Communion: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Strommen understands the concert band idiom at its core, and Communion delivers exactly what a Grade 3 ensemble needs: a piece that opens with accessible, confidence-building material before building toward a genuinely stirring climax. The progression from chorale to energetic celebration mirrors the actual journey of band community and feels earned rather than contrived. The brass-and-woodwind texture in the final section gives every section something rewarding to play.

Communion opens with quiet dignity and reflection, inviting listeners into a moment of musical gathering. The music gradually awakens, building momentum and joy until the final section erupts with bold brass confidence, underpinned by shimmering woodwind color. The overall arc feels celebratory without being saccharine, capturing both the intimacy of musicians making music together and the collective power they create.

This score and parts set is ideal for developing concert bands working at the Grade 3 level, whether in high school, middle school, or community settings. Directors seeking a contest or festival piece that combines musical substance with accessibility will find a work that challenges students without overwhelming them. The variety of textures and emotional arc makes it equally suitable for concerts emphasizing band as a social and artistic community.

• Balance the initial chorale carefully; this is the piece's emotional foundation. Intonation and blend matter more than volume here.
• Prepare the transition into the faster section with deliberate rhythmic precision in sectional rehearsals. The shift in character needs clarity without rushing.
• Let the brass lead the final melody confidently, but keep woodwind ornaments crisp and controlled so they enhance rather than obscure the main line.
• Use the full 5:40 runtime to allow the climactic section to breathe; resist the urge to tighten tempo in the excitement.

Program Communion as a centerpiece for a concert exploring themes of community or connection; it pairs naturally with other accessible works that honor ensemble identity. The piece also shines in festival or contest settings where its musical substance and clear structure will engage both judges and audiences. Consider placing it as the anchor of a set where it can follow lighter fare and transition into heavier repertoire.

• Voicing and balance in sustained chorale textures
• Transition between contrasting tempos and characters
• Ensemble precision in rapid, ornamented passages
• Dynamic control across a full range from quiet reflection to bold fortissimo
• Coordination of multiple simultaneous melodic lines (brass and woodwinds)