Calypso Beach: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Mike Collins-Dowden
Grade: 1
Item: 98-DB1705
$40.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Calypso Beach: Score | $5.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Flute | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Oboe | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Bassoon | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: B-flat Clarinet 1 | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: B-flat Clarinet 2 | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: B-flat Bass Clarinet | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: E-flat Alto Saxophone | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: B-flat Tenor Saxophone | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: E-flat Baritone Saxophone | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: B-flat Trumpet 1 | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: B-flat Trumpet 2 | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: F Horn | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Trombone | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Baritone / Euphonium | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Baritone T.C. | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Tuba | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Mallet Percussion | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Percussion 1 | $7.00 | |
| Calypso Beach: Percussion 2 | $7.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
This fun and accessible piece captures the carefree feel of music playing on a Caribbean beach. All instruments take a turn playing syncopated melodies, supported by rhythmic ostinatos and energetic percussion parts. Great for teaching a variety of dynamics and articulations. Students will not want to hand this one back in!
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Beginning Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DB1705
More about this title
About the Composer: Mike Collins-Dowden
Mike Collins-Dowden has taught band to 4th and 5th graders at Pleasant Ridge School in Glenview, Illinois, since 2007. He holds a B.M. in music education and trombone performance from the Eastman School of Music (2003) and an M.M. in music education from Temple University (2007). During his time at Eastman, he performed with the Wind Ensemble on their 2004 Japan tour.
Collins-Dowden writes frequently for young ensembles, drawing directly from his classroom experience. He has published more than 30 works with Alfred/Belwin, FJH, and Jalen Music. Beyond composing and teaching, he performs trombone and guitar and has even explored music composition on a Nintendo Game Boy.
Why we love this
Collins-Dowden understands what Grade 1 students actually need to play and enjoy. Every section of the band gets a moment with the melody, which keeps energy high and everyone invested. The syncopated writing sits perfectly in the young band's wheelhouse without patronizing the players, and the rhythmic ostinatos create a solid foundation that lets inexperienced musicians feel what real ensemble playing sounds like.
What to expect
Warm, bright, and undeniably fun. The piece captures the relaxed, swaying groove of Caribbean music while keeping the energy forward and infectious. Students will hear themselves creating something musical and stylistically authentic from their very first rehearsal.
Who it's for
Grade 1 concert bands ready to explore syncopation and dynamic contrast with immediate musical payoff. This piece works for groups still building fundamental reading skills, as the part writing stays accessible while introducing rhythmic and articulation concepts that engage young musicians intellectually.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the rhythmic pulse through the percussion and low brass before bringing in the syncopated melodies. A rock-solid foundation makes the syncopation read cleanly.
- Mark articulation clearly at the first rehearsal. The piece uses articulation as a teaching tool, so pointing out where tonguing changes from detached to legato will help students understand how articulation shapes the Caribbean character.
- Balance the ostinatos underneath the featured melodies. Younger players tend to match volume with importance, so a quick balance check ensures the supporting parts stay in the background.
- Let the percussion shine without overwhelming the band. These parts are designed to drive the energy, but they should sparkle on top of the ensemble rather than drown it out.
How to use it
Use this early in the school year or season when you need an instant morale booster alongside more foundational repertoire. It also makes an excellent closer for a concert, where the upbeat groove and accessibility mean every member of the audience will leave smiling.
Skills your students will build
- Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
- Dynamic contrast and control
- Articulation variety (staccato versus legato)
- Melodic independence while supporting ostinatos
- Ensemble balance and blend in a Caribbean musical style