Heart of Gold: Concert Band Conductor Score

$7.00 USD

Heart of Gold: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Heart of Gold: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-B1802S
Price: 7.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 2.5

Item: 98-B1802S

$7.00

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This highly energetic work uses a simple melody combined with fantastic orchestration for amazing results. A fantastic opportunity to teach 7/8 in a fun, engaging way, the piece is always based on 2+2+3 groupings and has modest technical demands so students can focus on meter. Directors will be excited at how quickly students grasp the concept and are able to dive into the rich musical lines woven throughout. So much fun!

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Series: FJH Young Band

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 241444530108

SKU: 98-B1802S

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor whose work spans orchestral, band, and chamber music with equal facility. His compositions have been performed by ensembles ranging from professional orchestras to elementary school groups in prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. He holds membership in 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 the concert hall, Balmages has received commissions from major institutions and conducted at conferences including the Midwest Clinic and Western International Band Clinic. He earned the inaugural James Madison University Distinguished Alumni Award and was commissioned by the University of Miami to compose for the inauguration of the university's sixth president. Currently, he serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.

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Why we love this

This piece makes complex meters feel accessible without sacrificing musical substance. The consistent 2+2+3 grouping gives students a reliable framework for understanding 7/8, and the orchestration is thoughtful enough that every section has interesting material to play rather than padding parts.

What to expect

The energy is infectious and forward-moving despite the unusual meter. Underneath a straightforward melodic hook sits orchestration that rewards careful listening, with interweaving lines that give the piece sophistication and depth.

Who it's for

This work suits Grade 2.5 bands ready to tackle unconventional meters without excessive technical burden. Directors seeking to introduce asymmetrical time signatures through an engaging, musically rewarding piece will find this ideal for festival programming or concert inclusion.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the 2+2+3 subdivision clearly before introducing the full ensemble; have students count aloud or tap their laps during sectionals so the asymmetry becomes muscle memory.
Shape the simple melody generously without rushing it; let the rich harmonic writing underneath provide forward motion while the top line breathes.
Trust the quick learning curve. Once your students feel secure with the meter, step back and let the energy inherent in the orchestration take over.

How to use it

Program this early in the concert to energize the audience and build ensemble confidence. It also works well as a festival or contest selection where demonstrating musicality alongside technical growth in a shorter time frame is the goal.