"Among the Stars, You'll Shine: Score"
By Chris M. Bernotas
Grade: 1
Item: 00-PR-0007278
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Description
Embodying the idea of being part of something larger than yourself, but also valued as a unique individual, Among the Stars, You'll Shine, by Chris M. Bernotas, is the perfect choice for developing an expressive style of performance with your students. While predominantly lyrical, there are plenty of contrasts and opportunities for all your students to shine. (2:30) (Correlates to Sound Innovations, Book 1, Level 6).
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, "Among the Stars, You'll Shine: 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:
Sound Innovations for Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PR-0007278
More about this title
About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas
Chris M. Bernotas directs instrumental publications at Alfred Music, where he shapes band and orchestra curricula for programs worldwide. With more than 25 years in music education, he brings classroom experience directly into his compositional voice, understanding what students need to grow and what teachers need to teach effectively.
Beyond the page, Bernotas conducts honor ensembles, leads workshops, and presents on pedagogy and composition at conferences and clinics. His catalog spans method books and ensemble development resources (Sound Innovations, Sound Percussion, Sound Artistry, Sound Performance) alongside concert literature performed by developing and advanced groups alike. His work consistently balances musical substance with accessibility, earning his compositions a place in standard repertoire.
Why we love this
This piece mirrors the emotional arc many young musicians experience: finding your voice while connecting to something bigger. Bernotas writes for the Grade 1 learner with genuine lyricism, never settling for perfunctory melodies or busy-work accompaniments. The contrast points give every section a moment to matter, which keeps rehearsals engaged and performances memorable.
What to expect
The piece radiates warmth and purpose. Predominantly lyrical passages flow with genuine singing tone, while strategic contrasts inject energy and give the ensemble room to breathe. It carries the sense of individuals discovering their contributions matter within the larger ensemble sound.
Who it's for
Grade 1 concert bands with solid fundamentals and growing independence in reading and phrasing. It works equally well for groups preparing for festival or contest and for programs seeking quality material that teaches expressive musicianship without overwhelming young players.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the lyrical passages with long-line phrasing rather than stopping at barlines; ask students to think in four or eight-bar units from the start
- Use the contrasting sections to explore dynamic range deliberately, encouraging students to listen across the band for balance before adding volume
- Mark the exact moment each section enters a new idea on individual parts so no one is surprised; Grade 1 ensembles benefit from clarity about when they're featured versus supportive
How to use it
Pair this with Sound Innovations Book 1 instruction for a natural curricular fit, or program it as the centerpiece of a Grade 1 concert where it can showcase both the band's lyricism and its growth. Its two-and-a-half minute length makes it an ideal anchor piece that doesn't overwhelm a younger ensemble's endurance.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained lyricism and long-line phrasing across four or eight-bar phrases
- Dynamic contrast and listening for balance between melody and accompaniment
- Individual voice clarity within ensemble texture
- Reading and performing contrasting musical ideas within a single piece