Force of Nature: String Orchestra Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

Force of Nature: String Orchestra Conductor Score

Name: Force of Nature: String Orchestra Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-51987S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 2

Item: 00-51987S

$10.00

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Written to celebrate both the power and beauty of nature, Force of Nature juxtaposes intensely rhythmic elements with broad, lyrical lines. Sustained phrases suggest those awe-inspiring locations that can take one's breath away, yet the rhythmic underscore is a constant reminder of nature’s sheer power. A musical whirlwind by Brian Balmages! (2:10)

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Series: MakeMusic Intermediate Strings

Publisher: MakeMusic Publications

ISBN10: 1-4706-7703-2

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-7703-9

UPC: 038081599274

SKU: 00-51987S

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor whose voice reaches across orchestral, band, and chamber repertoires with equal fluency. His works have been performed by ensembles spanning from professional orchestras at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to school orchestras across the globe. He holds membership in the American Bandmasters Association and has received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, among numerous other recognitions.

Balmages brings both compositional insight and conducting experience to his work as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic. His music has appeared in contexts ranging from the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service to international conducting conferences, and he regularly guest conducts all-state and university ensembles worldwide. He holds degrees from James Madison University and the University of Miami, where he was commissioned to compose for the presidential inauguration.

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Why we love this

This piece delivers the theatrical payoff that middle school orchestras crave without overcomplicating the technical demands. Balmages writes with a conductor's understanding of how to layer intensity, allowing the power to build through rhythmic momentum while keeping every section engaged on material they can execute confidently.

What to expect

Force of Nature captures the dual personality of the natural world, moving between moments of breathtaking stillness and sudden, undeniable force. The sustained melodic passages evoke vast landscapes while the rhythmic energy underneath reminds listeners of nature's raw, relentless power, creating a piece that shifts dynamically and emotionally throughout its two-minute arc.

Who it's for

String orchestras at the Grade 2 level who are ready to tackle real musical storytelling without excessive technical barriers. This works perfectly for ensembles seeking programmatic content for festival performances or concert programs that need both crowd-pleasing drama and genuine musical substance.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the rhythmic foundation first in sectional rehearsals; the percussion and lower strings drive the energy throughout, so lock that foundation before layering the melodic writing.
Shape the sustained phrases with purposeful bow direction and consistent air support; the lyrical passages need genuine cantabile quality to contrast effectively against the rhythmic sections.
Attend to dynamics as structural markers. The shifts between calm, expansive moments and driving rhythmic energy depend on clean dynamic control rather than rushing tempo changes.
Use the contrast as your rehearsal strategy. Isolate and polish the two distinct musical ideas separately, then practice the transitions between them to build confidence in the architecture.

How to use it

Open a concert or contest entry with this to set an energetic tone, or pair it with contrasting lyrical repertoire to highlight its dramatic range. The manageable length and accessible level make it an ideal choice for festival or competition programming where you want impact without sacrificing ensemble cohesion.