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Call to the Heroes: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

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Call to the Heroes Cover Image

Call to the Heroes: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Chris M. Bernotas

Grade: 1.5 (Easy)

Item: 00-39606

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Description
This piece was inspired by the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and the heroic acts of the first responders. Heroes surround us in life; this piece pays tribute to our everyday heroes, such as our parents, teachers, and peers. (2:10) Correlates to Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2, Level 3. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Call to the Heroes: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Sound Innovations for Concert Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 144
UPC: 038081454634
SKU: 00-39606

More about this title

About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas brings over 25 years of classroom and professional experience to his work as a composer and conductor. As Director of Instrumental Publications at Alfred Music, he has shaped band and orchestra curricula globally while maintaining deep connections to the realities of teaching young musicians. His insight into what students need, what teachers struggle with, and what makes music both accessible and artistically rewarding informs every note he writes.

Beyond the page, Bernotas works regularly as a guest conductor and clinician, leading honor ensembles and workshops that challenge directors and students to think freshly about their craft. He has co-authored several influential educational series, including Sound Innovations Ensemble Development and Sound Artistry. His commitment extends to advocating for music education itself, presenting on conducting, composition, and pedagogy at conferences and schools. With his works performed by ensembles worldwide, from beginners to advanced groups, Bernotas demonstrates that accessibility and artistic merit are not mutually exclusive.

Why we love this

This piece strikes a rare balance: it honors real human courage without veering into sentimentality, and it sits at Grade 1.5 without feeling condescending. The melodic content is memorable enough to stick with students, the orchestration gives every section something meaningful to play, and the emotional arc feels earned rather than imposed. For summer concerts and patriotic programming, it delivers immediate impact while respecting your ensemble's level.

What to expect

Stately and resolute, with an underlying warmth that acknowledges both gravity and hope. The writing respects the capabilities of young musicians while treating the subject matter with sincerity, creating an experience that feels purposeful without being heavy-handed.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the Grade 1.5 level who want meaningful repertoire with contemporary relevance. Directors programming summer concerts or patriotic events will find this piece technically accessible enough to prepare quickly while still offering educational substance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the opening statement clear and grounded; this melody carries the emotional weight of the piece, so intonation and phrase shape matter more than volume
  • Work the rhythm section to lock in together without rushing; the supporting harmonies need to stay confident when the melody becomes more elaborate
  • Balance dynamics carefully through the middle section so the piece builds momentum rather than simply getting louder
  • Bring out the final statement with full ensemble sound, but resist the urge to drag the tempo; let the natural weight of the material speak

How to use it

This works powerfully as the centerpiece of a patriotic or summer pops concert, or as an opening number that sets a thoughtful tone for the rest of your program. It also pairs well with other Bernotas works from Sound Innovations for Concert Band Book 2, allowing you to build a cohesive set around similar pedagogical levels and musical voices.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustaining lyrical phrases across multiple measures
  • Balancing melody and accompaniment within an ensemble texture
  • Responding to emotional intent in conducting gestures
  • Intonation and blend in unison and simple harmonic contexts
  • Understanding how patriotic and commemorative music functions in concert programming

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