Kensington Square: 2nd E-flat Alto Saxophone

Strommen captures the character of English wind band tradition without relying on literal folk quotations, giving your ensemble the satisfaction of playing something genuinely British in spirit while remaining accessible at Grade 2. The piece moves effortlessly between march sections and lyrical passages, creating natural pacing that keeps both players and audiences engaged. Programming this alongside standard American repertoire enriches your concert narrative and demonstrates the international scope of quality band literature.

Kensington Square evokes a stroll through a historic London square on a clear afternoon, blending the crisp energy of a proper march with moments of unhurried reflection. The music breathes with the confidence and warmth characteristic of British band writing, never rushed and always generously proportioned.

Band directors programming Grade 2 concert or festival performances will find this piece ideal for building musicianship through approachable yet stylistically rich material. Student musicians at this level gain experience with the traditions of English wind band writing while developing phrasing and expressive control in both march and chorale contexts.

• Shape the march sections with articulation that leans toward clarity rather than heaviness; let the characteristic British lilt emerge through gentle lift rather than exaggerated staccato.
• Balance the lyrical chorale passages by bringing out the melody voices while maintaining warm, supporting harmonies in the inner parts.
• Maintain consistent ensemble tone across the folk-inspired sections, where rhythmic unity matters as much as tuning for achieving an authentic character.
• Use the three-and-a-half minute runtime to build architecture across the full arc; avoid letting individual sections feel isolated.

This works beautifully as a concert opener that establishes sophistication and musical intention while remaining welcoming to audiences unfamiliar with modern band repertoire. Consider pairing it with American composer/arrangers on the same program to highlight how different national wind band traditions approach similar musical problems, or program it mid-concert as a palate cleanser between more dramatic works.

• Phrasing and expression in contrasting musical moods (march character and lyrical lines)
• Articulation control and clarity in march-style passages
• Balancing melody and harmony in chorale-texture writing
• Musical architecture across a multi-section form
• Ensemble cohesion in folk-inspired rhythmic figures