A Celtic Celebration: 1st Trombone
By Brian Balmages
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PC-0019211_TN1
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Description
A Celtic Celebration is an original work by Brian Balmages, who pays homage to the rich Celtic musical tradition. The opening is hauntingly beautiful, with natural moments of rubato built into the phrases. Moving into a Jig in 6/8, the music takes on a dance-like character with interesting turns and twists! (3:15)
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Additional Details
Series:
MakeMusic Young Band
Publisher:
MakeMusic Publications
SKU:
00-PC-0019211_TN1
More about this title
About the Composer: Brian Balmages
Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor of considerable range, with works that move fluidly across orchestral, band, and chamber contexts. His compositions have been heard in some of the world's most prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House, performed by ensembles spanning from professional orchestras to school groups. He holds membership in the American Bandmasters Association and was recognized with the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, along with the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest for his work Love and Light.
Balmages serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic. His conducting has taken him across the continent and internationally, with regular appearances at all-state ensembles, university groups, and major conferences including the Midwest Clinic and the College Band Directors Conference. He holds degrees from James Madison University and the University of Miami, the latter of which commissioned him to compose music for the inauguration of its 6th president.
Why we love this
Balmages captures something genuinely atmospheric in the opening material, giving young musicians immediate access to lyrical, song-like phrasing without sacrificing musical substance. The shift into the Jig energizes the band with infectious rhythmic momentum and character writing that keeps every section engaged, making this an ideal choice for concert programming that balances artistic growth with genuine musical reward.
What to expect
The piece opens with an ethereal, wistful quality that evokes the mist-laden landscapes and haunting melodies of Celtic tradition. Energy blooms as the ensemble pivots into the Jig, where rhythmic vitality and dancing articulation create a sense of celebration and infectious joy.
Who it's for
This work suits concert bands at the Grade 2.5 level looking for engaging original repertoire that doesn't shy away from musical sophistication. Directors will appreciate material that showcases young musicians' growing interpretive skills while keeping part writing accessible and rewarding across the full ensemble.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening section with intentional rubato, allowing soloists and principal voices to breathe naturally within the phrases rather than locking to metronomic time.
- Highlight the metric transition into 6/8 with clear articulation and bounce; young musicians often need visual cues from the podium to feel comfortable shifting between duple and triple feels.
- Balance the texture during the dance section so melodic turns don't get buried; secondary parts should support without overwhelming.
- Lock in the rhythmic precision during the Jig's syncopated figures; even at Grade 2.5, crisp ensemble accuracy here makes the writing sparkle.
How to use it
Program this alongside other multicultural repertoire to build a concert theme, or use it as a mid-program energy shift that showcases the band's versatility in style and mood. The 3:15 length makes it ideal for festival competition or a varied concert program that benefits from a distinct tonal palette.
Skills your students will build
- Rubato and phrase-based interpretation in lyrical contexts
- Metric modulation between duple (implied 4/4) and triple (6/8) meters
- Rhythmic precision in syncopated figures and dance rhythms
- Ensemble balance when supporting melodic turns and inner-part dialogue
- Style-appropriate articulation for Celtic-influenced material