Fair Winds: Score
By Bruce Preuninger
Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0000517
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Description
Reflecting a sailor's desire for full sails and calm seas, Fair Winds opens with a rhythmic and jaunty theme that is later contrasted with smooth, flowing sections. Throughout the piece, there is an ever-present pulse of forward motion-even during the expressive and lyrical section that precedes a return to the initial thematic material. The piece concludes with winds and percussion joining in a powerful finale. Fair Winds will work well for concert or contest, and will keep performers and audience members fully engaged from first note to last.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Fair Winds: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Young Symphonic
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PR-0000517
More about this title
About the Composer: Bruce Preuninger
Bruce Preuninger earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Eastern Washington University and later completed a Master's degree at Gonzaga University, focusing on K-12 music curriculum development. He spent 36 years teaching instrumental music in public schools, first in Bellevue and then in Spokane's East Valley School District, before retiring in 2005.
Since 1999, Preuninger's band compositions have been published by Alfred Music and have earned recognition on state and international contest lists. His work reflects deep classroom experience and an understanding of what young musicians need to grow.
Why we love this
Fair Winds captures the musical and emotional arc that middle school bands crave at this level. The contrasts between the snappy opening and the lyrical midsection give every section something to sink their teeth into, while the persistent forward momentum means the piece never loses energy even when things get reflective. It's the kind of piece that sounds bigger than its grade level suggests.
What to expect
Fair Winds evokes the urgency and optimism of a ship setting sail with the wind at its back. The initial theme bounces with nautical swagger, then yields to moments of serene reflection before surging forward again with renewed purpose and a powerful, full-voiced conclusion.
Who it's for
Concert bands in grades 2-3 looking for a piece with genuine musical substance and clear architecture. This works equally well for groups preparing for festival or contest and those simply building a strong concert program.
How to get the most out of it
- Anchor the jaunty opening theme with clear articulation in the woodwinds. Let the rhythm section lock into the pulse immediately so the band moves as one unit from the first bar.
- Shape the smooth, flowing section with long phrase lines and controlled breath points. This moment should feel like a genuine shift in character, not just a slower version of the opening.
- Balance the finale carefully as winds and percussion enter. Let the brass and woodwinds sing over the percussion texture rather than competing with it for space.
How to use it
Program this early in a concert to establish energy and engagement, or use it as a bridge between heavier or more solemn repertoire. Its moderate length and accessible difficulty make it an excellent festival selection that showcases both technical and musical growth without placing unreasonable demands on developing players.
Skills your students will build
- Contrasting articulation styles (crisp staccato versus legato phrasing)
- Dynamic shaping across lyrical and energetic sections
- Ensemble balance between melodic and accompaniment voices
- Sustaining rhythmic pulse and forward motion through tempo and character changes
- Full-band texture coordination with winds and percussion