Grade 4 Concert Band Music

Teachers keep coming back to Mt. Everest by Rossano Galante and Rail Riffs by Brian Balmages, both solidly popular at this level. Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride and the concert suite from The Polar Express (with arrangements by both Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri) round out the most-used selections for winter and holiday programs.

Recent additions include Echoes Across the Pines and The Glass Wilderness by Brian Balmages and Rossano Galante, plus Luminance by JaRod Hall and Infinite Trajectories by Mark Lortz, all published in 2026.

Brian Balmages writes music that works across skill levels without sacrificing musicality. His pieces like Rail Riffs and Echoes Across the Pines give Grade 4 bands accessible entry points into more sophisticated arranging and compositional ideas. He's also an accomplished conductor who has shaped his writing through direct experience with school ensembles.

Rossano Galante studied film scoring under Jerry Goldsmith at USC and brings that orchestral sensibility to his band work. Mt. Everest showcases his gift for programmatic writing that holds students' attention while building technical skills. The Glass Wilderness, his recent release, continues that approach.

Robert Sheldon's work appears across this level with consistent popularity. He authored Sound Innovations for Concert Band and has received multiple ASBDA awards. His compositions strike a balance between accessibility and genuine musical substance that resonates with both students and audiences.

Robert W. Smith is prolific and widely performed in school programs. His Harry Potter Symphonic Suite demonstrates his knack for arranging familiar material in ways that engage young musicians without oversimplifying the source material.