Beach Spring: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$55.00 USD

Beach Spring: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Beach Spring: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-50904
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Benjamin F. White / arr. Michael Story

Grade: 1.5

Item: 00-50904

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Originating from The Sacred Harp songbook, the folk-like pentatonic melody of Beach Spring has inspired numerous hymns since 1844. Now expertly arranged for beginning band, this setting captures the song's timeless spirit. It is the perfect vehicle for students to gain experience performing beautiful music in 3/4 meter, with varied musical textures, dynamics, and articulations. (2:00)

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Series: Belwin Beginning Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

ISBN10: 1-4706-6866-1

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-6866-2

UPC: 038081587547

SKU: 00-50904

More about this title

About the Composer: Benjamin F. White

Benjamin F. White (1800-1879) was a shape-note singing master and compiler whose work shaped American sacred music for generations. He co-edited The Sacred Harp (1844), one of the most influential tunebooks in American history, and composed numerous hymn melodies that remain central to shape-note singing traditions today.

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Why we love this

Michael Story's arrangement respects the austere beauty of this 19th-century tune while making it genuinely playable for young musicians. The 3/4 meter and transparent scoring let students hear themselves make music from day one, and the contest/festival designation means you have a polished program piece that also builds real musicianship.

What to expect

Serene and reverent. The pentatonic melody unfolds with the quiet dignity of a folk prayer, supported by warm harmonies that shift subtly across the ensemble. There is space for breath and reflection in every phrase.

Who it's for

Beginning band directors seeking repertoire that is genuinely musical yet technically accessible. The Grade 1.5 level makes this suitable for students in their first or second year, and the hymn-based source material appeals to concert programming that honors American musical traditions.

How to get the most out of it

Establish a steady, singing pulse in 3/4 before rehearsals begin. The hymn's character depends on unhurried, breath-conscious phrasing rather than march-like precision.
Balance the melody across the ensemble carefully. Since the writing is transparent, uneven doublings will stand out immediately; rotate principal parts if possible.
Shape dynamic changes deliberately and together. The varied textures and articulations Story provides work only if all sections respond as a unit.
Attend to the pentatonic character by listening for the particular warmth and openness this tuning produces. Avoid over-brightening the sound with excessive vibrato or tension.

How to use it

Pair this with other folk or hymn-based arrangements to create a thematic concert section, or program it as a centering piece between more energetic works. At roughly two minutes, it functions well as an opening number that establishes focus and musicality for the audience.

Skills your students will build

Reading and performing in 3/4 meter with proper phrasing
Balancing melody and harmony in transparent textures
Responding to dynamic and articulation changes as an ensemble
Singing through their instruments with line and shape
Understanding the connection between American hymn traditions and concert band literature