A Jefferson Portrait: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Elliot Del Borgo
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0002157
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Description
This original composition was inspired by the Declaration of Independence. The narrator revisits excerpts from Thomas Jefferson's words in the document, leaving your audiences in awe. Patriotic by nature, yet contemporary in musical construction, this work will be an outstanding concert closer. Very emotional and highly recommended.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
304
SKU:
00-PK-0002157
More about this title
About the Composer: Elliot Del Borgo
Elliot Del Borgo is a composer whose catalog spans concert band, wind ensemble, and orchestral works with a strong commitment to accessible, engaging literature for young musicians. His compositions balance contemporary harmonic language with clear structural writing that allows students to grasp the composer's intent without sacrificing musical substance.
Why we love this
Del Borgo's integration of spoken word with instrumental music creates a theatrical dimension that lifts this piece beyond typical patriotic fare. The Grade 2 accessibility means even developing bands can deliver a polished, emotionally resonant finale that audiences will remember long after the concert ends.
What to expect
The piece wraps Jefferson's own words in a musical landscape that feels both reflective and stirring. Emotional without sentimentality, it invites listeners into a moment of genuine historical resonance while the band's contemporary harmonic backdrop keeps the work grounded in the present.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 2 level seeking a substantial closer that combines patriotic substance with contemporary composition. Directors who want to program something meaningful for summer concerts, Fourth of July celebrations, or season finales without requiring advanced technical skills from their musicians.
How to get the most out of it
- Prepare your narrator well in advance. The timing and phrasing of the Declaration excerpts shape how the band interprets the accompanying musical passages, so rehearse narrator and ensemble together early and often.
- Balance the dynamic range carefully so that the narrator's voice projects clearly without the band overwhelming the spoken passages. This clarity transforms the piece from patriotic background music into a genuine dialogue between speaker and ensemble.
- Attend to the contemporary harmonic language in the accompaniment. These chords won't sound familiar to young players, so isolate sections and drill intonation in small groups to ensure blend and pitch accuracy.
How to use it
Reserve this for a concert finale where it can anchor the second half and send audiences home with something profound. Its patriotic character and narrator component make it ideal for Fourth of July concerts, Memorial Day tributes, or any program celebrating American identity and values.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing ensemble volume against spoken word
- Intonation in contemporary harmonic progressions
- Phrasing and dynamic shape in accompaniment roles
- Ensemble focus and precision at Grade 2 technical demands