Air and Jig Cover Image

Air and Jig: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

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Air and Jig Cover Image

Air and Jig: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Chris M. Bernotas

Grade: 1.5 (Easy)

Item: 00-41915

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Description
A tuneful way to introduce students to the lyrical style and rollicking feel of traditional Scottish/Irish music. The "Air" is the melody from Gilderoy and is set with a contemporary harmonic palette that concludes with an exciting climax before transitioning to the jig. "The Jig of Slurs" is a traditional Irish dance with a melody and feel that is infectious! (2:30) "Air and Jig" correlates to Book 2, Level 2 of Sound Innovations for Concert Band.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Air and Jig: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts 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: Sound Innovations for Concert Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 142
UPC: 038081481692
SKU: 00-41915

More about this title

About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas directs instrumental publications at Alfred Music, where he shapes educational materials for band and orchestra programs globally. With more than 25 years in music education, he combines deep classroom experience with compositional craft, giving him insight into what students and teachers actually need from repertoire.

Beyond the publishing desk, Bernotas remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and advocate for music education. He has co-authored several foundational resources for band programs, including the Sound Innovations series, Sound Percussion, Sound Artistry, and Sound Performance. His music reaches ensembles at every level, from beginning students to advanced groups, and he regularly presents on conducting, composition, and pedagogy at conferences and workshops.

Why we love this

Bernotas knows exactly how to make folk traditions sing for young concert bands without sacrificing harmonic interest or structural sophistication. The pairing of "Air" and "Jig" gives your ensemble a satisfying arc—lyrical depth followed by infectious rhythmic energy—that feels complete in just two and a half minutes, making it ideal for contests, concerts, or teaching concerts where you want to showcase musicality and joy without overextending rehearsal time.

What to expect

The "Air" unfolds with a warm, contemporary harmonic landscape beneath a melody that feels rooted and genuine, building toward a moment of real excitement. The jig then explodes into the infectious energy of a traditional Irish dance, with the kind of rhythmic lift that makes players smile and audiences lean forward.

Who it's for

Grade 1.5 concert bands seeking accessible yet musically substantial folk-inspired literature. Directors introducing students to lyrical phrasing and traditional dance idioms will find both parts equally rewarding for developing ensemble sound and cultural awareness.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the "Air" with dynamic control that supports the contemporary harmonies without overwhelming the familiar melody; let the harmonic colors emerge clearly rather than blending them into fog.
  • Lock the rhythmic precision of the jig section early in rehearsals; the "infectious feel" depends on collective confidence in the dance rhythm, so establish the tempo and subdivision before layering articulation details.
  • Balance the transition between sections by treating it as a genuine moment of shift rather than a rushed segue; the contrast is part of the piece's appeal.

How to use it

Program this as a standalone concert or contest piece where you want to demonstrate your ensemble's versatility across contrasting styles. It also pairs naturally with other folk-inspired or world-music selections, and its brief length makes it valuable for opening concert halves or filling shorter performance slots without sacrificing impact.

Skills your students will build

  • Phrasing and dynamic shaping in lyrical, melody-driven writing
  • Rhythmic precision in compound meter (jig rhythm)
  • Articulation clarity and ensemble balance in folk idioms
  • Stylistic awareness of Scottish and Irish musical traditions
  • Harmonic listening in contemporary contexts

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