Danza Feliz: Score
By William Owens
Level:.5
Item: 98-DB1778S
$6.00
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Description
Spice up your next concert with this catchy, Latin-flavored work. The thoughtful use of articulations will encourage stylistic growth and the strategic voicing will help your students sound mature beyond their years. A fun mariachi-style ending punctuates this colorful work for your youngest musicians.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Danza Feliz: Score 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:
FJH Starter Series
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DB1778S
More about this title
About the Composer: William Owens
William Owens brings three decades of classroom experience to his compositions for young musicians. A VanderCook College of Music graduate and Distinguished Alumnus, he spent 30 years directing bands in Texas before retiring in 2014 to compose full-time. His catalog of over 300 works for concert band, string orchestra, and small ensemble reflects a pragmatic understanding of what student musicians need to grow musically and technically.
Recognized by ASCAP, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the American Bandmasters Association, Owens has established himself as a trusted voice in repertoire for developing ensembles. His compositions balance accessibility with artistic merit, earning placement on state required music lists and inclusion in educational texts. He currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas.
Why we love this
Owens crafts writing that sounds sophisticated without overwhelming young players. The Latin styling and strategic articulations give your band a chance to explore rhythmic precision and stylistic nuance while the mariachi-style finale delivers genuine musical payoff. This is the kind of accessible concert opener that students actually enjoy learning.
What to expect
Danza Feliz captures the infectious energy of Latin music with bright orchestration and rhythmic drive. The piece radiates joy and motion, building toward a vibrant mariachi celebration that leaves audiences smiling.
Who it's for
Beginning and early intermediate concert bands seeking accessible yet engaging repertoire that builds musicianship. This work suits young ensembles ready to explore Latin American musical styles without technical overwhelm.
How to get the most out of it
- Isolate the articulation patterns in sectional rehearsals before putting the full band together. The articulations are essential to capturing the Latin character.
- Balance the percussion section carefully during the mariachi ending. These instruments drive the style and energy, so make sure they're prominent without overpowering the melodic lines.
- Shape the phrasing in the main sections with attention to the rhythmic groove. This isn't march-time; the Latin feel requires a relaxed, slightly laid-back approach to timing.
- Use the conductor score to map out your interpretation of tempo and dynamics first, then communicate that vision clearly during early rehearsals so the students understand the cultural context of the style.
How to use it
Open a family concert or spring festival with this crowd-pleasing selection. Its accessible charm and upbeat conclusion make it ideal for introducing younger listeners to concert band while showcasing your group's growing musicality and stylistic flexibility.
Skills your students will build
- Latin articulation patterns and their role in rhythmic style
- Balancing melodic lines with rhythmic accompaniment figures
- Maintaining consistent groove in non-march-based meters
- Ensemble precision in syncopated rhythmic passages
- Musical communication across cultural and stylistic contexts