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Escapades: Concert Band Conductor Score

$20.00 USD
$20.00 USD
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Escapades Cover Image
Escapades: Concert Band Conductor Score

Escapades: Concert Band Conductor Score

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 4.5

Item: 98-CM7003S
$20.00
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Escapades: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

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Description
Premiered at the 2005 Michigan Music Educators Conference, Escapades was commissioned by the Grand Valley State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the baton of Barry D. Martin, with Arthur Campbell as clarinet soloist. Since the premiere, it has been scheduled for additional performances in the United States and abroad. The piece gets its inspiration from the title, which can be defined as "a usually adventurous action that runs counter to approved or conventional conduct." This piece is a series of changing "escapades" (or variations) which develop and explore different aspects of the opening thematic material. The entire work builds into a free improvisational section before all elements are united in the final presto.

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Additional Details
Series: Canzonique Music
Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.
UPC: 241444598078
SKU: 98-CM7003S
Instrumentation: Solo Clarinet/Wind Ensemble

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor working across orchestral, band, and chamber idioms with equal fluency. His works have been performed by ensembles ranging from professional orchestras to school groups in major venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. He received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest for Love and Light. He is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association.

Balmages holds the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award from the School of Visual and Performing Arts and was commissioned by the University of Miami to compose music for the inauguration of its 6th president. His music was performed at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. As a guest conductor, he regularly works with all-state, regional, university, and professional ensembles worldwide, with notable appearances at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, and various international conferences. He currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.

Why we love this

This work strikes a confident balance between accessibility and sophistication at the 4.5 grade level. The clarinet soloist gets a genuine showcase with material that develops meaningfully throughout, while the band writing remains transparent enough that ensemble members feel engaged rather than relegated to accompaniment duty.

What to expect

Escapades captures the playful rebellion suggested by its title. The piece unfolds as a series of distinct musical adventures, each one taking a different angle on the central idea, building energy and character with each variation before dissolving into a moment of free expression and then snapping back into focus with brilliant, kinetic presto energy.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the Grade 4.5 level seeking a substantial solo feature that showcases clarinet talent while engaging the full ensemble. This work appeals to directors programming festival concerts or spring pops concerts where a solo spotlight strengthens the program.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the clarinet soloist carefully during the opening thematic statements so the ensemble supports without overpowering the solo line.
  • Treat the free improvisational section as genuinely improvisational in character; encourage the clarinet soloist to shape phrases with rubato, and have the conductor shape ensemble responses to follow.
  • Build momentum steadily through the variations so each escapade feels like a fresh development rather than a repetition of earlier material.
  • Attack the final presto with crisp articulation and clear ensemble unity to bring all the accumulated material into sharp focus.

How to use it

Schedule this as a centerpiece concert work when you have a clarinet soloist ready for a featured role. The relatively recent premiere history and continued performances worldwide make it an excellent choice for showcasing your program's musical sophistication without venturing into overly demanding repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Listening to and supporting a featured soloist
  • Understanding thematic development and variation form
  • Playing with clear articulation and ensemble precision in fast passagework
  • Responding to the conductor's leadership during rubato and improvisational passages
  • Building and sustaining momentum through multi-section forms

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