Hymnsong Variants: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$62.00 USD

Hymnsong Variants: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Hymnsong Variants: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-BD9666
Price: 62.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Robert W. Smith

Grade: 2 (Easy)

Item: 00-BD9666

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This work, from the pen of Robert W. Smith, consists of an original theme with a set of three variations. A charismatic melody sets the scene and knits itself to a trio of stunning contrasts. As one expects from this talented composer, percussion plays a vital role to add hue and texture, driving the piece to a forceful finale. A dazzling display! (4:21)

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Series: Belwin Young Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 264

ISBN10: 0-7579-3228-2

ISBN13: 978-0-7579-3228-1

UPC: 029156213256

SKU: 00-BD9666

More about this title

About the Composer: Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith has established himself as one of the most performed composers of concert band and orchestral music in the United States. With more than 400 published works distributed primarily through Alfred Music, his catalogue spans symphonies, developing ensemble pieces, and concert works that have been heard across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. His formal training includes a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Troy State University and a Master's degree in Music from the University of Miami.

Beyond the concert hall, Smith's music has found its way into significant cultural moments: from Olympic ceremonies to broadcast television, from the opening of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. As both a conductor and clinician, he has worked extensively with ensembles throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe, bringing his compositional insights directly to the musicians who perform his work.

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Why we love this

Smith crafts variations that genuinely sound like different pieces rather than predictable retreads of the melody. The progression from the opening hymn-like statement through three distinct sonic landscapes gives your band something substantive to sink their teeth into, and the role percussion plays throughout keeps the ensemble engaged across all sections. At Grade 2, this hits the sweet spot where students grasp real musical architecture without drowning in technical difficulty.

What to expect

The piece unfolds like a hymn given new life through imaginative orchestration and rhythmic energy. Each variation strips away or adds layers of color and intensity, transforming a simple melody into something commanding and ultimately triumphant.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands seeking a substantial four-minute work that teaches musical form and variation technique without requiring advanced facility. Directors preparing for festivals or contests will find this a strong programmatic choice that balances pedagogical value with confident musicianship.

How to get the most out of it

Let the opening melody breathe with gentle phrasing; the hymn character depends on clarity rather than speed, so resist the urge to rush the initial statement.
Balance the tuba and low brass foundation against the upper woodwinds in the trio sections; each variation relies on different textural combinations, so rehearse voicing specifically for each one.
Bring out percussion entrances deliberately without letting them overshadow the melodic material, particularly in the transitions between variations where rhythm drives the forward motion.

How to use it

Program this as the centerpiece of a concert focused on American band literature, or pair it alongside lighter selections to demonstrate your band's range within a single concert. Its approachable level and clear structure also make it ideal for a festival performance where time constraints demand something substantial yet efficient.