A Westward Expedition: E-flat Alto Clarinet
Music by Dave Black
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PC-0000543_AC1
$3.00
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Description
A Westward Expedition is a musical tribute to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Louis and Clark expedition and its mission to explore the uncharted West. After a powerful introduction, the main theme is introduced in a spirited Allegro section, portraying the excitement as the Corps of Discovery set out on its westward journey. This is followed by the lush and beautiful Andante section, which depicts the thousands of miles of spectacular mountains, rivers and wildlife encountered along the route. The anticipation and thrill of reaching the Pacific Ocean (upon arriving at what is now the state of Oregon) is brought to life with a recapitulation of the opening theme, bringing the historic journey to an exciting end.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, A Westward Expedition: E-flat Alto Clarinet comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
2
SKU:
00-PC-0000543_AC1
More about this title
About the Composer: Dave Black
Dave Black is a percussionist and composer whose work spans educational music, commercial entertainment, and concert composition. He earned his Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from California State University, Northridge, and has built a career performing and recording with established entertainers and major productions worldwide. His catalog includes more than 60 published compositions and arrangements with leading music publishers, many of which have been recorded and licensed for television and film, including the movie Drumline.
Recognized as one of the most prolific percussion education authors in the industry, Black has received 26 consecutive ASCAP Popular Composer Awards, Grammy participation certifications, the Percussive Arts Society President's Industry Award, and a Gold Record certification for Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1. His educational materials and compositions are performed by students globally, with combined sales exceeding two million units.
Why we love this
Black captures a grand historical narrative in a compact Grade 3 score that doesn't sacrifice musical substance for accessibility. The piece moves from dramatic fanfare through lyrical landscape painting to triumphant arrival, giving concert band students the chance to explore contrasting moods and dynamics while performing something genuinely stirring.
What to expect
A sonic journey unfolds from fanfare-driven excitement through serene natural beauty to triumphant arrival. The writing evokes open landscapes and forward momentum, offering students a chance to play music that tells a story without becoming overwrought or overly descriptive.
Who it's for
Concert band directors seeking Grade 3 repertoire with narrative scope and emotional range. This piece works for developing ensembles that have solid fundamentals and are ready to explore contrasting musical moods within a single work.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening introduction with clear articulation and dynamic control to establish the journey's sense of purpose before the Allegro theme enters.
- Balance the spirited Allegro section so the main theme stays prominent across the ensemble while supporting parts remain transparent.
- Allow the Andante section to breathe; resist rushing the lush harmonic writing that depicts mountains and waterways.
- Build intensity gradually through the recapitulation so the arrival at the Pacific feels earned rather than merely loud.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener or centerpiece for a Americana or American history themed concert. Its two-page length makes it ideal for building a concert around paired shorter works, or as a substantial opener that sets a narrative tone for the evening.
Skills your students will build
- Dynamic contrast between forte sections and lyrical passages
- Sustaining tone quality in the Andante (slower, singing section)
- Ensemble balance with thematic and accompaniment material distributed across parts
- Transitions between contrasting tempos and moods
- Articulation clarity in faster Allegro writing