Grade 1

This is a percussion soli, and only the best three or four students should play on it. The instrumentation is not very thick, but all voices can be easily covered with a medium sized group.

The march offers young players a rare chance, at least the trumpeters, to play solo lines. It also is a fine example of march form for a young band.

Aztec Sunrise is a work depicting a morning in ancient Mexico.

This African folk song uses syncopation and African rhythms which will be challenging for young bands. This piece is easy enough for a young band but it gives them a taste of a different culture.

This setting of an old Irish tune uses the clarinet section extensively allowing the young section a chance to perform alone.

Grade 2

This slow, lyrical folk tune is an ideal example of the style. It also lets players play lyrically with room for interpretation.

This work would be a good learning experience for a group with a year or two behind them. This piece is a wonderful way to learn this style.

Gives a young band an opportunity to play music characteristic of the classical time period.

The flowing melodic lines and moderate range make this not only a good early piece for the young players, but an enjoyable display of musicality for the more accomplished musician.

This four movement suite uses modal scales to add to the bohemian flavor, these things are rare to grade 2 music.

Grade 3

Kaleidoscope has a Latin and Jazz combined feel to it. The rhythms change from a syncopated, lively fanfare-like theme, to a beautiful melodic line that alternates between sections of the band. The ranges are a bit extended, and the rhythmic passages challenging.

This suite gives almost every instrument a chance to solo. Frackenpohl also uses "blue" notes which are uniquely American.

Chant and Jubilo forces players to be sensitive to other players. This piece also is an example of early music.

Come, Sweet Death is a harmonically rich, beautiful work. The melody is simple and flowing. The rhythms are also not much of a challenge.

Gives the band a rare chance to play with a choir making them more sensitive to tone colors and blending.

Grade 4

A mature group is needed to pull off this piece. Spatial notation, freedom of interpretation, and extreme ranges give all the members of the band responsibility of the outcome of the piece.

Ranges, in many cases, are extended, and a taste of satial notation is included. An excellent percussion section is a must, including two piano players. There is a little bit of singing required in the beginning of the song.

A solo performance is very demanding on a player, A good sax player can handle this piece nicely.

This standard for band gives solo lines to the clarinet, sax, piccolo, oboe, cornet, and euphonium, making it appealing for almost every player.

The piece displays the conflict of good and evil musically between two reoccurring themes. Modal shifts over a tonal center and tempo changes help keep the players and conductors attention. Soli sections can highlight strong players.

compiled by Paul Schumacker and DeAndra Jensen

Band Literature UND Music UND