America: My Country 'Tis of Thee - Melody Mine: B-flat Bass Clarinet
Melody Mine
Arranged by Robert W. Smith, Susan L. Smith
Grade: 1
Item: 98-PC-RWS1714_BC
$3.99
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Description
This timeless patriotic melody by S.F. Smith is the perfect musical setting for exceptional teaching. The "Melody Mine" gives each member of the band the opportunity to play the melodic line while the teacher focuses on phrasing, shaping and other core musical concepts. The full band arrangement provides a lush chorale setting of the American standard. The director also has the option to craft their own arrangement to feature soloist(s), instrumental choirs and full band. Master teacher Susan L. Smith has created a powerful teaching resource for use in any beginning band program.
Original Item#: RWS-1714-00
Original Item#: RWS-1714-00
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Additional Details
Series:
RWS - Beginning Band
Publisher:
RWS Music Company
SKU:
98-PC-RWS1714_BC
More about this title
About the Arranger: Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith has established himself as one of the most frequently performed composers and arrangers in American concert band and orchestral music. With more than 400 published works to his credit, primarily released through Alfred Music, his compositions have been performed on stages across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. He holds degrees in Music Education from Troy State University and in Music from the University of Miami.
Beyond the concert hall, Smith's music has reached audiences through major television broadcasts, Olympic ceremonies, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and iconic venues like Dodger Stadium. His symphonies The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey, along with works for developing ensembles such as The Tempest, have become foundational repertoire in band programs nationwide. As a conductor and clinician, he continues to work with musicians across multiple continents, sharing his expertise in ensemble development and musical interpretation.
Why we love this
This arrangement strips away complexity to focus on what matters most in a beginning band: hearing and shaping melody. By rotating the melodic line through the ensemble, every player gets a turn in the spotlight while others provide harmonic support, creating immediate engagement and ownership. The flexibility to perform it as a full chorale, feature soloists, or combine instrumental choirs means one piece can meet multiple teaching and programming goals throughout the year.
What to expect
Dignified and warm, with a patriotic glow that never feels heavy or overly solemn. The chorale texture grounds the melody in rich harmonic support, creating a sense of unity and pride without requiring technical sophistication from the ensemble.
Who it's for
Beginning band directors who need a Grade 1 arrangement that teaches musicianship while celebrating an iconic American melody. This is ideal for programs where every student deserves a moment as the lead voice and where the teacher wants to focus on phrasing and shaping rather than managing complex instrumental writing.
How to get the most out of it
- Bring out the melody with confidence wherever it sits in the ensemble; remind players that they own that line and should voice it with clarity and pride regardless of which instrument carries it.
- Shape the phrase as a unified band rather than waiting for the melody player to lead; this trains students to listen horizontally across the ensemble and support each other's musical intent.
- Allow the harmonic parts to breathe and balance with the melody; lower voices should sit back enough that the tune remains the focal point without sounding hollow.
- Use the flexibility of the arrangement to highlight different instrumental families across rehearsals; feature the woodwinds one week, brass the next, and full band for performance, keeping the preparation engaging.
How to use it
Program this for patriotic concert occasions, civic ceremonies, or as a statement piece for a fall concert that celebrates American music. It also works well as a weekly rehearsal opener that keeps the band's melodic focus sharp while teaching the full ensemble to support and listen to whoever carries the tune.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melody and accompaniment while playing harmonic parts
- Sustaining long phrases with consistent tone and support
- Listening to and reinforcing melodic intent across ensemble voices
- Building pride and ownership when featured as soloist within the group