Flight of the Piasa: Baritone T.C.
By Robert Sheldon
Grade: 4 (Medium Difficult)
Item: 00-PC-0001433_BTC1
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Description
"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
"'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: Baritone T.C. 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:
Alfred Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
368
SKU:
00-PC-0001433_BTC1
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert Sheldon
Robert Sheldon's wind band compositions are performed more frequently than perhaps any of his contemporaries in the field. His award-winning catalog reflects deep understanding of student musician capabilities, balancing accessibility with artistic substance. Sheldon has guest-conducted All-State and Regional Honor Bands across the country and internationally, appearing in venues from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center. His role as lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band has shaped instrumental pedagogy for countless programs, and he continues to accept commissions while producing new publications annually. He holds an honorary doctorate from VanderCook College of Music and has presented clinics at universities and state music education conferences throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Why we love this
Sheldon crafts narrative music that Grade 4 ensembles can execute with genuine musical conviction. The programmatic content (a legendary creature and tribal triumph) captures students' imagination while the writing itself respects what developing players can realistically achieve. Programming this signals to your audience that your band plays music with substance, not just technical showpieces.
What to expect
The music evokes both threat and wonder, moving from the primal power of the Piasa's presence through the brave resistance of the Illini. Dynamic contrasts and instrumental color shifts keep the narrative propulsive without becoming relentless.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 4 level seeking repertoire that combines programmatic storytelling with musical substance. Directors looking for contest or festival material that audiences find engaging without sacrificing artistic integrity.
How to get the most out of it
- Build the legendary creature's majesty gradually through the first section; avoid rushing the opening material even though the energy tempts forward motion.
- Balance the lower voices (trombones, tubas, baritones) carefully during the triumphant sections so the heroic narrative doesn't flatten into monotone.
- Mark clear sectional rehearsal points with your ensemble during preparation; this piece benefits from drilling character transitions rather than running it top to bottom.
- Listen to how the scoring alternates between full-band texture and more transparent voicings; use these shifts to shape phrase architecture and maintain listener engagement.
How to use it
Use this as a centerpiece for concert programs that include historical or cultural themes. Its five-minute duration and clear narrative arc make it ideal for festival performances or competitions where you want your band to demonstrate musicality alongside technical competence.
Skills your students will build
- Dynamic control and sustained phrasing in programmatic contexts
- Sectional balance when multiple voice parts carry melodic responsibility
- Interpretation of compositional intent through color and articulation changes
- Ensemble entrances and transitions in music with frequent textural shifts
- Concert-level stamina and focus across a substantial Grade 4 work