Encircled: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Dagenais strikes a genuine balance between accessibility and musical substance at Grade 4. The recurring rhythmic figures ground the piece in military band tradition while the surrounding modern harmonies keep it from feeling nostalgic or stale. Directors will find the cadenzas and lyrical passages offer contrast without requiring advanced ensemble maturity, and the strong rhythmic drive gives student musicians something visceral to propel.

Encircled moves between worlds: traditional military march rhythms surface and circle back, always framed by unexpected harmonic colors and modern sonorities. The experience is dramatic and engaging, driven by a clear melodic identity that evolves throughout. There's forward momentum and architectural clarity, punctuated by moments of lyrical breathing.

Concert bands at the Grade 4 level looking for a contemporary work with real musical substance. The piece balances accessibility with sophisticated compositional thinking, making it ideal for high school programs ready to move beyond purely traditional repertoire without needing to tackle advanced difficulty.

• Establish the main melodic/rhythmic motif clearly in early rehearsals. This material recurs throughout the work, so locking it in early helps the ensemble recognize its transformations as the piece unfolds.
• Balance the traditional rhythmic passages against the modern harmonic language. Dagenais intends these as a dialogue, not a conflict; the older figures should sit naturally within the newer sonorities without either overwhelming the other.
• Shape the cadenzas with intention rather than hesitation. These moments reward confident phrasing and can energize an ensemble if treated as lyrical peaks rather than technical breaks.
• Let the rhythmic drive build momentum in the powerful sections. Maintain clear ensemble articulation so the modern harmonies don't muddy the forward motion.

Program this as a centerpiece for a contemporary concert or as a striking contrast on a festival performance. The piece works well in a set with traditional marches or overtures because it acknowledges tradition while pushing beyond it, making it an effective bridge in a varied concert arc.

• Recognition and development of recurring melodic/rhythmic motifs
• Balance between traditional and modern harmonic language
• Phrasing and interpretation of cadenza-like passages
• Ensemble articulation in sustained rhythmic figures
• Musical maturity in handling dramatic contrast and dynamic shaping