Elements: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$120.00 USD

Elements: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Elements: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-B1437
Price: 120.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Petite Symphony

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 4

Item: 98-B1437

$120.00

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This medium-length four-movement work is structured in the same form as a traditional symphony (though much shorter) and corresponds with specific elements. Air, the first movement has a minimalistic quality to it and the entire movement develops around a four-note motif. The second movement, Water, is very impressionistic and describes a quiet body of water with a glass-like surface. The third movement, Earth, is a light and playful scherzo that pays homage to Holst’s Mercury from The Planets. The final movement, Fire, is aggressive and relentless as dissonance and rhythm become the focus before a wildly powerful fugue ensues. Dramatic and engaging!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Elements: 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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Series: FJH Symphonic Band

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 674398226696

SKU: 98-B1437

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages commands equal fluency across orchestral, band, and chamber idioms, earning him performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, and countless other major venues. His accolades include the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, first place in the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest for Love and Light, and membership in the American Bandmasters Association.

As a conductor, Balmages guests regularly with all-state ensembles, university orchestras, and professional groups worldwide. He has appeared at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, and numerous national conferences. Currently serving as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic, he continues to balance an active composing schedule with conducting and educational leadership.

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Why we love this

This work delivers genuine symphonic substance at a Grade 4 level without sacrificing musical integrity or engagement. The elemental framework gives you natural programming hooks and thematic coherence across four movements, while Balmages' orchestration ensures every section stays active and invested throughout.

What to expect

Elements moves from austere minimalism through shimmering impressionism, rousing pastoral humor, and finally relentless aggression. The arc feels complete and intentional, rewarding both the performers discovering each movement's character and the audience following the dramatic journey.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the Grade 4 level seeking substantial, four-movement repertoire with strong contest potential. This work suits programs that value orchestration depth and musical architecture alongside technical accessibility.

How to get the most out of it

The minimalist opening of Air demands precision in sustains and dynamics; guard against the band's instinct to swell on that four-note motif. Let it breathe as written.
In Water, resist over-romanticizing the impressionistic texture. The glassy surface works best when players commit to stillness rather than attempting expression through vibrato or rubato.
Highlight the Holstian DNA in Earth's scherzo by maintaining clarity in articulation and keeping the lighter textures transparent. This movement earns its playfulness through rhythmic accuracy.
Fire's fugue demands relentless momentum and textural clarity as voices enter. Mark your score carefully so each section knows exactly when they hold the main line.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece work on a concert featuring shorter selections, or pair it with lighter fare in the first half to let Fire land with full impact as a finale. Its contest-worthy credentials also make it an excellent choice for spring festival programming.