Inspiring Works for Beginning and Mid-level String Orchestras

Music that creates motivation in our students is an important factor in learning at any age, but it is a must for the young orchestra.

Fresh Works for Percussion Ensemble

Over the past 15 years, the repertoire for percussion ensemble has increased exponentially. The variety and diversity of current composers, themes, and instrumentation are truly fantastic. It’s a wonderful time to play percussion music! With this expanded quantity of choices, though, comes the question, “Where do I look to find what’s out there?” The classics are always quality selections to play, but how and where does one find the newer literature? How do you know if it’s worth the effort to perform? The purpose of this article is to provide educators with starting places and pieces to begin the journey into this newer repertoire world.

Staff Selections: Holiday Selections for the Band and Orchestra

Here are both standard and new selections that would be great for the next holiday concert. The difficulty range is mostly grade 3 and 4, and some of the works are available for either orchestra or band.

Staff Selections: Advanced Works For Concert Band

Searching for music that is appropriate for advanced concert bands and wind symphonies can be a daunting task. The selection of pieces to be performed is entirely subjective and reflects the taste of the director. In addition, the process of finding suitable music involves a great deal of time and intensive score study on part of the conductor in order to determine which compositions best fit a particular musical group.
These six compositions at the grade five and six level of difficulty should be in the music library of every advanced band program. The review includes an overture, suites, a tone poem, and a symphony. All are selections that will challenge even the best performers.

Top New Works for Concert Band

The marching music might be ready and the drill actively being written, but what about the concert side of the program? After picking a few of the wonderful standards in band repertoire (which are always a good choice), directors need something new that will get everyone off to a good start.

Staff Selections: Repertoire for Brass and Woodwind Choirs

Small ensembles are a necessary part of any vibrant, successful music program. These groups provide students with unique opportunities to perform music not suited for larger groups, as well as the chance for students to perform as soloists, without the potential of being “buried” in a larger ensemble. Smaller, specialized groups can also be a real confidence builder for students. This review is divided into three parts: Part I reviews transcriptions of works by the master composers, Part II takes a look at ensembles that are written in a contemporary styles, and Part III reviews some of the standard literature for every band program.

Exciting and Diverse Music for Marching Bands

Band directors are always on the hunt for new and refreshing music to add spice and excitement to their programs. This article highlights pieces for marching band that will add flare and diversity to performances and field shows. Included are both new music and some integrated concept field shows. Performances for most of these pieces can be found by searching YouTube.

New Music for Intermediate Concert Band

This article is a review of music for intermediate concert band. Selections touched upon include new music for grade levels three and four, followed by established favorites at grade three. Each title reviewed has merit as a composition that is recommended for performance, and should be listened to online.

Essential Works for Chamber Groups

Originally, chamber music referred to a type of classical music that was performed in a small space such as a house or a palace room, and typically featured smaller ensembles that played without a conductor. Today, chamber music is performed very similarly in terms of both venue and instrumentation.

Tagged : Chamber Music, Flute, Orchestra, Technique