High Desert March: Concert Band Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

High Desert March: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: High Desert March: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-49966S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Steve Hodges

Grade: 1.5

Item: 00-49966S

$10.00

Shipped

One moment…

High Desert March, by Steve Hodges, is a march that captures the excitement and occasional drama of a long hike in the high desert. Adventure awaits as the young hikers begin their trek, prepared to overcome any obstacles that may come their way. (2:10)

High Desert March: Concert Band Conductor Score isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Request This Title

Tell us you want it.

Start Your Free Trial

Explore everything that's ready to play right now.

Series: Developing Band Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

ISBN10: 1-4706-5851-8

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5851-9

UPC: 038081576077

SKU: 00-49966S

More about this title

About the Composer: Steve Hodges

Steve Hodges holds degrees from Western Oregon University (B.S.) and Central Washington University (M.M.Ed.). Over forty years in public school music education, he directed bands, choirs, and chamber ensembles across all levels before retiring from classroom teaching.

Since 1986, Hodges has composed and arranged more than 120 concert band works published by Alfred Music, along with choral arrangements appearing through Staff Music and Shawnee Press. His music has traveled internationally, appearing at state conventions and festivals while also commissioned for honor bands and schools throughout Virginia, Iowa, Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, and British Columbia. His compositions have reached broadcast audiences via ESPN and TBS cable networks. A member of ASCAP, Hodges resides in The Dalles, Oregon, where he remains active in community music and delights in hearing his grandchildren perform his pieces in their school bands.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

High Desert March sits perfectly at Grade 1.5, delivering the drama and forward momentum of a march without overwhelming young ensembles. Hodges captures genuine adventure in this piece—the anticipation of the journey, obstacles overcome—through accessible orchestration and clear thematic material that conductors can shape with real musical purpose rather than technical difficulty.

What to expect

High Desert March conjures the spirit of a dusty landscape unfolding before you, full of open air and determination. The piece unfolds with the steady confidence of hikers setting out on a real journey, marked by moments of triumph and challenge that keep the listener engaged throughout its brief, energetic span.

Who it's for

Beginning to early intermediate concert bands (grades 5-7, high school freshman) will find this march within reach technically while still offering engaging musical storytelling. Directors developing young ensembles will appreciate the balance of approachable parts and genuine musical content.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the opening with a sense of purposeful preparation. The hikers are setting out on an adventure; let that intention live in the tempo and articulation from measure one.
Balance the ensemble so that melodic lines cut through without forcing dynamics beyond what young players can control. Clarity serves drama better than volume.
Consider the occasional dramatic moments as peaks that demand focused ensemble response. Use sectional rehearsals to lock rhythmic precision during these passages.
The 2:10 duration is concise and compact. Avoid dragging; let the piece breathe and move forward naturally.

How to use it

Program this as an opener on a concert celebrating student achievement or as a centerpiece for a festival appearance where Grade 1.5 repertoire is expected. It also works well alongside other accessible marches in a program showcasing the developing band's range and energy.