Legacy Fanfare: E-flat Alto Saxophone 2
By Jack Wilds
Grade: 2.5
Item: 98-PC-DB1663_AX2
$7.00
Pickup currently not available
Description
This bold, exciting opener is held together by a recurring figure made up of just three notes. The music moves through a variety of fast-paced melodic material before coming to an energetic close. Modern harmonies offer a fresh sound, and an unrelenting energy pervades throughout. A powerful opener for your next concert.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Young Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DB1663_AX2
More about this title
About the Composer: Jack Wilds
Jack Wilds brings compositional ambition to every ensemble he writes for, from elementary choirs to professional orchestras. His chamber works have been performed by the Attacca Quartet, members of the New York Philharmonic, and the Atlanta Symphony, while his wind band music appears on festival required lists across multiple continents. Drawing inspiration from visual art, literature, and philosophical texts, Wilds creates music that challenges performers while remaining rooted in clear artistic intent.
A former public school band director, Wilds understands the practical and artistic needs of developing musicians. He has published over 40 works for wind ensemble and choir, many of which have been featured at the Midwest Clinic and international festivals including the International Trombone Festival and the Wyoming Festival. He currently teaches composition, theory, and music technology at Texas State University and serves as Co-Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in San Marcos.
Why we love this
The three-note motif binding this piece together gives your band an anchor point that feels both modern and immediately graspable, even at the 2.5 level. Wilds builds genuine energy through rhythmic propulsion and textural variety rather than relying on thick scoring, so even smaller programs feel powerful and driven. It works perfectly as a contest opener or concert starter because it establishes command of the stage without overwhelming younger players.
What to expect
Bright and purposeful, driven by a hypnotic recurring figure that creates momentum through repetition and variation. The modern harmonic language keeps the sound fresh and slightly unexpected, while the unrelenting energy pushes forward with genuine excitement toward a satisfying, powerful conclusion.
Who it's for
High school and advanced middle school bands seeking a contemporary opener that sounds polished and current without excessive technical demands. Directors programming contest or festival concerts will find a piece that showcases your band's rhythmic precision and musical maturity.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the recurring three-note figure as a unifying gesture from the first rehearsal; have the ensemble identify every appearance across all parts so musicians hear how it anchors the fast-paced melodic passages.
- Keep the tempo steady and driven throughout. The energy comes from rhythmic precision and articulation clarity, not rushing; a metronome helps maintain that relentless forward motion.
- Balance the modern harmonies by being deliberate about voicing clarity in the band. Wilds's fresh harmonic language reads best when each section occupies its own acoustic space rather than blending into a thick texture.
- Shape the close with confidence. The energetic ending needs commitment from the full ensemble; underscore the final cadence with crisp releases and unified dynamic strength.
How to use it
Open your next concert with this piece to set an energetic, confident tone immediately. Its contemporary sound pairs well with both classical and modern repertoire and makes an excellent first selection for contests or festivals where you want to capture attention and demonstrate musical confidence.
Skills your students will build
- Identifying and performing recurring motifs across multiple instrumental voices
- Maintaining steady tempo and rhythmic precision in fast-paced material
- Balancing modern harmonic color without sacrificing clarity
- Shaping energetic passages through articulation and dynamic control
- Reading and executing contemporary band scoring with confidence