Alpha Squadron: Score
By Greg Hillis
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0000437
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Description
Powerful unisons open this piece and continue as the trumpets state the heroic melody. A countermelody is then placed over this in the woodwinds. Alternating between marcato and legato sections, this is a good piece for teaching contrasting styles. Students will love the minor key and the power of playing tutti. A great opener for your fall concert. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Alpha Squadron: Score 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 Debut Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
114
SKU:
00-PR-0000437
More about this title
About the Composer: Greg Hillis
Greg Hillis has established himself as a composer who understands what beginning and intermediate bands need: music that sounds impressive while remaining accessible to young players. His work in the Alfred Debut Series demonstrates a gift for writing clean, idiomatic parts that give each section meaningful material without overwhelming them.
Why we love this
Alpha Squadron opens with unrelenting unisons that grab attention immediately, making it an ideal fall concert opener. The contrast between marcato and legato sections gives you a clear teaching moment without requiring advanced technical demands, and the minor key gives Grade 1 students genuine musical substance to sink their teeth into.
What to expect
Heroic and energized. The minor key prevents the piece from feeling bright or frivolous, while the powerful unisons and full-ensemble moments create a sense of unity and strength. Moving between marcato and legato keeps the texture alive and gives players distinct musical challenges to navigate.
Who it's for
Beginning concert bands and groups new to fall programming. This piece works for students just comfortable with basic ensemble balance and fundamental articulation control.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the unison opening with confidence. Lock the entire ensemble on the attack and release; this is your first impression, so make it count.
- Balance the heroic trumpet melody against the woodwind countermelody carefully during the layered section. The melody should lead, but the countermelody should be audible.
- Mark the transitions between marcato and legato sections clearly in rehearsal. Have students mark their parts with style changes so the shift feels intentional, not accidental.
- Let the minor key resonate. Resist the urge to rush; allow the band to feel the weight of the unisons and tutti moments.
How to use it
Open your fall concert with this. It establishes energy and musical intent without overwhelming a young ensemble. Pair it with contrasting material later in the program to highlight how differently a Grade 1 band can execute when repertoire demands variety.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble unison playing with clarity and precision
- Articulation contrast (marcato and legato in the same piece)
- Minor key tonality and harmonic awareness
- Balancing melody with countermelody
- Building and sustaining power in full ensemble passages