Double Agent: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

$55.00 USD

Double Agent: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Double Agent: String Orchestra Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-ST6550
Price: 55.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 1.5

Item: 98-ST6550

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An imagined soundtrack to a high-stakes game of espionage... The music drifts between episodes of intense dissonance and brief moments of calm, allowing you to catch your breath before the chase continues once again. Relying heavily on rhythmic pulse and reinforcing rhythmic independence, this engaging work also offers plenty of opportunities to showcase dynamic contrast and really bring the excitement to a new level!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Double Agent: String Orchestra 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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Series: FJH Beginning Strings

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 241444446980

SKU: 98-ST6550

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has built a reputation as a composer and conductor equally at home in orchestral, band, and chamber settings. His works have been commissioned and performed by professional ensembles and school groups alike, reaching audiences at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, and venues across the globe. He is a member of the American Bandmasters Association and has won the NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest.

Beyond composition, Balmages maintains an active conducting schedule with all-state and regional ensembles, university orchestras, and professional groups worldwide. He has guest conducted at major conferences including the Midwest Clinic and Western International Band Clinic, and his music was performed during the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. Currently, he directs MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.

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Why we love this

The rhythmic drive that powers this piece keeps young string players engaged and accountable. Balmages strips away unnecessary complexity while building genuine musical stakes through dynamic shifts and textural contrasts, making it a smart choice for programs that need accessible yet compelling material.

What to expect

Imagine the soundtrack to a spy thriller condensed into a few minutes. Restless energy punctuates stretches of breathless calm, with the music constantly pivoting between unease and relief. The pulse never lets you settle.

Who it's for

Beginning string orchestras ready to tackle rhythmic complexity and dramatic storytelling at a manageable technical level. This work suits ensembles preparing for festivals or concerts where you want material that entertains audiences while building fundamental skills.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the pulse early in rehearsal and keep it unwavering during the dissonant sections. The tension depends on rhythmic solidity, not rushing.
Shape the dynamic contrasts deliberately. The calm moments land harder when the ensemble has truly backed off from full intensity.
Balance rhythmic independence across parts without letting anyone drift into autopilot. These lines need to feel purposeful even in supporting roles.
Record a run-through and listen for clarity in the fast passages. Sloppy articulation undermines the espionage narrative.

How to use it

Pair this alongside a classical standard to show your ensemble's range in a single program. The novelty factor makes it an excellent opening piece that captures attention and sets an upbeat tone before moving into more traditional repertoire.