Journey to the Stars Cover Image

Journey to the Stars: Concert Band Score

$9.00 USD
Sale price  $9.00 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
Journey to the Stars Cover Image

Journey to the Stars: Concert Band Score

By Aric Branchfield

Grade: 1

Item: 36-50105315

$9.00
Shipped

One moment…

Description
This piece has everything the grade 1 conductor is looking for: safe and solid scoring, limited and comfortable ranges, enough percussion to keep the section busy and out of trouble, and exciting thematic material. Trumpet 1 goes to fourth line D, both clarinet parts stay below the break. The one trombone/euphonium part doubles the bass line at the octave for security. Explore Aric Branchfield's Journey to the Stars. (2:00)

Journey to the Stars: Concert Band Score isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Pages

No sample pages found.

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: LudwigMasters Beginning Band
Publisher: LUDWIGMASTERS
ISBN10: 8-88-852363-4
ISBN13: 979-8-88-852363-6
UPC: 676737648350
SKU: 36-50105315
Instrumentation: Concert Band

More about this title

About the Composer: Aric Branchfield

Aric Branchfield has built a reputation for writing accessible, musically satisfying works for young ensembles. His arrangements and original compositions demonstrate a clear understanding of what beginning bands need: writing that sits well in the instruments, moves logically through ranges, and keeps players engaged without overwhelming them.

Branchfield's work in the Ludwig Masters series reflects his commitment to grade 1 pedagogy. He balances technical comfort with genuine musical interest, ensuring that students aren't just reading notes but experiencing real compositional thinking.

Why we love this

Branchfield has crafted a piece that respects the limitations of emerging ensembles while delivering genuine musical interest. The orchestration is thoughtful; every section has something meaningful to play, and the careful range management means your students stay confident and engaged rather than stretched and struggling.

What to expect

Journey to the Stars captures wonder and adventure in accessible orchestration. The writing is bright and motivating, with enough rhythmic energy to hold young musicians' attention while the programmatic concept gives them something concrete to imagine as they play.

Who it's for

This score is built for beginning concert bands working at Grade 1 level, particularly those making the transition from full-band method books to independent repertoire. Directors seeking music that develops musical literacy without compromising intonation or balance will find this piece refreshing.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the thematic material between upper woodwinds and brass so the melodic line stays clear. Grade 1 bands often favor their strongest players, which can muddy the texture.
  • Give your percussion section clear cues at sectional rehearsals. With enough parts to keep them active, they need visual confirmation of ensemble landmarks.
  • Let the trombone and euphonium section feel their role as foundation players. Doubling the bass line gives them security, so use this to build their confidence in locking with the low winds.

How to use it

This works well as a concert opener or centerpiece on a Grade 1 festival program, where you want to demonstrate solid fundamentals and genuine musicality. Its two-minute length makes it ideal for programs where you're featuring multiple ensemble pieces or pairing it with contrasting repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading concert band score layout and instrument transpositions
  • Playing within a comfortable, pedagogically determined range
  • Balancing sectional roles (melody, harmony, bass line)
  • Ensemble intonation in a multi-section setting
  • Following conductor cues across longer formal structures

You May Also Like