Lest We Forget: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Del Borgo crafts a sophisticated emotional arc here without sacrificing accessibility at Grade 3.5. The interweaving of recognizable Civil War melodies into fresh compositional material keeps the ensemble engaged musically while the programmatic structure (complete with narrator and Lincoln's words) gives students a genuine sense of purpose beyond notes on a page. This is concert band writing that trusts young musicians to handle nuance, dynamic restraint, and ensemble maturity.

The piece moves through memory and reflection, anchoring familiar melodies in new harmonic and textural contexts that feel both respectful and fresh. As tempo and style shift across nine and a half minutes, the band and audience journey from recognizable fragments toward an intimate, almost hushed moment before culminating in a forceful affirmation. There's gravity and sincerity throughout without sentimentality.

Concert bands in Grades 3.5 and above looking for substantial repertoire with genuine programmatic weight. This work suits ensembles ready to handle stylistic shifts, dynamic nuance, and the discipline required for effective collaboration with a narrator.

• Conduct the Civil War song quotations with clear independence so the band recognizes them as distinct moments rather than background color; this helps maintain engagement across the piece's length.
• Shape the tempo transitions deliberately and prepare the ensemble for the shift into the sensitive narration section; abrupt changes will undermine the emotional impact.
• Secure a narrator well in advance and hold a joint rehearsal before final dress to coordinate phrasing, breath placement, and ensemble response during Lincoln's address.
• Balance the heroic ending so it feels earned and powerful without drowning out the restraint that precedes it; this contrast is central to the work's message.

Program this as a centerpiece concert selection, especially for spring festivals or Veterans Day events. The narrator requirement and emotional arc make it ideal as a standalone feature rather than grouped with lighter selections. Consider pairing it with other patriotic or historical works to create a thematic program that justifies the breadth of the piece's ambition.

• Stylistic versatility and rapid ensemble adjustment across tempo and dynamic changes
• Collective listening and sensitivity to balance, particularly in quieter passages and underscoring
• Coordination with non-instrumental performers and flexible pacing
• Tonal control and restraint in lyrical sections contrasted with ensemble power and precision in climactic moments