Into the Wind: Concert Band Conductor Score

$7.00 USD

Into the Wind: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Into the Wind: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-48117S
Price: 7.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Mike Collins-Dowden

Grade: 1 (Easy)

Item: 00-48117S

$7.00

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One moment…

Like a pilot taking off into a strong headwind, Into the Wind captures the spirit of bold determination required to persist in the face of an implacable obstacle. Sure to make the opening of any concert soar! (2:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Series: Alfred Debut Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 12

UPC: 038081555287

SKU: 00-48117S

More about this title

About the Composer: Mike Collins-Dowden

Mike Collins-Dowden has been directing band at Pleasant Ridge School in Glenview, Illinois, since 2007, where he works with 4th and 5th grade students. He holds a B.M. in music education and trombone performance from the Eastman School of Music (2003) and an M.M. in music education from Temple University (2007). His work with the Eastman Wind Ensemble included an international performance tour in Japan.

Collins-Dowden is a prolific composer of music for young concert and jazz bands, drawing directly from his classroom experience writing pieces his own students can perform. He has published over 30 compositions with Alfred/Belwin, FJH, and Jalen Music. Beyond composing and teaching, he performs on trombone and guitar.

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Why we love this

Into the Wind delivers real musical substance in a Grade 1 package. The metaphor of flying into a headwind translates to accessible yet genuinely engaging writing that keeps student musicians invested without overwhelming them technically. It's the kind of opener that creates an immediate impression on an audience while building confidence in young players.

What to expect

The piece embodies the determination of pushing through resistance, with a musical trajectory that climbs steadily upward. The instrumentation and phrasing suggest motion and persistence rather than mere technical display, creating an experience that feels purposeful and alive.

Who it's for

This score is for conductors leading Grade 1 concert bands who want an opening piece with genuine character and forward momentum. It works equally well for students encountering concert band repertoire for the first time or for experienced young musicians looking for something musically substantial at an accessible level.

How to get the most out of it

Build the dynamic shape gradually through the opening section; resist playing too loud too soon so the climax lands with genuine impact.
Balance the melody across your sections rather than letting it sit in one voice; clarity of line matters more than individual volume.
Use the two-minute duration strategically by maintaining consistent energy throughout; the brevity demands focus and eliminates any chance for the momentum to drift.
Lock in your tempo early in rehearsal and keep it steady; the wind metaphor works best when the pulse feels inevitable rather than rushed.

How to use it

Program this as your concert opener to establish energy and mood immediately. Its two-minute length makes it perfect paired with a slower work, and the contest/festival designation means it's also ready for adjudication if your schedule includes competitions this season.