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
Trailhead Overture While hiking in Big Bend National Park, I came to a beautiful spot that was the trailhead for several different trails. That was the inspiration for this piece. This should be considered an easier Grade 2. The ranges and rhythms are appropriate for 2nd-year players. The opening should reflect the bigness and majesty of Big Bend. If you haven’t seen it - find it! Have fun and thank you for playing this piece. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any questions.
WOODWINDS - Fl, Ob, Bsn, Clar(2), BC, AS(2), Ts, Bs.
BRASS - Tr(2), Hn(2), Tb(2), Eu, Tu.
PERCUSSION- Bells, Xylo, Timp, SD, BD, Cymbals, Tambourine & 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