Burst!: String Orchestra Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

Burst!: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Name: Burst!: String Orchestra Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-ST6235S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 1.5

Item: 98-ST6235S

$10.00

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One moment…

Open your concert with an explosion of energy! This aggressive work will immediately command your audience's attention as it combines bold and powerful lines with moments of delicacy and lyricism. Violin players are introduced to the G string and get to explore limited divisi. An outstanding concert opener!

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Series: FJH Beginning Strings

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 241444563182

SKU: 98-ST6235S

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has built a reputation as a composer and conductor equally comfortable in orchestral, band, and chamber music contexts. His works have been performed by everyone from professional symphony orchestras to elementary school ensembles at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. He received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest. Balmages was named to the American Bandmasters Association and holds the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award.

As a conductor, Balmages maintains regular engagements with all-state and regional ensembles, university orchestras, and professional groups worldwide. His guest conducting appearances span the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, and numerous state ASTA conferences. His music reached national prominence when it was performed at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. He currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.

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Why we love this

Balmages understands that a 1.5 grade piece doesn't mean it has to sound like training material. Burst opens with genuine dramatic intent while keeping the technical demands accessible for developing string players. The contrast between aggressive passages and lyrical moments gives your ensemble something musically substantive to sink their teeth into from the downbeat.

What to expect

Burst announces itself with force and confidence, then pulls back to reveal warmth and lyricism underneath. The piece moves between moments that demand commitment and control from the ensemble and passages that invite expressive, singing playing.

Who it's for

Beginning and early-intermediate string orchestras ready to program something with musical substance and dramatic flair. Directors who want their ensemble's season opener to establish serious intent while respecting where their players actually are technically.

How to get the most out of it

Build intensity gradually through the opening aggressive section so the aggressive material lands as a genuine statement rather than rushed energy.
Give the delicate passages room to breathe; the lyricism works because it genuinely contrasts with the surrounding intensity.
Isolate divisi passages in rehearsal so violins understand their voice independence before putting it in context with the full ensemble.
Emphasize tone quality on the G string explorations; intonation challenges are natural at this grade level, but consistent bow speed and contact point make a real difference in how confident the passage sounds.

How to use it

Use this as your season-opening statement. It establishes that your ensemble plays with purpose and maturity while the grade level keeps rehearsal realistic. The dramatic arc also works well as a contrast piece following a quieter work in the second half of a concert.

Skills your students will build

Reading and playing on the G string with comfort
Understanding basic divisi writing and voice independence
Balancing dynamic contrast and sustaining intensity in short, focused phrases
Responding to dramatic musical intent within accessible technical ranges
Ensemble balance when some players carry the primary line while others provide harmonic support