Hi!: 2nd B-flat Clarinet
By William Owens
Grade: 2.5-3
Item: 00-PC-0019224_C2
$3.00
Pickup currently not available
Description
This spirited and joyful work by William Owens honors a student's signature enthusiastic greeting that would extend to everyone he met. Hi!, which also forms the first two letters of Hiroto's name, includes engaging melodies combined with energetic rhythms, intricate percussion, and a fun groove. The music ultimately comes to a tranquil yet cheerful end. (2:10)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Hi!: 2nd B-flat Clarinet comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
Open in the Player
Jump straight in and assign it today.
Start Your Free Trial
Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.
Sample Audio
1
Audio File
--:--
0:00
0:00
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series:
MakeMusic Young Band
Publisher:
MakeMusic Publications
SKU:
00-PC-0019224_C2
More about this title
About the Composer: William Owens
William Owens was born in Gary, Indiana in 1963 and has spent his career establishing himself as one of the most prolific and respected voices in young band composition. A graduate of VanderCook College of Music, he brings three decades of classroom experience to his writing, having served as a band director in Texas before his retirement in 2014. His catalog now exceeds 300 published works across concert band, string orchestra, and chamber settings.
Owens' compositions are known for their accessibility paired with genuine musical substance. His work appears on state lists and in educational curricula throughout the country, and he holds membership in ASCAP, the American Bandmasters Association, and Phi Beta Mu International. He has received commissions from prestigious organizations and is recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by VanderCook. Owens currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas.
Why we love this
Owens captures something authentic here: a real student's genuine spirit translated into music that bands actually want to play. The balance between accessibility (Grade 2.5-3) and genuine compositional craft means your students get a piece that feels substantial without overwhelming them, and the journey from energetic opening to reflective close gives the performance real shape and emotional arc.
What to expect
Hi! opens with infectious energy and optimism, driven by engaging melodies and rhythmic momentum that pull the ensemble forward. The intricate percussion writing adds color and drive, while the groovy sections create a sense of contemporary style. The final movement settles into a peaceful yet warm conclusion, leaving the listener with a sense of contentment rather than deflation.
Who it's for
This piece fits bands working at the 2.5-3 level who want genuine musical material with personality. It works for groups preparing for festival or contest, as well as those building a concert program that includes contemporary young band work. The straightforward technical demands and clear structural arc make it accessible without feeling patronizing.
How to get the most out of it
- Keep the opening tempo buoyant but controlled; the "hi" motif works best with crisp articulation from the entire ensemble, so lock in your attacks together in early rehearsals.
- Let the percussion section shine during those intricate moments without drowning out the melodic lines; balance here makes the groove land without overshadowing the ensemble's horn and woodwind writing.
- Shape the transition into the tranquil ending deliberately; if you rush it, you lose the emotional payoff. Give that quiet section room to breathe and let the contrast with the earlier energy register with your audience.
How to use it
Program this as an opening or early-set piece where its uplifting energy can energize the concert and establish rapport with your audience. It pairs naturally with other contemporary concert band works or with standard repertoire as a bright contrast. The modest 2:10 duration makes it an excellent fit for festival programs where you need substantive but time-efficient selections.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble articulation and rhythmic precision in contemporary styles
- Dynamic control through transitions from energetic to reflective sections
- Percussion balance and coordination with the full ensemble
- Stylistic contrast and musical phrasing across different moods within a single work