A Thousand Years (from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Christina Perri / Arranged by Paul Murtha
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00312207
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Description
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About the Artist: Christina Perri
Christina Perri burst into the music scene in 2011 with "Jar of Hearts," a piano ballad that became a cultural touchstone. Her gift for melody and emotional restraint made her a natural fit for film and television work. "A Thousand Years" showcases her instinct for songs that feel both intimate and grand; the track became synonymous with romantic moments across popular culture.
Perri's compositional approach prioritizes clarity and emotional directness. She avoids oversinging or instrumental excess, letting the core melodic idea carry the weight. This restraint translates beautifully to band arrangement, where a simple, well-shaped melody can move an entire ensemble and audience alike.
Why we love this
Grade 2 arrangements of contemporary pop are thin on the ground, and this one respects both the source material and student musicians. The 3/4 meter gives it character without creating rhythmic obstacles, while Paul Murtha's orchestration builds texture thoughtfully so that smaller ensembles don't sound thin and larger ones don't overwhelm the tune. Directors report that students recognize the melody immediately, which creates rare, genuine investment in rehearsal.
What to expect
A slow, patient unfolding. The 3/4 meter creates a waltz-like quality that feels both classical and modern. There's tenderness here, and restraint; the arrangement never pushes for dramatic gestures, instead trusting the melody to carry emotional weight.
Who it's for
Grade 2 concert bands seeking accessible repertoire with contemporary appeal and genuine artistic merit. This arrangement works equally well for spring pops concerts, wedding ceremonies, and community performances where audiences connect with the material immediately.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening phrase with a gentle swell; resist the urge to start timidly just because it's Grade 2. The ballad needs breath and intention from measure one.
- Balance the melody across sections rather than centering it entirely in one group. Murtha's arrangement passes the tune around, and that collaborative ownership strengthens ensemble cohesion.
- Treat rubato as a tool in the slower sections. Small adjustments to pacing can deepen the emotional arc without requiring independent musicianship beyond Grade 2 capability.
- Let the accompaniment settle into a steady pulse during lyrical passages. When students lock the harmonic foundation, soloists and melody carriers have room to breathe.
How to use it
Pair this with other contemporary pieces to showcase your ensemble's range beyond traditional band canon. The 2:45 duration makes it ideal as a concert closer or as part of a shorter pops set. It also translates beautifully to spring concerts, ceremonies, or any program asking for accessible beauty.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining phrase lines across barlines while in 3/4 meter
- Balancing lyrical melody with harmonic accompaniment
- Reading and executing dynamic shapes within Grade 2 range
- Maintaining steady pulse in waltz-time signatures
- Blending across sections when melody passes between parts