Currents: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Robert W. Smith
Grade: 3.5 (Medium Easy to Medium)
Item: 00-PK-0000909
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Description
The term current is defined as a steady flow of water, air or electricity in a particular direction. Whatever form the current takes, it is a fascinating source of energy that supports, yet challenges mankind in multiple ways. The composition "Currents" by Robert W. Smith takes its inspiration by the various forms of energy used in the art of music and in music education. Unpredictable, yet constantly flowing, the interacting musical lines of energy provide a unique experience for both performer and listener alike.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Currents: 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:
Belwin Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
236
SKU:
00-PK-0000909
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith stands among the most performed composers of concert band and orchestral music in the United States. His catalog exceeds 400 published works, the majority distributed through Alfred Music, and his compositions have traveled to audiences across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Troy State University and a Master's degree in Music from the University of Miami.
Smith's works span concert halls, festival stages, and national broadcasts alike. His symphonies The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey have become touchstones for developing ensembles, while pieces like The Tempest have secured lasting places in the standard band repertoire. His expertise extends beyond composition; he has served as conductor and clinician internationally, and his music has been featured on major network television, Olympic broadcasts, and iconic American ceremonies.
Why we love this
Smith writes with a composer's understanding of what energizes both ensemble and audience. The musical metaphor of current (steady yet dynamic flow) translates into interacting lines that feel organic and purposeful rather than busy, making this ideal for groups ready to navigate medium-difficulty writing without sacrificing musicality. At Grade 3.5, it strikes the balance many directors seek: rewarding to conduct, engaging for students, and substantial enough for festival consideration.
What to expect
Currents moves with purpose and fluidity, its musical lines pushing forward like water or electricity seeking their path. There's an undercurrent of energy throughout, balanced by moments of clarity where melodic material surfaces and sings. The piece invites both player and listener into something organic and ever-moving.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 3 to 3.5 level will find accessible yet satisfying material here. Directors preparing repertoire for festival adjudication or concert programming will appreciate a work that develops musicianship while remaining within reach of developing ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
- Attend to the independence of your inner voices. Smith's layered texture relies on each section maintaining its melodic line clearly; under-projection in the middle voices will flatten the piece.
- Shape the phrasing through subtle dynamic contours rather than sharp attacks. The "current" concept works best when lines feel continuous and propulsive.
- Balance ensemble sound as lines flow between sections. Watch for moments where a theme passes from woodwinds to brass; the handoff should feel seamless, not like a baton drop.
How to use it
Program Currents as a centerpiece on a concert built around thematic unity, pairing it with contrasting selections that emphasize the dynamic motion Smith establishes. Its contest-appropriate difficulty makes it an excellent choice for festival performances mid-season, after technique has solidified but with time to refine interpretation.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining musical lines through dynamic layering and voice independence
- Responding to conductor interpretation while maintaining ensemble cohesion
- Balancing rhythmic precision with flowing, connected phrasing
- Tracking melodic material as it migrates between sections