Call to the Heroes: Score
By Chris M. Bernotas
Grade: 1.5 (Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0004194
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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: Score 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
SKU:
00-PR-0004194
More about this title
About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas
Chris M. Bernotas brings over 25 years of music education experience to his work as a composer, conductor, and educator. As Director of Instrumental Publications for Alfred Music, he shapes band and orchestra curricula used by programs worldwide, drawing on deep classroom experience to ensure his compositions address real teaching challenges while engaging students musically.
Bernotas is known for writing music that balances accessibility with emotional substance. Beyond composing, he has co-authored instructional resources including the Sound Innovations series, Sound Artistry, and Sound Performance. He regularly conducts honor ensembles and leads clinics for directors and students, and his advocacy work focuses on conducting, composition, and pedagogy across the music education community.
Why we love this
Call to the Heroes delivers genuine emotional weight without overwhelming a Grade 1.5 ensemble. The piece captures the heroism in everyday life through accessible yet expressive writing, making it meaningful for students to perform and audiences to hear. Programming it around patriotic seasons or service-oriented concert themes creates natural curricular conversation about character and community.
What to expect
Call to the Heroes unfolds with quiet dignity before building to moments of affirmation and strength. The writing celebrates everyday courage through a straightforward, singable melody that students can connect with genuinely.
Who it's for
This piece fits Grade 1.5 concert bands seeking repertoire with genuine emotional resonance. It works equally well for groups building fundamental ensemble skills and for programs wanting to add meaningful programming around national holidays or community service themes.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the melodic line across your ensemble so the heroic theme emerges clearly; this piece relies on clear voice leading to communicate its message.
- Shape phrases toward moments of arrival rather than rushing through sections. Even at this level, attention to phrasing language elevates the emotional impact.
- Allow younger players time to absorb the patriotic character before rehearsal. Brief context about the piece's inspiration often deepens their investment in performance.
How to use it
Consider this a centerpiece for summer or July programming, particularly for concerts honoring first responders or celebrating community heroes. Its modest length (2:10) and Grade 1.5 instrumentation make it an accessible choice for young ensembles while its patriotic substance gives weight to any concert framework.
Skills your students will build
- Phrasing and musical expression at accessible levels
- Playing with ensemble balance and clarity of line
- Interpreting patriotic character and emotional tone
- Sustaining focus through a concert-length piece with clear structural arc