWINDS - Fl, Ob, Bsn, Clar(2), BC, AS, Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(2), Hn, Tb, Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, Marimba, Timp, SD, Bongos, BD, Tamb Cymbals & triangle
GRADE 3 & 4
ANTCIPATIONS (Grade 3) Fast-paced and exciting piece that would be a great opener for a concert. It immediately grabs the audience's attention and holds it to the end. Strong rhythms with driving percussion. Duration 3'30"
WOODWINDS - Fl(2), Ob(2), Bsn(2), Clar(3), BC, AS(2), Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(3), Hn(4), Tb(2), Bass Tb., Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, SD, BD, Timp
Anvil, Tambourine, Cymbals, Wood blocks (2)
ENTHEOS (Grade 3) is a loud and frantic piece. It is the root of the word "Enthusiasm". It was also a celebration of the god Dionysus, where worshippers danced wildly while tearing a wild bull apart with their hands and teeth. This was accompanied by frantic music with loud cymbals.
WOODWINDS - Fl(2), Ob(2), Bsn(2), Clar(3), BC, AS(2), Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(3), Hn(4), Tb(2), Bass Tb., Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, Vibes, Marimba, SD, BD, 2 toms, small bass drum,
Gongs(sm & lg), Cymbals, China Cymbal
OVERTURE TO A WANDERING MIND (Grade 3) is what it says. There are 2 main themes and after being stated and developed, they go from one to another and inside and out. This is one of my favorite melodies.
WOODWINDS - Picc. Fl, Ob, Bsn, Clar(3), BC, AS(2), Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(3), Hn(4), Tb(2), Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, SD, BD, Cymbal.
ALLELUIA! No. 1 FOR BAND (Grade 4) - Has a glorious opening statement that will grab your audience and your performers. A beautiful flowing middle section will envelop them and bring a sense of calm. The piece finishes with a restatement of the intro with an even bigger finish.
WOODWINDS - Fl(2), Ob(2), Bsn(2), Clar(3), BC, AS(2), Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(3), Hn(4), Tb(2), B. Tr, Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, Vibes, Chimes, SD, BD,
Cymbals, Gong, Triangle, Tambourine, Mark tree
MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (Grade 4) - From the opera of the same name by Otto Nicolai. I have not placed this on the website as there are many options in the size of score and parts available. If you are interested you can contact me at
kylemacmusic@gmail.com
You can hear it by clicking on the image to the left or watch the Video/Score on YouTube. The score is highly edited to fit the format.
WOODWINDS - Fl(3), Ob(2), Eng. Horn, Bsn(2), Eb Clar, Clar(3), Alto Clar. BC, Contra Bass AS(2), Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(3), Hn(4), Tb(2), B. Tr, Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, SD, BD, Triangle, Tambourine, Cymbals