MakeMusic Publications Orchestra Sheet Music

Force of Nature by Brian Balmages (Grade 2) remains a teacher favorite for its musicality at an early level. Gravitas by Soon Hee Newbold (Grade 3) offers more sophisticated harmonic language while staying accessible, and Five Note Fiddler by Balmages (Grade 0.5) works well for building foundational ensemble skills with minimal reading demands.

The Gift of Giving by Brian Balmages, Spirit of Noel by Katie O'Hara LaBrie, and The Great Reindeer Race by Tyler S. Grant all arrived recently and extend the holiday and seasonal options in the collection.

Brian Balmages writes with a clear understanding of what works in school orchestras. His pieces, from Five Note Fiddler through Force of Nature and A Joyful Celebration, scale easily from beginner to intermediate levels and maintain musical substance at every grade. He's performed his work at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association.

Soon Hee Newbold brings multicultural perspectives into her compositions, drawing on global influences and varied instrumental colors. Her work Gravitas demonstrates how cultural and ethnic styles can enrich orchestra repertoire while maintaining accessibility for advancing players.

Katie O'Hara LaBrie came to composition after 15 years teaching orchestra in Fairfax County, Virginia. That classroom experience shapes her understanding of what students need to play and what engages them musically. Her arrangements and original works reflect both her training at St. Olaf College and George Mason University and her direct experience with developing musicians.