Flight of the Piasa: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$85.00 USD

Flight of the Piasa: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Flight of the Piasa: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-29477
Price: 85.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Robert Sheldon

Grade: 4 (Medium Difficult)

Item: 00-29477

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"Flight of the Piasa" was written to depict the majesty of the legendary Piasa, an enormous winged creature, and the bravery of the Illini tribe who triumphed over its reign of terror. The discovery of the Piasa dates to 1673, when the cliff drawing painted high on the bluffs was first seen by Marquette during his famous journey down the Mississippi River. (5:10) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

"'Flight of the Piasa' is a very effective piece of music that is superbly crafted by a composer who really does understand the limitations and playing capabilities of student musicians."
---SBO Magazine

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Flight of the Piasa: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Alfred Concert Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 368

ISBN10: 1-4706-5403-2

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5403-0

UPC: 038081308821

SKU: 00-29477

More about this title

About the Composer: Robert Sheldon

Robert Sheldon stands among the most frequently performed composers writing for wind band today. His works appear consistently on contest lists and concert programs worldwide, and ensembles from Japan to Germany regularly perform his compositions. He has earned recognition from the American School Band Directors Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP for his distinctive voice in the medium.

Beyond composing, Sheldon serves as lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band and maintains an active schedule as guest conductor for All-State and Regional Honor Bands. He has presented clinics at universities and state music education conferences across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, and his works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Boston Symphony Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and the Kennedy Center. VanderCook College of Music awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2020.

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Why we love this

Sheldon understands the realities of student wind bands without compromising musical substance. Flight of the Piasa offers a narrative that engages audiences while remaining genuinely playable at the Grade 4 level, with orchestration that respects what young musicians can achieve. The piece fits naturally into festivals and contests while standing up as a compelling concert program opener.

What to expect

Flight of the Piasa unfolds as a journey through legend and courage. The music captures both the ominous majesty of the creature and the heroic resolve of the Illini, building from atmospheric intrigue to triumphant resolution.

Who it's for

This piece serves Grade 4 concert bands and intermediate honor ensembles seeking repertoire with genuine narrative weight. Conductors preparing for festival or contest settings will find a piece that demands musical growth while remaining within reach of developing musicians.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the melodic statements between upper and lower voices to clarify the legend unfolding. Sheldon's scoring separates thematic material clearly, so resist the urge to blend everything equally.
Shape the climactic sections with intentional dynamic control rather than simply pushing volume. The majesty of the Piasa emerges through precise crescendos and well-placed sforzandi, not brute force.
Establish the opening's atmospheric quality before the action begins. Give yourself and your ensemble time to paint that Mississippi bluff scene before the creature's presence intensifies.

How to use it

Open a concert with this piece to establish an ambitious tone and command audience attention immediately. The programmatic content and historical reference make it an excellent anchor for thematic concerts exploring Native American history or regional mythology.