Con Spirito: 3rd B-flat Clarinet
Fanfare and Celebration
By Chris M. Bernotas
Grade: 4
Item: 00-PC-0019766_C3
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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: 3rd B-flat Clarinet 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
SKU:
00-PC-0019766_C3
More about this title
About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas
Chris M. Bernotas leads instrumental publications at Alfred Music, where he shapes educational resources for band and orchestra programs worldwide. With more than 25 years in music education, he has earned recognition as a composer and conductor whose works balance musicality with pedagogical purpose, performed by ensembles ranging from developing groups to advanced programs across the globe.
Bernotas draws on extensive classroom experience to inform his compositions, understanding firsthand the real demands directors face when selecting repertoire that challenges without overwhelming. He regularly serves as a guest conductor and clinician, leading honor ensembles and workshops while co-authoring several educational publications including the Sound Innovations and Sound Performance series. His advocacy for thoughtful music education extends through presentations on conducting, composition, and pedagogy, cementing his influence on how young musicians learn and grow.
Why we love this
Con Spirito opens your concert with genuine momentum. The piece layers accessible writing across all sections with textures and tempos that shift just enough to keep the energy alive without losing young musicians, making it rare find that works equally well for both audience impact and student engagement.
What to expect
Con Spirito propels forward with bold declarations and celebratory confidence. Bold brass lines anchor the piece while energetic percussion and woodwind flourishes create a sense of building triumph, all designed to leave listeners eager for what comes next on your program.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 4 level seeking a strong opener that commands attention without requiring advanced technical facility. This works for ensembles preparing for festival performance, concert competitions, or any program opening that needs to energize an audience from the first measure.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the opening fanfare with precision in the brass section; crisp articulation and unified dynamics here set the tone for everything that follows.
- Balance the woodwind flourishes against the brass themes rather than letting them compete; these lines complement the overall propulsion rather than interrupt it.
- Let the percussion drive the momentum throughout, particularly in transitions between sections. Their energy supports ensemble cohesion during tempo and texture shifts.
- Build the final section with gradual intensity rather than jumping to full volume; the thrilling conclusion lands harder when the climax feels earned.
How to use it
Program this as your opening number to establish momentum and capture attention immediately. Its triumphant character and tight structure make it ideal for festival competition formats, and the celebratory atmosphere works especially well in spring concerts or graduation ceremonies where ensemble pride matters.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melodic lines across multiple sections simultaneously
- Responding to shifting tempos and dynamic changes within a structured form
- Maintaining rhythmic precision under energetic percussion accompaniment
- Executing brass fanfare figures with articulation control and blend
- Reading and performing syncopated rhythmic figures in woodwind parts