Heroes come to us in all areas of life. Charles Mekealian's triumphant work pays tribute to those heroes that live among us. Originally scored for brass quintet, this flexible instrumentation setting is playable by high school, university and community ensembles. A stirring addition to the flexible instrumentation repertoire.
Original Item#: RWS-2058-00
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Charles Mekealian has established himself as a composer deeply invested in writing accessible yet substantive works for student ensembles. His approach balances musical integrity with practical concerns that directors face, scoring for flexible instrumentation, managing varied ability levels, and meeting performance timelines without compromising artistic vision.
Why we love this
Mekealian's arrangement respects the original brass quintet concept while genuinely opening the work to ensembles with varying instrumentation. The flexible scoring doesn't compromise the driving, triumphant character; it preserves it. For directors juggling uneven instrumentation or building toward a stronger ensemble, this is the kind of piece that plays to your group's strengths rather than exposing gaps.
What to expect
The piece radiates forward momentum and resolve. Heroism here isn't bombastic; it's grounded and purposeful, with clear melodic statements that cut through the ensemble and harmonies that support rather than clutter. The musical language feels contemporary while remaining accessible to intermediate players.
Who it's for
High school, university, and community bands seeking a substantial concert work that fits realistic instrumentation without sacrificing impact. Directors who need flexibility but refuse to settle for generic or watered-down repertoire will find serious compositional craft here.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the melodic line across your available instrumentation; the triumph comes from clarity of phrase, not volume. If certain sections are thin, lean on woodwind support to maintain shape.
Treat the opening with restraint. The piece builds power through momentum and articulation choices, not by starting at full dynamic. Let the growth feel earned.
Lock the harmonic foundation early in rehearsals. With flexible scoring, your chord voicing will shift from group to group, so establish which instruments are carrying harmony and which are outlining melody.
How to use it
Anchor a concert around the theme of resilience or community strength, or program it as the centerpiece of a spring concert where you're showcasing what your ensemble has become by mid-year. The work's Grade 3.5 level and triumphant character make it ideal for closing a set or opening the second half with momentum.
Skills your students will build
Balancing melody and harmony across mixed instrumentation
Sustaining and shaping long musical phrases
Dynamic contrast and control at moderate to full volume
Ensemble precision with flexible part assignments
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