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Beacon in the Mist: String Orchestra Conductor Score

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Beacon in the Mist Cover Image

Beacon in the Mist: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Katie O'Hara LaBrie

Grade: 3.5

Item: 00-52123S

$12.00
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Description
Bring the lighthouse's timeless symbolism to life with this spirited melody that evokes a ship's adventurous journey. A calm, arpeggiated section reflects the beacon's unwavering glow. A triumphant return celebrates a safe homecoming that will surely inspire your students and audience. (3:30)

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Additional Details
Series: MakeMusic Symphony Strings
Publisher: MakeMusic Publications
ISBN10: 1-4706-8023-8
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-8023-7
UPC: 038081604527
SKU: 00-52123S

More about this title

About the Composer: Katie O'Hara LaBrie

Katie O'Hara LaBrie

Katie O'Hara LaBrie brings fifteen years of orchestra teaching experience from Fairfax County, Virginia, to her work as a composer and conductor. She studied music education at St. Olaf College under Steven Amundson and earned her Master's degree in Instrumental Conducting from George Mason University with Anthony Maiello. Her compositions draw directly from her classroom work, family, and natural world observations, always prioritizing music that sounds good, teaches well, and keeps players engaged.

LaBrie's work has earned repeated J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice recognition and performances at major conferences including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Directors Clinic and American String Teachers Association Conference. In 2022, Yamaha named her one of their "40 Under 40" honorees for her impact on music education. She founded the Fairfax Chamber Players and co-created the "Big IDEA" practice method. She currently lives in Northern Virginia with her family.

Why we love this

LaBrie constructs a narrative arc that holds middle-level strings engaged from start to finish. The piece balances accessibility with genuine musical substance: the arpeggiated calm section offers a moment of technical and expressive contrast, while the spirited opening and triumphant close deliver the energy students crave and audiences remember. At 3:30, it works perfectly for festival requirements without overstaying its welcome.

What to expect

The journey unfolds like watching a ship navigate by guiding light. The opening carries nautical energy and forward momentum, then the piece settles into a shimmering, arpeggiated calm that reflects the beacon's unwavering glow. The final section builds triumphantly, conveying the relief and joy of safe harbor.

Who it's for

This score serves conductors leading string orchestras at the Grade 3.5 level who want repertoire with programmatic appeal and educational value. It works equally well for festival preparation, concert programming, or as a teaching tool for phrasing and dynamic contrast.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the opening melody so it soars above the accompaniment; resist the urge to push tempo in excited passages, letting the orchestration do the work of forward momentum.
  • In the calm, arpeggiated section, ask strings to listen inward and sustain a consistent dynamic, reinforcing the beacon's steady, reassuring presence.
  • Balance the triumphant return carefully so upper strings don't overshadow the harmonic foundation; a unified, controlled ensemble will land the homecoming with genuine impact.

How to use it

Program this as a concert centerpiece or festival entry where its narrative clarity and moderate length maximize impact. It pairs well alongside faster works or deeper emotional pieces; the homecoming theme gives it weight beyond its Grade 3.5 difficulty, making it an excellent choice for a student showcase where you want to elevate the program's sophistication.

Skills your students will build

  • Phrasing and shaping long melodic lines
  • Dynamic control in arpeggiated, sustained accompaniment textures
  • Ensemble balance between melody and harmonic support
  • Listening for and maintaining consistent intonation across key changes

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