American River Medley: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$57.00 USD

American River Medley: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: American River Medley: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-49581
Price: 57.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Featuring Shenandoah, The Glendy Burk, and Red River Valley

Traditional American Folk Songs / arr. Douglas E. Wagner

Grade: 1

Item: 00-49581

Need it now?

Buy Digital Version

$57.00

Shipped

One moment…

The major rivers which flow through the United States of America have centuries-long been prime vehicles for exploration, trade, inspiration, life, and general enjoyment for millions of people. Folk songs from the mid-nineteenth century chronicle their stories of love and courage, with three of the most beloved of these tunes incorporated into the fabric of this arrangement by Douglas E. Wagner. Opening with a gently flowing treatment of "Shenandoah," also known as "Across the Wide Missouri," the work transitions to a spirited rendition of "The Glendy Burk." A more sedate feeling for "Red River Valley" follows, with "Shenandoah" returning again in the upper winds in direct and effective counterpoint. A rousing coda, based on previously heard musical material, brings to a close this celebration of our most treasured American resources. (2:50)

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, American River Medley: 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.

Series: Belwin Concert Band - PerformancePlus+

Publisher: Alfred Music

ISBN10: 1-4706-4880-6

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-4880-0

UPC: 038081569581

SKU: 00-49581

More about this title

About the Composer: Douglas E. Wagner

Douglas E. Wagner grew up in Chicago and studied music at Butler University, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees. He spent three decades as a high school music director and administrator before committing fully to composition and arrangement work.

Since 1973, Wagner has published over 3,500 compositions across an extraordinary range of ensembles: school and church choirs, concert bands, orchestras, handbells, organ, piano, and solo voice. His music has reached millions of musicians worldwide, performed in concert halls, broadcast on radio and television in the United States, and programmed internationally. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, Sandy.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

Wagner's gift for weaving folk melodies into coherent concert works shines here. The arrangement respects the essential character of each tune while creating genuine musical momentum across the medley, and the Grade 1 scoring ensures every section of your band has something meaningful to play. This is the kind of piece that sounds far more sophisticated than its difficulty level suggests, making it ideal for building ensemble confidence and audience connection.

What to expect

A journey down America's rivers, unhurried and reflective at first, then increasingly animated as the current picks up. The familiar melodies ground the listener in nostalgia while Wagner's arrangement keeps the musical motion fresh and purposeful throughout, closing with genuine celebration and warmth.

Who it's for

Directors building Grade 1 concert band programs who need music that genuinely engages audiences while remaining accessible to developing ensembles. This medley works equally well for groups early in the school year and for contest or festival performances where solid musicianship and clear programming can shine.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the opening "Shenandoah" with a gentle, singing quality in the upper woodwinds; the flowing accompaniment beneath should feel like water moving steadily downstream rather than driving forward.
Let "The Glendy Burk" section sparkle with rhythmic clarity and character, particularly in the percussion; this spirited contrast needs to land with energy after the quiet opening.
Balance the counterpoint carefully when "Shenandoah" returns in the upper winds against the fuller texture below; clarity of line matters more than volume here.
Build the coda with confidence and keep it moving; this final celebration should feel inevitable and satisfying, drawing together the threads you've established throughout.

How to use it

Program this as an opener or early set piece at a concert where you want to establish a lyrical, accessible tone. Its length (2:50) and moderate energy make it an excellent pairing with a heavier or more contemporary work later in the program. The folk song foundation also makes it effective for heritage concerts, Americana themes, or programs celebrating American music traditions.

Skills your students will build

Sustained legit phrasing and breath control in flowing melodic lines
Balance and blend in multi-part textures with melody distributed across sections
Character contrast between sections (gentle, spirited, sedate, triumphant)
Rhythmic precision in the spirited "Glendy Burk" section
Awareness of how counterpoint creates texture and movement