An Irish Air: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Robert Sheldon
Grade: 1.5 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0000822
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Description
This lovely setting of the popular Irish folk song, Molly Malone, provides the perfect moment of lyricism for a program of young band music. Well-crafted and tastefully scored, this arrangement allows the beauty of the original melody to speak in a most charming way. 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, An Irish Air: 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:
Challenger Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
118
SKU:
00-PK-0000822
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert Sheldon
Robert Sheldon stands among the most frequently programmed composers in wind band repertoire. His works appear regularly on contest rosters and concert schedules worldwide, and he has guest conducted All-State ensembles across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He was honored with a doctorate from VanderCook College of Music in 2020.
Beyond composition, Sheldon leads the educational mission at Sound Innovations for Concert Band. His music has earned recognition from the American School Band Director's Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP. Sheldon continues to accept commissions and produce new concert band works annually, balancing performance in major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House with extensive clinician work at universities and state music education conferences.
Why we love this
Sheldon captures the soul of Molly Malone without overwrought arrangements that cloud the melody. For bands at the 1.5 level, this is a gift: musicians hear themselves carrying a tune the audience will recognize and love, which builds confidence and musical satisfaction in ways that more contemporary repertoire sometimes misses. The scoring gives every section something to do, turning what could be a listening piece into an ensemble experience.
What to expect
A gentle, nostalgic unfolding of a beloved Irish melody. The arrangement honors the song's folk roots while maintaining concert hall sophistication, creating space for players and listeners alike to breathe and connect with something timeless.
Who it's for
Young concert bands seeking a moment of genuine lyricism in their repertoire. This Grade 1.5 piece fits programs where bands need music that sounds mature and musicianly without requiring advanced technical demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Allow the primary melody to shine by restraining dynamic levels in supporting voices; players often overshare on inner parts when the tune belongs entirely to the lead voice.
- Shape the line through subtle tempo variations rather than aggressive ritardandos; a gentle broadening in the final phrase feels organic and avoids the appearance of rushing elsewhere.
- Balance the arrangement by checking that woodwind color blends evenly where voices double the melody; uneven doubling creates a smudged effect instead of transparent support.
How to use it
Place this after an opening march or energetic opener to reset the room and showcase your ensemble's musical depth. It works equally well as a closing piece where it leaves audiences with something memorable and emotionally grounded. The contest/festival suitability means it travels well to adjudicated events.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melody and accompaniment across multiple parts
- Shaping a lyrical phrase with restrained dynamics
- Maintaining musical independence while supporting a principal voice
- Recognizing and performing arrangements of folk material