Grade 1 Concert Band Music

Teachers consistently choose Cantina Band and Star Wars Main Theme by John Williams for their immediate appeal and musical substance. The Tempest by Robert W. Smith and Oompa Loompa by Leslie Bricusse round out the popular core, all at or near Grade 1 difficulty levels.

Todd Stalter's Futurescape, Brian Balmages' TRACK OF TITANS/MDB, Scott Watson's Bright Horizon, Timothy Loest's Skeleton Crew, and Kenley Kristofferson's Winter Song all arrived in the past year, giving directors fresh material for concert planning.

Robert Sheldon is among the most performed composers of wind band music today and served as lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band. His work here includes As Twilight Falls, a title that reflects his gift for expression that resonates with both ensembles and audiences.

Brian Balmages works across orchestral, band, and chamber idioms, and his music has appeared in venues from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. His Fanfare for the Fearless demonstrates why his compositions reach performers and listeners across all age levels.

Timothy Loest brings creativity and accessibility to young band writing, with his works performed worldwide. Skeleton Crew is his recent addition to this collection, and his pedagogical influence extends through conducting appearances at state and national levels.

Mark Williams spent decades as a school band composer and clinician, writing over 200 published works and bringing his expertise to ensembles across North America and Australia. His title Cardiff Castle reflects his specialization in elementary band repertoire.