Eternal Flame: 3rd B-flat Trumpet
By Brian Balmages
Grade: 4.5
Item: 00-PC-0019216_T3
$3.00
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Description
This thrilling and majestic overture by Brian Balmages pays homage to the only eternal flame memorial in the United States dedicated to Medal of Honor recipients. Subtle nods to "America" remind the listener of the incredible sacrifices made by these brave individuals. While the piece is not overtly patriotic, the olympic-style fanfares and stately themes make it more than suitable for such an occasion! (5:40)
Recorded sound courtesy of the U. S . Marine Band®. Use of the recorded sound does not constitute or imply endorsement by the Department of Defense, U.S . Marine Corps, or U. S. Marine Band®.
The terms U.S . Marine Band® and "The President's Own®" are trademarks of the U.S . Marine Corps, used with permission.
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Additional Details
Series:
MakeMusic Symphonic Band
Publisher:
MakeMusic Publications
SKU:
00-PC-0019216_T3
More about this title
About the Composer: Brian Balmages
Brian Balmages commands respect across orchestral, band, and chamber music circles, with performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, and beyond. His accolades include the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest for Love and Light, and membership in the American Bandmasters Association.
Balmages has conducted all-state and regional ensembles worldwide, with notable guest appearances at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, and the College Band Directors Conference. He received the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award and was commissioned by the University of Miami to compose for the inauguration of its 6th president. His work was performed at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service attended by President Obama and Vice President Biden. He currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.
Why we love this
Balmages crafts patriotic music that earns its emotion through musical substance rather than surface-level flag-waving. The olympic-style fanfares and stately themes give bands at this level a vehicle for dignified, impactful playing that resonates in concert and contest settings alike.
What to expect
Eternal Flame builds from contemplative opening material into sweeping fanfares that convey dignity and strength without bombast. The piece unfolds with the ceremonial grandeur of a memorial tribute, inviting players and listeners into a space of reflection and respect.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the advanced high school or early college level seeking repertoire with genuine programmatic substance and appropriate difficulty for festivals and formal concerts. Directors who want their students to engage with music that honors meaningful themes while developing mature interpretive and technical skills.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the subtle "America" references so they emerge naturally within the larger thematic structure rather than announcing themselves; these moments work best when listeners recognize them intuitively.
- Shape the fanfares with precision and weight; the march-like energy demands clean articulation and unified phrasing across sections.
- Allow the opening and development to breathe; resist the urge to rush through quieter passages, which build the emotional foundation for the piece's majestic climaxes.
- Use the recorded Marine Band performance as a reference for how to balance the band's color and dynamics across the full arc of the work.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece for patriotic-themed concerts, armed forces appreciation events, or ceremonial occasions where a substantive musical statement matters. Its five-minute-plus duration and contest-appropriate designation also make it a strong choice for festival programming or adjudicated performances.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained dynamic control and gradual crescendos across longer phrases
- Fanfare articulation and precision in fast, rhythmically driving passages
- Balancing solo lines and thematic material within a full band texture
- Interpretive shaping of programmatic content and emotional arc
- Sectional independence while maintaining ensemble unity