Irish Rising: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Arranged by Michael Sweeney
Grade: 2
Item: 35-PK00331363
$55.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
| Product | Price | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Rising - Full Score | $7.50 | |
| Irish Rising - Flute | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Oboe | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Bassoon | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Bb Clarinet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Bb Clarinet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Bb Clarinet 3 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Bb Bass Clarinet | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Eb Alto Saxophone 1 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Eb Alto Saxophone 2 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Bb Tenor Saxophone | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Eb Baritone Saxophone | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Bb Trumpet 1 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Bb Trumpet 2 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - F Horn | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Trombone | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Baritone B.C. | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Baritone T.C. | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Tuba | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - String Bass | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Percussion 1 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Percussion 2 | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Mallet Percussion | $6.00 | |
| Irish Rising - Timpani | $6.00 |
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
In Ireland's quest for independence, the "Easter Rising" of 1916 was a pivotal event that helped shape history and fan the flames of Irish freedom. Here is a sparkling medley of tunes from Ireland's rebellious past. The familiar "Minstrel Boy" leads to a lively setting of "Wind That Shakes the Barley". The haunting, yet dramatic "Foggy Dew" then leads to the stirring march strains of "The Boys of Wexford" which features tin whistles (opt. flutes or piccolo) along with a driving rhythmic pulse. Dur: 5:20
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00331363
More about this title
About the Arranger: Michael Sweeney
Michael Sweeney is a prolific composer and arranger whose work spans concert band, wind ensemble, and orchestral settings. His arrangements have become staples in school and community band programs, known for their musicality, accessibility, and sophisticated handling of folk material and cultural themes.
Why we love this
Sweeney's approach transforms these four Irish melodies into a coherent narrative arc without feeling rushed or disjointed. The Grade 2 scoring keeps the piece performable for developing bands while the orchestration choices—particularly the tin whistle feature—give it character and authenticity that feels earned rather than gimmicky.
What to expect
A journey through Irish history told in music. The piece opens with lyrical warmth, builds into playful energy, dips into something quietly powerful and reflective, then surges forward with march-like momentum. Throughout, there's an undercurrent of resilience and pride.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 2 level looking for culturally rich repertoire that engages students and audiences alike. It works well for programs seeking a thematic centerpiece about Irish heritage or simply wanting to expand beyond standard wind band fare.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the 'Minstrel Boy' opening with restraint; let the melody breathe before the transition to 'Wind That Shakes the Barley' picks up energy.
- Lock the rhythmic pulse in 'The Boys of Wexford' with the timpani and low winds carrying the foundation while tin whistles (or flutes/piccolo) cut through above.
- Shape the 'Foggy Dew' section with dynamic control; the haunting quality depends on clarity and restraint rather than volume.
- Prepare tin whistle players (or flute/piccolo substitutes) to project over the full ensemble; this solo voice should cut without being shrill.
How to use it
Reserve this for a concert exploring cultural themes or heritage programming. Its five-minute-plus duration makes it a substantial centerpiece rather than filler, and the medley structure allows you to introduce the historical context and individual melodies to your audience in the program notes.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing melody and accompaniment across multiple tunes within a single work
- Projecting through ensemble textures (particularly for featured tin whistle/flute/piccolo parts)
- Shaping dynamic contours in folk-based material without losing rhythmic integrity
- Connecting musical performance to historical and cultural narrative