De Colores: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$60.00 USD

De Colores: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: De Colores: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 81-CB220401
Price: 60.00 USD
Availability: InStock

All the Colors

Mexican Folk Song / arr. David Marlatt

Grade: 2

Item: 81-CB220401

$60.00

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De Colores is a traditional Mexican folk tune often performed by the famous Mariachi bands. This simple and elegant waltz has been arranged as an alto sax duet feature. The horns and low brass add harmony to the duet and the trumpets play their traditional roll in a Mariachi band, which is to add color and fill gaps in the melody.

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Series: Eighth Note Publications

Publisher: Eighth Note Publications

ISBN10: 1-77157-715-0

ISBN13: 978-1-77157-715-1

UPC: 685462027163

SKU: 81-CB220401

More about this title

Why we love this

Marlatt's arrangement gives the alto saxes genuine featured writing without isolating them from the ensemble; the surrounding harmonies from horns and low brass feel integral rather than accompaniment-like. Trumpets maintain the authentic Mariachi character through their traditional role, which keeps the arrangement rooted in the source material while still serving the concert band idiom. At Grade 2, the voicing remains clean and playable, yet the piece never feels thin.

What to expect

Warm, unhurried, and gently lyrical. The waltz meter gives the piece a naturally dancing quality, while the Mariachi influences (especially through trumpet color) add a brightness that feels celebratory without demanding technical virtuosity. There's an elegance in the simplicity.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the Grade 2 level seeking accessible yet musically genuine repertoire that features section soloists. Directors programming folk traditions or looking for pieces with cultural roots will find this arrangement respectful of its source while remaining manageable for developing musicians.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the alto sax duet so both voices remain audible; mark dynamic relationships between the saxes and the supporting brass to prevent the duet from getting buried.
Shape the waltz rhythm with gentle emphasis on beat one; resist pushing the tempo, which will help the melody breathe and let the three-quarter feel settle naturally.
Give trumpet players room to accent their filler phrases without overshadowing the sax line; these punctuations are melodic gestures, not mere color.
Rehearse the horns and low brass as a unified harmony section; they should support the saxes as a single harmonic voice rather than multiple independent lines.

How to use it

Program this as a palate-cleansing piece mid-concert or as part of a folk traditions set. It pairs well with other world music arrangements and offers a natural contrast to heavier Grade 2 selections, making it ideal for concert pacing. The moderate length and engaging alto sax writing also make it a strong choice for festivals and competitions.