Magic Valley: Score
By Scott Watson
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PR-0001795
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Description
"Magic Valley" is based on an original melody in the style of a hymntune, first presented simply, then developed over the course of the piece to a stirring, majestic climax. The hymntune and its treatment reflect the beautiful landscape, remarkable people and faith-inspiring creation of South Central Idaho.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Magic Valley: Score 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:
Alfred Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
132
SKU:
00-PR-0001795
More about this title
About the Composer: Scott Watson
Scott Watson has spent four decades shaping young musicians, first as Director of Bands and then as coordinator of instrumental music across the Parkland School District in Pennsylvania, and now as Associate Professor of Music at Cairn University. His compositional output reflects this dual foundation: over 120 published works for concert band, string orchestra, and chamber ensembles that draw equally from contemporary concert music and the practical wisdom of the school band room. His music has reached audiences at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, and the White House.
Why we love this
Watson's gift for making a single melody do real expressive work across an entire piece shines here. Rather than padding out a hymntune with busy counterpoint, he lets the tune grow organically, building toward genuine majesty without losing its essential character. The writing sits naturally for Grade 3 ensembles while offering enough musical substance to hold an audience's attention and give your students something meaningful to shape.
What to expect
The opening presentation of the hymntune carries quiet sincerity and reverence. As the piece unfolds, harmonic color deepens and orchestration expands, building toward a powerful, inspiring conclusion that feels earned rather than forced. The entire arc reflects the geological and spiritual grandeur of its namesake region.
Who it's for
This score and parts package suits directors working with Grade 3 concert bands who want substantial yet accessible programming. It works equally well in contest or concert settings where you need a piece that sounds mature without demanding virtuosity.
How to get the most out of it
- Resist the urge to rush as the piece unfolds. The development moves gradually from simple to complex, and maintaining a patient tempo allows each layer of growth to register clearly with listeners.
- Balance the hymntune melody across sections rather than spotlighting a single voice. Since Watson uses the tune as his core material, each appearance should feel like a natural evolution, not a restart.
- Give the climactic sections room to breathe. The majestic writing near the end needs crisp attacks and sustained tone quality from every player to achieve its full effect.
- Pay attention to transitions between sections. Watson's approach is developmental rather than sectional, so smooth voice leading and clean harmonic shifts will reveal the composer's architectural intent.
How to use it
Program this as a centerpiece in a concert devoted to American or regional themes, or pair it with works by other contemporary band composers to showcase modern concert band writing. Its accessibility and emotional depth make it equally suited to festival competition or a formal concert where you want a strong closing number.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining long melodic lines with consistent intonation and tone quality
- Recognizing and executing compositional development (variation, orchestration changes, harmonic expansion)
- Balancing ensemble sound when a hymn melody is distributed across multiple voice parts
- Responding to subtle tempo and dynamic choices that shape emotional arc across a longer form