Blue Ridge Rhapsody: 2nd Percussion
Blue Ridge Rhapsody: 2nd Percussion Sheet Music Preview

Blue Ridge Rhapsody: 2nd Percussion

By John Kinyon

Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-PC-0000310_PC2
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Description
In A-B-A form, this piece consists of two major themes, both of which are stated in the 16-measure introductory section. Although the composition is in large part romantic in style, it offers young performers an opportunity to experience the spritely 6/8 of the Allegro moderato as well as the romantic legato of the Andante cantabile section. (Grade 2) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Additional Details
Series: Growing Band Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 61
SKU: 00-PC-0000310_PC2

More about this title

About the Composer: John Kinyon

John Kinyon

John Kinyon earned degrees from Ithaca College and the Eastman School of Music, followed by an honorary doctorate from Limestone College in South Carolina. Throughout his career, he has worked as an instrumental music director and department head in multiple school districts, served as educational director for Warner Brothers Music in New York, and taught music education at the University of Miami, Florida.

Kinyon has become one of the most prolific composers of educational band music, with over 250 published works for Alfred spanning grades 1 through 3. His catalog includes original marches, ballads, and overtures written across a wide range of musical styles. Since 1982, he has maintained a semi-retired presence in Tuckasegee, North Carolina, where he continues to compose.

Why we love this

Kinyon structures this piece to introduce both thematic material upfront, giving students an immediate sense of direction and making sectional rehearsals straightforward. The contrast between the energetic 6/8 Allegro moderato and the lyrical Andante cantabile keeps young players engaged while building their ability to shift stylistic gears within a single work.

What to expect

The opening establishes a sense of purpose with two contrasting ideas that immediately signal the piece's emotional arc. The rhythmic lift of 6/8 alternates with passages of warmth and sustained beauty, creating a miniature romantic journey that feels substantial despite its accessibility.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands with solid rhythmic fundamentals and the ability to sustain legato phrasing. This work suits young ensembles that have moved beyond simple march-based repertoire but still benefit from clear thematic material and manageable ranges.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the tempo of the Allegro moderato early in rehearsal so students internalize the lilting pulse of 6/8 before they layer articulation and phrasing.
  • Balance the two themes during the A section; students often spotlight the melody line and bury the supporting material, so highlight the countermelodies in lower voices.
  • Shape the Andante cantabile with sustained breath support and consistent vowel shapes across sections to achieve the romantic legato the piece demands.
  • Use the A-B-A form as a structural anchor: return to the opening A section with fresh energy and slightly modified articulation to show growth from the first statement.

How to use it

Program this alongside other American educational classics to showcase your band's range in a single concert. Its A-B-A clarity makes it an ideal teaching piece for a festival or contest where you want students to experience adjudication feedback on contrasting musical styles.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and performing in compound meter (6/8)
  • Sustaining legato phrasing in Andante sections
  • Thematic recall and structural form recognition
  • Transitional tempo changes and tempo stability
  • Balanced part writing and ensemble blend across registers

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