Chinese Folk Fantasy: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By James Curnow
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00244037
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Description
The distinctive music of China and its rich history in the arts give this medley a special appeal to student performers. James Curnow's excellent blend of three traditional folk melodies is ideal as a teaching piece for young bands, and also an effective number for contest or festival. Includes: Dayung Sampan, Shalihonba and Yangtze Boatmen's Chantey. Dur: 2:30
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00244037
More about this title
About the Composer: James Curnow
James Curnow stands among the most prolific and respected composers for concert band, with a catalogue spanning educational works, contest pieces, and full-length compositions. His approach to band writing consistently prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing musical substance, making his pieces invaluable resources for directors building young ensembles. Curnow's gift for orchestration ensures that even at entry level grades, every section finds rewarding musical material.
Why we love this
Curnow resists the urge to oversimplify these folk melodies; instead, he weaves them together with genuine musical logic and harmonic interest. The piece works equally well as a learning vehicle and a performance centerpiece, giving your students a concrete reason to care about ensemble balance and phrase shape from day one.
What to expect
A journey across three distinct musical landscapes without ever losing forward motion. The melodies carry warmth and directness, evoking a storytelling quality that even young musicians can grasp and convey; there's nothing cynical or abstract about the music.
Who it's for
Grade 2 bands with 18 months to two years of playing experience will find genuine success here. The piece suits the player who has solid fundamental technique but is still building confidence in sight-reading and ensemble awareness.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the steady pulse in rehearsal before layering individual parts. These folk melodies sit comfortably at a moderate tempo, but early run-throughs often collapse without a clear conductor beat.
- Balance the melody between clarinet and cornet sections; both instruments carry significant thematic material, and the effectiveness of the medley depends on clean voice leading.
- Pay attention to articulation changes between the three tunes. The shift in character from one folk song to the next signals a new section to the audience, so your band's execution of those transitions matters for clarity.
- Mark breathing spots clearly in parts so that sustained notes don't turn into airless walls of sound. The legit feel relies on spaces between phrases.
How to use it
This works beautifully on a concert of folk arrangements or cultural music units, pairing well with other non-Western or traditional repertoire. It also fits naturally into a spring or festival program when you want a performance piece that demonstrates student growth without demanding advanced technical facility.
Skills your students will build
- Identifying and tracking melodic material across instrumental voices
- Maintaining consistent intonation in sustained harmony parts
- Executing clear sectional transitions and dynamic shape
- Balancing foreground melodies with supporting accompaniment
- Reading and executing varied articulation styles within a single piece