Challenge the Future: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Mike Story
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0002036
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Description
Inspired by the tragic explosion of the space shuttle Challenger when seven of our astronauts perished, Challenge the Future is dedicated to the brave men and women who continue to fly the Shuttle and to the premise that even in tragedy, we must still "reach for the stars." Bold and uplifting! (3:26)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Challenge the Future: 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:
Belwin Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
128
SKU:
00-PK-0002036
More about this title
About the Composer: Mike Story
Mike Story is a prolific composer and arranger whose concert band music has become a fixture in American school programs. His work across all grade levels demonstrates a gift for writing music that engages young musicians while respecting their developing skills, and his compositions often carry meaningful programmatic content that resonates with students and audiences alike.
Why we love this
Story captures the emotional weight of the Challenger tragedy without sentiment; instead, he channels it into music that feels genuinely hopeful and energizing. The Grade 2 scoring makes this accessible to developing bands while maintaining the dignity the subject deserves, and directors who program it consistently report that students grasp the piece's purpose and rise to meet its emotional demands.
What to expect
Challenge the Future opens with bold affirmation before moving through passages that evoke both remembrance and resolve. The music carries an undeniable sense of aspiration and courage without becoming heavy or overly dramatic, leaving performers and listeners with a feeling of forward-looking optimism.
Who it's for
This piece works well for concert bands at the Grade 2 level who are ready for music with genuine programmatic substance. It appeals to directors seeking meaningful repertoire that also serves as an effective contest or festival selection.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the bold melodic material in the upper voices with a transparent harmonic foundation; Grade 2 bands often muddy the texture by over-playing supporting parts.
- Establish a steady, confident tempo from the downbeat. The uplifting character depends on forward momentum without rushing.
- Shape the phrase endings with slight breath room even where there are no rests; let the music breathe to honor the programmatic intent.
- Emphasize dynamic contrast where indicated. The contrast between bold passages and softer moments reinforces the emotional arc.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece of a concert focused on American themes or as a spring festival selection where its length (3:26) and Grade 2 accessibility fit a mixed repertoire program. The piece also works as a standalone tribute concert selection, particularly in educational contexts where the Challenger mission or space exploration connects to classroom learning.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melody and accompaniment in mixed textures
- Sustaining phrase shape across longer melodic lines
- Playing with dynamic contrast and expressive intention
- Maintaining steady tempo under varying musical demands
- Understanding programmatic music and connecting emotional content to performance