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Con Spirito: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

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Con Spirito Cover Image

Con Spirito: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Fanfare and Celebration

By Chris M. Bernotas

Grade: 4

Item: 00-50414

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Description
Con Spirito, by Chris M. Bernotas, is an exhilarating concert opener with bold themes and powerful and melodic musical statements. Propelled by energetic percussion, strong brass, and exciting woodwind flourishes, the music reflects the emotion of its title, "With Spirit." Every section plays an important role, balancing challenge with accessibility, creating a powerful opening fanfare that gives way to a triumphant and celebratory atmosphere. Shifting textures, tempos, and melodies drive the momentum forward, building to a thrilling conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Con Spirito: 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: Alfred Concert Band Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
ISBN10: 1-4706-8066-1
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-8066-4
UPC: 038081604954
SKU: 00-50414

More about this title

About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas brings over 25 years of experience as a composer, conductor, and music educator. Currently serving as Director of Instrumental Publications for Alfred Music, he develops band and orchestra materials used by ensembles worldwide, from student groups to advanced performers. His compositions balance musical integrity with accessibility, earning recognition as core repertoire in concert band literature.

Bernotas's work in the classroom directly informs his writing. He understands the pedagogical challenges directors face and composes music that challenges students while remaining teachable. His contributions extend beyond the page; he regularly conducts honor groups, leads workshops, and presents on composition and conducting. He has co-authored multiple educational resources including Sound Innovations Ensemble Development, Sound Artistry, and Sound Performance, cementing his role as a thought leader in music education.

Why we love this

Con Spirito delivers a concert opening that commands attention without demanding excessive rehearsal time. The writing distributes material evenly across sections, ensuring every player contributes meaningfully while the piece remains solidly within Grade 4 reach. Bernotas builds momentum through layered textures and shifting melodic statements, creating the kind of thrilling finale that energizes audiences and performers alike.

What to expect

Energy radiates from the opening downbeat. Bold brass statements and snappy woodwind passages create forward momentum that never stalls, propelled by purposeful percussion writing that emphasizes drive rather than complexity. The piece embodies celebratory confidence, building to a conclusion that feels genuinely triumphant.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the Grade 4 level seeking a professional-sounding opener for festivals and competitions. Directors need repertoire that sounds mature and polished without requiring a lengthy rehearsal investment, making this ideal for fall concert season or festival programming. This piece works equally well for groups new to this level and those refining their ensemble sound.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the brass fanfare against woodwind flourishes in the opening section so neither overwhelms the other; the two colors should support rather than compete.
  • Lock the percussion section's energy with the tempo to propel momentum forward; slight flexibility here will rob the piece of its driving character.
  • Shape the triumphant middle section with a slight crescendo arch rather than a sustained forte so the final build retains impact.

How to use it

Open a fall festival or contest performance with this piece to set a high-energy tone and capture judges' and audience attention immediately. Program it alongside lyrical or lighter fare to highlight textural contrast and show your band's dynamic range. The piece also works as a strong closer for a shorter, lighter concert where you want to send the audience out energized.

Skills your students will build

  • Balancing multiple melodic lines and sectional colors
  • Reading and executing tempo shifts and textural changes
  • Building and sustaining ensemble momentum through ensemble cohesion
  • Responding to dynamic and stylistic variation within a single piece
  • Precision in executing brass fanfare figures and woodwind flourishes under tempo

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