Champions of Our Future: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

This piece captures what a Grade 2 opener should be: immediate energy without sacrificing musicality. Bubbett's understanding of middle school ensembles shines through in writing that sits naturally in the middle of the range, with rhythmic patterns that lock together quickly and melodies strong enough to keep students engaged from rehearsal one. Programming it early in the season sets an upbeat tone while remaining accessible enough to guarantee success in your first performances.

Champions of Our Future charges forward with infectious drive and clarity. The piece hits the stage with momentum and conviction, its strong melodies and interlocking rhythms creating a sense of forward motion that carries listeners along. There is real joy in the writing—bright harmonies and confident orchestration that feel celebratory without ever becoming gimmicky.

Middle school and early high school concert bands looking for a confident opener that energizes both ensemble and audience without requiring advanced technical facility. This works equally well for groups building their first season of strong literature or for established bands wanting a crowd-pleasing piece with substance.

• Establish the driving rhythms clearly from the downbeat; this piece lives in its forward momentum, so lock the pulse early in rehearsals before layering individual parts.
• Balance the strong melodies so they sing above the rhythmic foundation. Have students mark phrase shapes to help them understand where lines breathe and resolve.
• Watch for clarity in the harmonic movement; the clever harmonies are part of the piece's character, so intonation work will pay immediate dividends.
• Use the energy of the opening to maintain audience attention throughout; this is a performer's piece that builds confidence in young musicians.

Open a concert with this piece to establish energy and set a positive tone for the remainder of the program. Its accessibility makes it ideal for early-season performances, benefit concerts, or programming alongside more complex works later in the concert. The work's community-focused origins also make it a natural choice for school showcases or pep band contexts.

• maintaining steady pulse and rhythmic precision in driving accompaniment patterns
• playing strong, song-like melodies with direction and phrasing
• balancing parts and hearing harmonic movement
• responding to conductor gesture and ensemble cues
• building confidence through accessible, rewarding repertoire