recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist

Annunciation by Michael Story, Grade 1
The title is defined as an announcement, statement, or proclamation presented here musically. A glorious Concert, contest, or festival piece written in the traditional ABA overture form contains teaching opportunities for balance, dynamic contrasts, and shaping, as well as divisi. Enjoy this bold musical statement!

Champions Rising by Adrian B. Sims, Grade 1.5
This dynamic work captures the rising champion spirit in all of us. Bold melodic lines and powerful percussion writing convey virtues of persistence, resilience, determination and excellence. After a great deal of melodic and harmonic development, the music comes to a thrilling conclusion. Guaranteed to have your Band rising to new heights!

Excelsior Fanfare by Steve Shanley, Grade 1.5
Celebrate the fabled Knights of the Round Table with “Excelsior Fanfare,” a bright and flashy concert opener! The noble main theme features staccato and accented lines from the upper woodwinds and brass, and the calm middle section showcases legato and soft playing from the lower voices. There are interesting parts for over ten percussionists, but it also works with as few as one or two. The perfect opener for your next concert or festival! Brilliant!

Exultation by Michael Kamuf, Grade 1.5
This energetic composition is the perfect piece to reinforce dotted-quarter/eighth-note rhythms as well as marcato and staccato articulations with your students. This interesting original will make an outstanding opening or closing selection for any concert.

Northwest Odyssey by Richard L. Saucedo, Grade 2
Combining a driving and rhythmic pulse, carefully paced mixed meters, and full band passages interspersed with percussion feature spots, “Northwest Odyssey” provides a rewarding and dynamic experience for young players. A brief slow middle section features a dialogue between three soloists (Clarinet, Flute, Alto Sax) before returning to the opening fast pace and exciting finish.

Shine Bright by Patrick Roszell, Grade 2.5
This musical upbeat celebration of life was inspired in part by the John Steinbeck quote in The Winter of Our Discontent, “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.” Beyond the brief introduction with flute solo, the piece is persistently bright and charismatic. This piece can be used at any event, including graduations, concerts, or contests throughout the year.

No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, and hockey (especially the Penguins).