High Velocity: Score
By Michael Story
Grade: 2
Item: 00-PR-0007447
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Description
High Velocity, by Michael Story, is both exciting and full of contrast. This A-B-A form piece will be a student favorite with its high-energy melodic lines and lyrical contrast. Solid scoring, appropriate ranges, and teachable moments make this an excellent choice for concerts or contests. (2:55)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, High Velocity: Score comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PR-0007447
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Story
Michael Story is a prolific composer and arranger whose work for young bands has become standard repertoire in American schools. His music balances accessibility with musical substance, creating pieces that challenge students without overwhelming them. Story's compositions for concert band consistently appear on festival and contest programs across grade levels, reflecting his deep understanding of what engages student musicians while supporting their growth.
Why we love this
High Velocity strikes that rare balance between immediate appeal and genuine musical interest. The A-B-A structure gives students a clear formal roadmap while the contrasting lyrical section prevents the high energy from becoming one-dimensional. Directors appreciate that it's equally effective as a concert opener or contest selection without compromising either purpose.
What to expect
The piece launches with propulsive momentum, then eases into a singing, lyrical section that lets the band breathe before rocketing back to the opening energy. It feels modern and approachable while maintaining genuine compositional craft.
Who it's for
High Velocity works for Grade 2 bands that have solid fundamentals and are ready for pieces with real musical personality. It's ideal for groups building toward their first contests or looking to open a concert with something energetic that won't exhaust the ensemble.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening melodic lines with deliberate articulation; the high-energy character depends on crisp attacks and clean releases rather than just loud dynamics.
- Bring out the lyricism in the B section by easing back on tempo slightly and letting the sustained lines breathe. This contrast will hit harder when you return to the driving A material.
- Balance the tutti passages so the melodic content stays prominent. Contest judges and concert audiences both respond to clarity in the scoring.
- Lock the rhythm section early in rehearsal so the faster passages feel grounded rather than rushed.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener to establish energy and engagement immediately. It also serves well as the first piece in a contest set, where its clear structure and contrasting sections give judges something memorable right away. The moderate length (2:55) leaves room for additional selections without overshadowing other repertoire.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining high-energy articulation without sacrificing tone quality
- Recognizing and executing A-B-A form
- Balancing melodic content across different instrumental groups
- Controlling tempo relationships between sections
- Dynamic contrast and phrasing in lyrical material