A Song of Courage: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$55.00 USD

A Song of Courage: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: A Song of Courage: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-51012
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

(Fantasy on Arirang)

By William Owens

Grade: 1

Item: 00-51012

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Combining the folk song "Arirang" with original material, A Song of Courage contrasts calm passages with bold statements. Offering a message of courage in the face of hardship, William Owens has written a spectacular and highly achievable work. (2:30)

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Series: MakeMusic Developing Band

Publisher: MakeMusic Publications

ISBN10: 1-4706-6601-4

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-6601-9

UPC: 038081584621

SKU: 00-51012

More about this title

About the Composer: William Owens

William Owens brings three decades of classroom experience to his compositional work. Born in Gary, Indiana, and trained at VanderCook College of Music, he spent 30 years as a band director in Texas before retiring in 2014. His output of over 300 works for concert band, string orchestra, and small ensemble reflects a deep understanding of what young musicians need to play and what audiences want to hear.

Owens has established himself as a leading voice in music for developing ensembles through a practical compositional approach grounded in real rehearsal room experience. His works appear on festival and contest lists across North America, and many have become teaching standards. He holds memberships in ASCAP, the American Bandmasters Association, and Phi Beta Mu International, and has received commissions from major organizations including the American Bandmasters Association and South Plains College.

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Why we love this

Owens has crafted a piece that speaks to young musicians without talking down to them. The integration of "Arirang" with original material gives students a genuine cultural anchor while the contrasting moods (calm reflection alongside bold declaration) keep the band engaged throughout. At Grade 1, this delivers real musical substance with achievable technical demands, making it ideal for a developing ensemble that wants to sound polished.

What to expect

A Song of Courage moves between quiet introspection and strong affirmation. The folk melody carries familiarity and warmth, while the original material frames it with both vulnerability and determination. By the end, students feel they've traveled from uncertainty toward hope.

Who it's for

This work suits young concert bands at the beginning stage of their journey, particularly those preparing for festival or contest. It works equally well for ensembles looking to program a piece with lyrical depth and emotional maturity without excessive technical demands.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the calm passages with long phrase lines and consistent air support; these quieter moments are where the emotional arc of the piece lives.
Lean into the folk melody during its statements to let the familiar tune resonate with your audience; don't overshadow it with accompaniment.
Mark the transitions between contrasting sections clearly in rehearsal so students understand the dramatic intent behind the shift in energy.
Balance the full band writing during bold passages; young ensembles often play louder rather than fuller, so focus on blend and intonation across the voicings.

How to use it

Open a concert with this piece to set a reflective, purposeful tone before moving to lighter fare. Its message and accessibility also make it a strong choice for educational concerts or community performances where you want to engage an audience with something meaningful. The two-and-a-half-minute length fits comfortably into festival rotation or into a concert program as a brief emotional centerpiece.