Conflict of Wills: Concert Band Score

Hilbun crafts genuine musical substance without demanding virtuosity, which means your students stay focused on interpretation rather than survival. The percussion writing alone justifies pulling this off the shelf; it's specific and colorful enough to make your section shine without overwhelming a developing ensemble.

Sharp, energetic, and orchestrally textured despite the developing level. The title suggests conflict, and Hilbun delivers that drama through bold contrasts and scintillating rhythmic interplay that keeps audiences engaged from first note to last.

Grade 2 concert bands looking for repertoire with real substance and room for student growth. Ideal for groups ready to develop independent voices and musicianship beyond basic execution.

• Shape the eighth note and eighth rest figures rhythmically rather than mechanically; they're melodic gestures, not just technical exercises. Slight separation on the rests keeps the momentum alive.
• Balance the expanded percussion section carefully during early rehearsals. Each color serves the overall fabric, so resist the urge to let any one line dominate the texture.
• Build energy toward key structural moments through dynamic control and articulation clarity. The piece rewards intentional phrasing over raw volume.

Open a concert with this piece to establish confidence and momentum, or close one to send the audience out with excitement. It works equally well as a festival entry that shows artistic growth alongside technical control.

• Counting and execution of eighth note and eighth rest figures across the ensemble
• Balancing multiple percussion instruments within the concert band texture
• Phrase shaping and dynamic control in a higher-energy concert setting
• Independence within ensemble voicing