Counterbalance: Concert Band Conductor Score

Stalter writes with a clear pedagogical ear for what medium-easy bands can accomplish musically. Rather than relying on repetition or simplified textures, he uses straightforward contrasts to keep the ensemble engaged and the audience attentive, making this an ideal choice for groups looking to program something contemporary that doesn't compromise musicality.

Counterbalance feels energetic and intelligently constructed, playing with musical opposites in ways that feel playful rather than abstract. The piece moves with purpose, maintaining interest through textural variety and keeps both the band and audience alert to what comes next.

This score works for any medium-easy concert band looking to add a contemporary piece with clear structural logic and engaging orchestration. Directors seeking repertoire that teaches musical balance and contrast without overwhelming younger or less experienced ensembles will find this accessible yet substantive.

• Shape the dynamic contrasts deliberately. The piece trades between soft and loud sections, so establish clear dynamic ceilings and floors in rehearsal before adding tempo or expression work.
• Highlight the angular vs. smooth sections by asking the ensemble to commit fully to each character. The contrast reads best when both extremes feel authentic rather than exaggerated.
• Use the sectional transitions as natural breathing points. The opposites structure creates built-in phrase boundaries, so conductor and ensemble can reset focus between contrasting ideas.
• Rehearse the registers (high, middle, low) as separate voices first. Once each family is secure in its material, the full texture emerges with clarity and independence.

Program this in the first half of a concert to establish contemporary compositional thinking early, or use it as a closer that leaves the audience with vibrant energy. It pairs well alongside classical or standard-era works on the same program, as the contrast in musical language strengthens both.

• Executing precise dynamic contrasts (soft vs. loud)
• Shifting between contrasting articulations and textures (smooth vs. angular)
• Reading and balancing independent register lines
• Maintaining ensemble cohesion during sectional dialogue
• Responding to structural contrasts as ensemble markers