La Madre de los Gatos: Concert Band Conductor Score

$10.00 USD

La Madre de los Gatos: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: La Madre de los Gatos: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-36696S
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Brian Beck

Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-36696S

$10.00

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With tempo markings like Allegro con passione and Prestissimo con fuego, this work includes all the passion and fire needed to grab the audience at your next concert. La Madre de los Gatos derives its title from a nickname given to Mrs. Verda Shine (Mama Kitty) by her colleagues and fellow band directors at Byrd Middle School, Duncanville, Texas. Along with her fondness for cats, Mrs. Shine earned her nickname for her commitment to the nurturing and support of program staff and students. The piece was written to celebrate her zeal and dedicated service as a Duncanville band director and was premiered at the 2009 Byrd Middle School Spring concert, with Mrs. Shine as featured clarinetist.

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Series: Young Symphonic

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 24

ISBN10: 1-4706-5390-7

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5390-3

UPC: 038081411545

SKU: 00-36696S

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Beck

Brian Beck is a composer and arranger whose works span concert band, instrumental ensemble, and vocal literature. His compositions have earned recognition including Reviewer's Choice from The Instrumentalist and J. W. Pepper, Best New Concert Band Music designation from Tom Lee Music, and features in Teaching Music Through Performance In Band (GIA Publications). His music appears on multiple prescribed lists including the Texas UIL Prescribed Music and Sight Reading List, Florida Bandmasters Association Concert Music Committee selections, and the Midwest International Concert Catalogue.

Beck has directed bands at Faubion Middle School in McKinney, Texas, and previously at Byrd Middle School in Duncanville, Texas, where he was nominated for Teacher of the Year during the 2008-09 school year. His bands have consistently earned Superior ratings at UIL concert and sight-reading contests, with multiple finalist selections for TMEA State Honor Band competition. Beck holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Master's degree in Music Education from the University of Houston. He is a 1994 graduate of the Duncanville Band Program and former TMEA All-State Band member.

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Why we love this

Beck captures genuine character and heart in this tribute to a beloved band director, translating Mrs. Shine's spirit into music that demands energy without complexity. The Latin idiom and sharp tempo contrasts (Allegro con passione to Prestissimo con fuoco) give your band room to shine at a manageable Grade 2 level, making this rewarding for both musicians and audience.

What to expect

Energetic and purposeful, with Latin flair and infectious momentum. The piece sparkles with passion and drive, moving from moments of lyrical warmth to bright, fiery passages that feel celebratory and alive.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands ready for a piece that combines accessibility with real musical character. This work suits middle school programs with developing musicianship and bands looking for material that builds confidence without overwhelming the ensemble.

How to get the most out of it

Commit fully to the tempo shifts, particularly the jump to Prestissimo con fuoco. These dramatic changes drive the piece's personality and keep the energy authentic.
Bring out the Latin rhythmic character in the percussion and lower voices. Even at Grade 2, clarity in the rhythmic foundation makes the entire band sound more polished.
Balance the passion markers (con passione, con fuoco) with the accessibility of the writing. Young musicians often hold back when they see expressive Italian markings; encourage them to match the dynamic and articulation suggestions as written.
Use Mrs. Shine's story as rehearsal context. Knowing this celebrates a real person's dedication often motivates students to play with genuine expression rather than technical precision alone.

How to use it

Program this as a concert opener or mid-set energizer when you need something that engages the audience and showcases your band's musicality at an honest Grade 2 level. The celebratory nature makes it ideal for spring concerts, honor band showcases, or any program where you want to highlight a director's legacy or milestone.

Skills your students will build

Reading and executing contrasting tempos and tempo changes (Allegro con passione to Prestissimo con fuoco)
Latin rhythmic articulation and phrasing in ensemble context
Dynamic control and expressive playing at a medium easy level
Balance and blend when Latin rhythmic figures appear across the band