Fly High!: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Buoyant and forward-moving, with moments of genuine soaring. The music captures both the nervous anticipation of a first flight and the pure joy of rising above the earth, shifting between rhythmic propulsion and smooth, sustained lyricism.

Grade 2 concert bands looking for programming that appeals to young musicians and audiences alike. This works equally well for festival competition or a standalone concert moment that shows off your ensemble's musicality.

• Keep the swirling rhythmic figures light and articulate in the opening. These sections need clarity to prevent muddiness; think precision over power.
• Balance the flowing melody so it soars above the accompaniment without drowning out the harmonic foundation underneath.
• Use the 2:55 runtime to pace your rehearsals efficiently. Mark out sections by the metaphor of the journey (takeoff, cruising altitude, descent) to help students track their musical storytelling.
• Lock in the ensemble dynamics during transitions between the energetic and smooth sections. These shifts define the arc of the piece.

Open a concert with this piece to set an upbeat, energetic tone. Alternatively, program it mid-concert as a palate-cleanser after something heavier. Its accessible Grade 2 level makes it ideal for a mixed-grade festival where you want something engaging but not overly challenging.

• Rhythmic clarity in syncopated figures
• Sustained melodic phrasing across longer phrases
• Dynamic control and terraced dynamics
• Section balance and blend
• Interpretation of programmatic intent through musical gesture