Five Progressive Chorales for Developing Bands: B-flat Clarinet 1
By Brian Balmages
Grade: 1;1.5;2;2.5
Item: 98-PC-DB1363_C1
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Description
This set of chorales was written to embrace a wide range of musical concepts, allowing directors multiple opportunities for working on ensemble sound, intonation, and phrasing. Each chorale includes various tempo and dynamic markings, while additional elements (such as fermatas) are introduced throughout. These chorales will work in a variety of situations — from beginning band (the first chorales use only 6 notes) to accomplished middle school band. Two mallet parts are included — an easier part and a more advanced part that includes multiple notes and rolls. In addition, an auxiliary percussion part is included so students may secure proper techniques on triangle, suspended cymbal, and crash cymbals. Finally, the piano part is useful for directors wishing to either supplement the ensemble or assist during singing.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Developing Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DB1363_C1
More about this title
About the Composer: Brian Balmages
Brian Balmages has built a distinguished career as a composer and conductor working across orchestral, band, and chamber music. His works have been performed by ensembles ranging from professional orchestras to school programs in venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. He is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association and received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, along with the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest prize for Love and Light.
Beyond composition, Balmages maintains an active conducting schedule with all-state ensembles, university orchestras, and professional groups worldwide. He has guest conducted at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, and numerous state and national conferences. His music 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 understands exactly what developing bands need: music that teaches rather than just assigns. Each chorale isolates specific musical problems—intonation challenges, phrasing control, dynamic contrast—so your ensemble builds fundamental skills in a focused way rather than struggling with overcomplicated textures. The scaffolding from 6-note opening pieces through grade 2.5 material means you can use this set across multiple years without repetition, and the optional mallet and percussion alternatives let every student in your section have something meaningful to play and learn from.
What to expect
These chorales breathe with simplicity and purpose. The writing is transparent enough to hear every student's contribution, yet structured enough to demand attention to ensemble blend, intonation, and shape. Each piece feels like a small musical conversation rather than an exercise, rewarding students who listen to themselves and their neighbors.
Who it's for
Directors of beginning through early intermediate bands seeking carefully graded material that builds sound production and phrasing control without overwhelming developing musicians. This collection works equally well for homogeneous grade-level ensembles and mixed-ability bands where differentiation is essential.
How to get the most out of it
- Start by isolating the problem areas in each chorale during sectional rehearsals rather than running the full piece repeatedly. A five-minute focused work session on fermata placement or dynamic shape yields better results than general ensemble time.
- Use the piano part to anchor intonation in early readings. Once the band commits the chorale to memory, remove it and listen for tuning issues that emerge without harmonic support.
- Rotate mallet and percussion students through both parts across rehearsals so they understand the difference between basic accompaniment and more involved rhythmic figures.
- Treat each chorale as a standalone study session, not filler material. Choose one specific element per chorale (balance, phrase breathing, fermata release) and return to that focus until the band demonstrates control.
How to use it
Open your rehearsals with these chorales to establish sound and focus before tackling larger repertoire. They also serve as quick confidence builders at the beginning of the school year when reading skills are still developing, or as concert warm-up pieces that require minimal setup and maximum musical payoff.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining steady tone across sustained notes and fermatas
- Reading and responding to dynamic markings and tempo changes
- Ensemble intonation in harmonic contexts
- Phrase shaping and breath management
- Percussion technique on triangle, suspended cymbal, and crash cymbals
- Mallet technique including rolls and multiple-note passages
- Listening for balance and blend within a musical line