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Danny the Brave Heart: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$42.00 USD
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Danny the Brave Heart Cover Image

Danny the Brave Heart: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By John O'Reilly

Grade: 1.5 (Easy)

Item: 00-31683

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Description
This arrangement of two Irish folk songs is dedicated to the memory of Danny Pearl, the Wall Street journalist who was kidnapped and subsequently murdered by Islamic Militants in February 2002. The choice of Danny Boy is an obvious one. The arranger, John O'Reilly, always thinks of Danny when he hears this tune since Mr. O'Reilly's daughter was very close to Danny during their high school years. Danny was a violinist and he loved to play fiddle music. The Wearin' of the Green is in the style Danny enjoyed and the lyrics of the song relate to the struggle of the Irish people as they defied the British oppression. Correlates with Book 2. Page 15

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Danny the Brave Heart: 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: Accent on Achievement
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 122
UPC: 038081344379
SKU: 00-31683

More about this title

About the Composer: John O'Reilly

John O'Reilly brings a personal connection to his arrangements, drawing on lived experience and meaningful relationships to shape his compositional choices. His work demonstrates how folk material can serve larger purposes, transforming familiar melodies into vehicles for remembrance and cultural reflection.

Why we love this

O'Reilly's arrangement honors a genuine person and a profound loss while keeping the musical focus on what makes these two Irish folk songs enduring. At Grade 1.5, the writing is accessible enough for younger ensembles yet respectful of the emotional weight the piece carries. This is the kind of repertoire that teaches students the difference between playing notes and playing with purpose.

What to expect

The arrangement moves between two distinct emotional landscapes: the gentle, reflective contemplation of Danny Boy and the sturdy, defiant character of The Wearin' of the Green. Together they create a musical tribute that honors both personal memory and cultural resilience, all within the reach of a young ensemble.

Who it's for

Beginning to early intermediate concert bands ready for repertoire with real human meaning. Students at this level benefit from learning that arrangements can commemorate important people and events while developing their foundational skills in ensemble blend and phrasing.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody line so it sings clearly above the accompaniment, especially in the Danny Boy section where the tune needs to breathe naturally.
  • Let the ensemble settle into a warm, unhurried tempo for Danny Boy; rushing diminishes the tune's lyrical quality.
  • Bring out the rhythmic energy in The Wearin' of the Green to reflect the spirited character Danny loved in fiddle music.
  • Use dynamic contrast between the two songs to help the audience experience the shift in mood and style.

How to use it

This works especially well in concerts that honor heritage, commemorate important figures, or include cultural narratives. The Grade 1.5 difficulty makes it suitable for mid-season programming once students have developed basic ensemble cohesion. It pairs naturally with other folk song arrangements or concert pieces that explore storytelling through music.

Skills your students will build

  • Lyrical phrasing and legato playing within accessible ranges
  • Balance between melody and accompaniment voices
  • Stylistic contrast between two distinct folk traditions
  • Dynamic control and expressive interpretation at an early level
  • Reading a full conductor score alongside individual parts

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