Liturgical Fanfare: 1st Percussion
By Robert W. Smith
Grade: 1 (Very Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0014653_PC1
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Description
The entire work is based upon the opening rhythmic figure of two quarter notes, two eighths, and a quarter note. Liturgical Fanfare is a bit more aggressive in interpretation than most works composed for this level and is an exceptional choice for a concert opener or final work. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the full spectrum of dynamic contrasts. Powerful! (2:21) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Liturgical Fanfare: 1st Percussion comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
128
SKU:
00-PC-0014653_PC1
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith stands among America's most prolific composers of concert band and orchestral music, with over 400 publications spanning decades of creative work. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Troy State University in Alabama and his Master of Music from the University of Miami, grounding his craft in both compositional rigor and pedagogical understanding.
Smith's works have traveled globally, from performances across North America and Europe to Asia and Australia. His symphonies, including The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey, have established themselves as standards, while pieces like The Tempest remain foundational repertoire for developing ensembles. Beyond concert halls, his music has appeared on major television broadcasts, Olympic ceremonies, and iconic American events ranging from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to Opening Day at Dodger Stadium. As a conductor and clinician, he has worked extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe.
Why we love this
Smith crafts this Grade 1 opener with genuine compositional sophistication, building the entire work from a single rhythmic cell rather than relying on simplistic melody. The aggressive character sets it apart from the gentler fare typical at this level, giving your band immediate authority and presence while remaining accessible for developing musicians.
What to expect
Liturgical Fanfare pulses with ceremonial grandeur and rhythmic drive. The opening figure stakes its claim immediately, and Smith orchestrates it across the full band with dramatic swells and sudden drops, creating a piece that feels expansive and purposeful despite its accessibility.
Who it's for
Grade 1 concert bands seeking an opener or closer that projects confidence and maturity without overstepping their technical limitations. Directors programming festivals or contests will find a piece that commands attention while remaining well within the grasp of developing ensembles.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening rhythmic figure with clear articulation and uniform ensemble pulse; this cell recurs throughout, and locking it early gives the band a secure foundation for the dynamic contrasts ahead.
- Drive toward the dynamic peaks without rushing; Smith's scoring creates natural swell points, and resisting the urge to accelerate during intense moments maintains the piece's architectural integrity.
- Balance the full band sound in tutti passages by having inner voices sit slightly back; the transparency at Grade 1 demands careful mixing so no section overwhelms the texture.
- Use the two-minute-plus length as an opportunity to rehearse sustained focus; younger bands benefit from extended works that demand concentration and pacing awareness.
How to use it
Open your concert with this fanfare to set an energetic, formal tone from the first note. Its two-minute-plus duration and strong closing provide satisfying bookends; equally effective as a finale that leaves audiences with a sense of accomplished power.
Skills your students will build
- Rhythmic precision in unison and tutti passages
- Dynamic control and contrast across the full ensemble
- Articulation consistency and sectional balance
- Sustained focus and pacing in extended concert works
- Response to single repeated motifs across varied harmonic contexts