Behold a Ladder Set Up on the Earth: Concert Band Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

Behold a Ladder Set Up on the Earth: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Behold a Ladder Set Up on the Earth: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 81-CB224483S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

By Frank McKinney

Grade: 3.5

Item: 81-CB224483S

$10.00

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Behold a Ladder Set Up on the Earth by Frank McKinney is a composition that touches upon both the thoughtful meditation and the emotional response to the lyrics of the African American slave spiritual "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder." There are abundant opportunities for both sensitive and robust musical moments. A variation of the well-known theme is stated in the opening Adagio trumpet solo and then repeated several times throughout the piece. A more upbeat Allegro variation then enters before the familiar tune is finally introduced calmly by the bassoon. The climactic Religioso section presents the main theme in all of its call and response glory. (3:50)

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Publisher: Eighth Note Publications

UPC: 0

SKU: 81-CB224483S

More about this title

About the Composer: Frank McKinney

Frank McKinney brings deep respect for American spiritual traditions to his concert band writing. His arrangements and compositions honor the emotional weight and cultural significance of these sources while crafting music that speaks directly to modern ensembles and audiences.

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Why we love this

McKinney crafts a piece that honors the spiritual's profound emotional and historical weight while giving your band genuine musical architecture to work with. The strategic use of solo voices (trumpet, bassoon) and the call-and-response climax create natural moments for sectional balance and expressive maturity, making this rewarding at the Grade 3.5 level without feeling simplistic.

What to expect

Quiet reverence gives way to climbing anticipation as the piece unfolds, with moments of robust declaration balanced against intimate solo statements. The familiar melody arrives as both a homecoming and an affirmation, finally allowed to shine in its full, communal call-and-response expression.

Who it's for

This conductor score serves bands at the upper intermediate level who are ready to engage meaningfully with a spiritual's cultural and emotional significance. Your ensemble should have solid intonation control and the interpretive maturity to sustain Adagio tempos and phrase through longer lines.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the opening trumpet solo with unhurried phrasing and clear articulation; this variation establishes the thematic DNA for everything that follows, so let it breathe.
Build intensity gradually through the repeated theme statements, treating each variation as a small step toward the Religioso section rather than rushing to the climax.
In the bassoon statement, maintain transparent orchestration so the familiar melody emerges distinctly; use this moment to reset the band's dynamic awareness before the final section.
The call-and-response Religioso demands disciplined ensemble listening; balance the calling and responding sections so neither overwhelms the other's answer.

How to use it

Program this in concert pairings where you want a piece of substance without sacrificing accessibility to your audience. Its three-minute fifty-second duration and Festival-ready character make it ideal for competition programming or as a spiritual centerpiece in a concert that engages social history and musical tradition.