Morningside: 2nd B-flat Clarinet
Morningside: 2nd B-flat Clarinet Sheet Music Preview

Morningside: 2nd B-flat Clarinet

By Steve Hodges

Grade: 1.5

Item: 00-PC-0019501_C2
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Description
Morningside, by Steve Hodges, is a stunningly easy and beautiful lyrical work that invokes the imagery of a scenic view of a sunrise. Perfect for developing phrasing, shaping, balance, blend and a host of other musical skills. Music with a rich harmonic palette and beautiful melodic themes! (2:30)

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Additional Details
Series: Developing Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-PC-0019501_C2

More about this title

About the Composer: Steve Hodges

Steve Hodges

Steve Hodges holds degrees from Western Oregon University (Bachelor of Science) and Central Washington University (Master of Music Education). He spent four decades in public school music education, directing concert bands, choirs, and chamber ensembles at all levels before retiring from full-time teaching.

Since 1986, Hodges has composed over 120 concert band works published by Alfred Music, along with choral arrangements for Staff Music and Shawnee Press. His compositions have appeared at festivals and state conventions across multiple countries, with commissioned works for honor bands and schools throughout the Pacific Northwest, Midwest, and Southeast. His music has also been featured on TBS and ESPN television broadcasts. Hodges holds membership in ASCAP and continues to contribute to community music activities in The Dalles, Oregon, where he delights in hearing his grandchildren perform his band arrangements in their school ensembles.

Why we love this

Morningside delivers exactly what developing bands need: a lyrical work that makes phrase shaping sound musical without demanding virtuosity. The Grade 1.5 level feels like a genuine composition rather than a simplified exercise, with harmonic interest and melodic substance that engages both performers and listeners. At just two and a half minutes, it's ideal for festivals, concerts, or building confidence in younger ensembles.

What to expect

Morningside captures the stillness of dawn breaking over a landscape, with warm harmonies that gently unfold like light spreading across the horizon. The melodic themes are lyrical and singable, creating moments of beauty that young musicians can feel and express rather than simply execute.

Who it's for

Morningside suits Grade 1.5 concert bands ready for their first genuinely musical ballad. Developing ensembles will find a work that respects their abilities while teaching the phrasing and blend that separate engaged music-making from note-reading.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape each phrase by bringing out the peak of the melody rather than playing straight across. Even at this accessible level, gentle dynamic swells will reveal the work's lyrical character.
  • Balance the harmonic colors carefully; let inner voices support the melody without overshadowing it. This is excellent practice for independent part listening in a developing section.
  • Allow the opening to breathe before the first phrase entrance. A brief pause and conductor preparation will signal the ensemble to settle into a calm, reflective mood.
  • Experiment with varied articulation approaches in rehearsal. Slightly separated tonguing can enhance the gentle character, or sustained legato can deepen the sunrise imagery.

How to use it

Program Morningside as an opening concert selection to establish an introspective, musical tone for your set. Its modest length and calm character make it ideal for spring concerts, outdoor performances, or festival appearances where you want to showcase musicianship alongside accessibility.

Skills your students will build

  • Phrase shaping and dynamic control
  • Voice independence and harmonic listening
  • Legit breath management and phrasing across phrases
  • Blend and balance within chord structures
  • Expressive interpretation of lyrical melody

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