Herndon Exaltations (A Celebration of Excellence): Concert Band Conductor Score

This piece delivers a big sound without requiring advanced musicianship, making it ideal for bands building confidence at the Grade 2 level. Smith's signature percussion writing and layered orchestration create sophistication that audiences hear immediately, while the ostinatos and timbral variety keep every section engaged and sounding full. The balance between accessibility and genuine musical substance makes this an excellent choice for concerts where you want the band to shine without overextending their technical abilities.

Energy and celebration drive this work from the opening fanfare through its vigorous development. The hypnotic ostinatos create forward momentum that feels inevitable, while shifting colors and instrumental combinations keep the sound fresh and vivid, making it feel larger and more intricate than its accessible Grade 2 designation would suggest.

Concert bands at the Grade 2 level seeking repertoire with professional sound and engaging orchestration. Directors looking for a piece that challenges students to think about balance, blend, and color without demanding advanced technique will find this an excellent fit for both rehearsal development and concert programming.

• Bring out the fanfare opening with clear articulation and presence; this gesture sets the tone for everything that follows.
• Balance the gyrating ostinatos so they propel the music forward without drowning out melodic lines; they're the engine, not the destination.
• Let the percussionists own their part; Smith's writing for these players is integral to the piece's color, not decorative.
• Work for smooth timbral transitions when colors shift, since the shifting palettes are central to the piece's drama.

Open a concert with this piece to establish energy and command attention from the first note; its celebratory spirit and clear structure make it an ideal opening statement. Alternatively, place it mid-program as a showcase for the ensemble's improving musicianship and ability to balance multiple musical elements.

• Balance and blend across a full band texture with multiple concurrent musical ideas
• Understanding of orchestration and timbral color through shifting instrumental combinations
• Sustained rhythmic precision through repetitive ostinatos and layered rhythmic patterns
• Listening skills necessary to track and support melodic content while maintaining accompaniment figures