Cape Breton Lullaby: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Vince Gassi
Grade: 1.5 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0004811
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Description
From the shores of Canada's east coast comes this simple but beautiful folk melody. This lovely arrangement of "Cape Breton Lullaby" offers an excellent opportunity for teaching expression and lyrical playing while adding a refreshing change of pace to your next concert program. Your audiences will savor this charming touch of Nova Scotia.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Cape Breton Lullaby: 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:
Challenger Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
124
SKU:
00-PK-0004811
More about this title
About the Composer: Vince Gassi
Vince Gassi brings two decades of classroom experience to his compositional voice. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario with advanced study in composition and arranging at the Dick Grove School of Music, Gassi earned his Ph.D. from York University in Toronto. His catalog exceeds 100 published works, many of which appear on contest and concert lists across North America, Europe, and Japan.
As a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, Gassi is known for his workshops on creative engagement and digital workflows for music directors. His pieces are frequent selections at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and his energetic, accessible writing has made him a trusted voice in music education since joining Alfred Music in 2006.
Why we love this
This arrangement strikes the balance Grade 1.5 groups need: musically satisfying without technical overwhelm. The folk melody gives students something genuinely beautiful to play while the straightforward voicing lets directors focus rehearsal time on expression, phrasing, and tone quality instead of wrestling with complex rhythms or ranges.
What to expect
Gentle and warmly nostalgic, with the intimate character of a folk lullaby heard from across the water. The melody carries a quiet dignity; it invites rather than demands attention, creating space for singers and listeners alike to feel the sincerity of the tune.
Who it's for
Grade 1.5 concert bands seeking accessible repertoire with genuine musical depth. This piece works equally well for emerging ensembles building foundational skills and for stronger groups looking to program something intimate and reflective on a concert.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melody with gentle dynamics and strategic breath points rather than playing it straight through. The simplicity of the arrangement means every phrase choice becomes audible.
- Listen for balance between the primary melody and supporting voices. At this level, students often push too hard; remind them the accompaniment exists to support, not compete.
- Take time with the fermatas and any ritardandos. Young musicians benefit from conducting clear preparatory beats that signal the group to breathe and reset together.
How to use it
Pair this on a winter or spring concert as an emotional counterweight to brighter, more energetic selections. Its accessibility also makes it ideal for early-season programming when you're solidifying ensemble fundamentals, or as a confidence builder before tackling more complex works.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long tones with consistent tone quality and intonation
- Responding to subtle dynamic and tempo changes
- Balancing individual voice parts within the full sound
- Phrasing lyrical melodies with musicality rather than mechanically