A House Divided: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$50.00 USD

A House Divided: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: A House Divided: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-B1539
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 2.5;3

Item: 98-B1539

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Based on Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech in 1858 about slavery, this contemplative work weaves original material with America to depict the tension in the House of Representatives. Often, the melody to America is altered melodically and harmonically as moments of anger, rage and fear dissolve into “quirky” moments of patriotism. The end of the work is magical, as the words “let freedom ring” are sung by the ensemble to leave the audience speechless.

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Series: FJH Concert Band

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 674398231119

SKU: 98-B1539

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor working fluently across orchestral, band, and chamber music. His works have reached audiences in prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House, performed by ensembles ranging from professional orchestras to school groups worldwide.

Among his numerous recognitions, Balmages received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest. He holds membership in the American Bandmasters Association and has received commissions from institutions including the University of Miami for its presidential inauguration. As a conductor, he maintains active guest engagements with all-state ensembles, university groups, and professional orchestras across North America and internationally. Balmages currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.

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Why we love this

Balmages creates a structure that allows the familiar melody of America to become a vehicle for genuine dramatic tension. The piece balances accessibility at Grade 2.5/3 with emotional sophistication, moving convincingly from discord and anger into those moments of "quirky" patriotism that feel earned rather than imposed. Ending with the ensemble singing "let freedom ring" gives your concert a powerful communal moment that audiences won't forget.

What to expect

A thoughtful meditation on national division and hope. The piece inhabits genuine discomfort in its depiction of anger and fear, then finds surprising lightness before arriving at a transcendent closing moment where the ensemble's voices assert unity and freedom.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the intermediate level seeking a programmatic work with genuine substance. This suits ensembles ready to engage with thematic development and emotional storytelling without requiring advanced technical facility.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the harmonic alterations to America carefully in rehearsal. The shifted chords create dissonance intentionally, so let students hear how these moments build the emotional argument of the work.
Balance the original material against the familiar melody. This isn't a theme-and-variations, so each section needs distinct character work from the full band.
Prepare the ensemble singing section well in advance of performance. The vocal ending requires confidence and blend from all players, not just tuning.
Use tempo and dynamic contrast to navigate between moments of tension and the lighter, patriotic sections. The emotional arc depends on clear delineation between moods.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece on a concert exploring American identity or social themes. Its moderate difficulty makes it accessible for honor bands or regional festivals, while its content depth and dramatic arc command the full attention of an engaged audience.