African Dreams: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$90.00 USD

African Dreams: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: African Dreams: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-37840
Price: 90.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Based on the story of a remarkable young man and his windmill

By Brant Karrick

Grade: 3 (Medium)

Item: 00-37840

Need it now?

Buy Digital Version

$90.00

Shipped

One moment…

William Kamkwamba was raised in Malawi, an African country where magical thoughts prevailed but modern technology was a mystery. From books he read, young William imagined building a windmill that might, one day, bring electricity and water to his village and drastically change the lives of his neighbors. Hoping to someday study science, his country was debilitated by famine that forced William to drop out of school and forage for food as thousands throughout the country died of starvation. However, William's passion remained indefatigable and, using scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle halves, he ingeniously built a crude yet operable windmill that powered four lights and his radio. News of William's achievement soon spread beyond his country's borders, and the young boy who was once thought of as crazy became a hero to many around the world. (5:30)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, African Dreams: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Open in the Player

Jump straight in and assign it today.

Start Your Free Trial

Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.

No sample videos found.

Series: Alfred Concert Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 276

UPC: 038081433325

SKU: 00-37840

More about this title

About the Composer: Brant Karrick

Brant Karrick has shaped band programs across multiple institutions and regions throughout his career. Since 2003, he has served as Director of Bands at Northern Kentucky University, where he oversees the full band curriculum, teaches conducting and orchestration, and prepares future music educators. Before joining NKU, he spent nine years on the faculty at the University of Toledo and seven years teaching in Kentucky public schools. His doctorate in music education from Louisiana State University (1994) built on earlier degrees from the University of Louisville and Western Kentucky University.

Karrick's compositions and arrangements have been performed internationally across North America, Europe, South Africa, South America, Asia, and Australia. He remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator while maintaining his university responsibilities. His professional involvement spans NAFME, ASCAP, the College Band Directors National Association, and state-level music education organizations.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

This score transforms a compelling true story into accessible concert band literature without sacrificing musical substance. The grade 3 difficulty level makes it programming gold for festivals and spring concerts, reaching ensembles that might struggle with more demanding contemporary works while giving advanced middle school or younger high school bands a chance to engage authentic multicultural narratives. Karrick's orchestration brings Malawi's spirit alive through smart instrumental combinations that hold student interest across a 5:30 arc.

What to expect

The piece opens with wonder and imagination, capturing Kamkwamba's dreams before constraint and hardship reshape them. It builds toward moments of determination and ingenuity, then lands in triumph when the windmill comes to life. Throughout, there's an underlying resilience that never tips into despair—the music honors struggle without surrendering to it.

Who it's for

Grade 3 concert bands and middle school ensembles looking for culturally relevant repertoire with real depth. This score works equally well for groups seeking programming that engages audiences with meaningful narratives or for directors who want to expand their students' awareness of global music and inspiring human stories.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the melodic voices carefully across the ensemble. Since this piece centers on storytelling, clarity of line matters more than blending. Mark your score to identify which sections carry the narrative at each moment, then shape rehearsals around bringing those voices forward.
Establish a steady pulse early. The piece's accessibility can mask the need for solid rhythmic foundation. Spend time locking the rhythm section and woodwind sections together before layering in the fuller texture.
Let the conductor's preparation and gesture tell the story. Students will respond to your conviction about Kamkwamba's journey. Your physical communication of the piece's emotional arc will translate directly into the band's sound.

How to use it

Program this as an anchor for a concert exploring perseverance, invention, or global cultures. The 5:30 length and medium difficulty make it ideal for spring festival seasons or community concerts where you want a centerpiece that speaks to general audiences. Consider pairing it with other world music selections or with instrumental works that share similar themes of innovation and determination.