In the Wake of Spring: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By James Swearingen
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0004382
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Description
This beautiful flowing ballad evokes the freshness of springtime. Dynamic shadings enhance the dramatic musical effect. A very moving original composition expertly staged for the beginning ensemble. A most musical addition to any program. (2:36)
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
118
SKU:
00-PK-0004382
More about this title
About the Composer: James Swearingen
James Swearingen is a prolific composer and arranger whose catalog spans decades of contributions to wind band and choral repertoire. His work is known for accessibility without sacrificing musical substance, making him a valued resource for educators seeking pieces that challenge students while remaining within their technical grasp.
Why we love this
Swearingen crafts this ballad with genuine lyricism, giving early ensembles a piece that sounds mature and expressive without technical pyrotechnics. The dynamic shadings built into the score make it an ideal vehicle for teaching musicality at the very beginning levels, where students often struggle to hear the difference between notes and music.
What to expect
Fresh and unhurried, like the first warm breeze after winter. The flowing ballad form invites students into a gentle, contemplative space where small dynamic shifts carry real emotional weight. It's accessible enough to allow young players to focus on tone and expression rather than survival.
Who it's for
Beginning concert bands and festival ensembles looking for a piece that sounds refined while staying within Grade 1 capabilities. This works equally well for first-year players gaining confidence and for mixed-ability groups that need something musically cohesive.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the longer melodic phrases with careful attention to dynamics; even at Grade 1, students can learn to build and release tension within a single statement.
- Balance the texture so that the main melody sings clearly while accompaniment parts remain supportive and transparent.
- Resist rushing the flowing character; maintain a deliberate pace that allows the springtime mood to unfold naturally.
- Use the recording (if available through MakeMusic) as a reference for phrasing and the intended emotional arc, then have students find their own interpretation once they understand the structure.
How to use it
Program this as a serene opening to a spring concert, or pair it with brighter festival selections to demonstrate the ensemble's range. At just over two and a half minutes, it slots easily into contest formats or school assemblies where you want to showcase musicality over technical difficulty.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining tone quality across longer phrases
- Responding to dynamic markings (crescendo and decrescendo)
- Balancing melody and accompaniment textures
- Maintaining steady tempo in lyrical music
- Interpreting expressive intent from a musical score