MakeMusic Publications: Concert Band

Teachers keep coming back to Brian Balmages' Fanfare for the Fearless and Metal Bell Carol, both reliable anchors for early bands seeking accessible, musically satisfying material. JaRod Hall's Rizz has become a popular choice for Grade 3 bands looking for music with modern energy. Adrian B. Sims' Ocean Blue and Jack Wilds' Into the Enchanted Forest round out the frequently adopted titles, each offering distinct pedagogical strengths for intermediate ensembles.

Six new titles arrived in June 2026, including Brian Balmages' TRACK OF TITANS and Defying the Machine, Eddie Jiménez's Molten Fury, Dan Austin's UNDER THE NORTHERN STARS, and Steve Nelson's arrangement of Frosty the Snowman. These additions span multiple grade levels and introduce fresh thematic material to the current year's programming.

Brian Balmages holds 38 titles in this collection and has established himself as one of the most widely performed composers for young bands. His music appears regularly on state festival programs and has been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Sydney Opera House. He received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, recognizing his contributions to the field.

JaRod Hall brings eight years of classroom experience as a band director to his 30 compositions. Trained at the University of North Texas and Texas State University, Hall writes with a deep understanding of what works in rehearsal and on stage. His students have consistently earned recognition at state competitions, and his piece Rizz reflects that practical pedagogical foundation.

Jack Wilds approaches composition as a bridge between student performers and genuine artistic expression. His 12 titles in this collection draw on visual art, poetry, and philosophical texts, creating music that meets young musicians where they are while pushing them toward more sophisticated musicianship. His collaborative background spans elementary choirs through professional chamber groups, giving him rare insight into multi-age ensemble writing.

Timothy Loest has built a reputation for making challenging musical ideas accessible to young players. His compositions have reached audiences across the country, including a 2017 performance at Chicago's Millennium Park for over 5,000 spectators. Loest's work reflects both his creative ambition and his belief that young bands deserve music of genuine artistic merit.