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Noche de Brujas: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$75.00 USD
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Noche de Brujas Cover Image

Noche de Brujas: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

(Night of the Witches)

By Michael Story

Grade: 2

Item: 00-50434

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Description
Similar to Halloween, Noche de Brujas (Night of the Witches) is celebrated in Spain, Mexico, and other Latin American countries on October 31. Michael Story's colorful piece begins spooky and mysterious, then moves into a lively, energetic section that culminates in a rousing conclusion. It's a musical treat!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Noche de Brujas: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts 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 Young Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
ISBN10: 1-4706-8078-5
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-8078-7
UPC: 038081605074
SKU: 00-50434

More about this title

About the Composer: Michael Story

Michael Story has established himself as one of the most prolific composers for young bands, with an output that prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing musical substance. His works span Grade 1 through 6, and he demonstrates a particular gift for writing idiomatically for developing ensembles, pieces that challenge students on their terms rather than asking them to approximate professional-level demands.

Story's compositional approach emphasizes clear scoring, engaging melodies, and orchestration that allows each section of the band meaningful material. His catalog includes festival favorites, teaching pieces, and full concert works, making him a reliable resource for directors building their repertoire at multiple grade levels.

Why we love this

Story captures the theatrical energy of Noche de Brujas without relying on tired horror clichés. The arc from mysterious opening to uninhibited celebration gives Grade 2 bands a piece that feels genuinely fun to perform and genuinely engaging to hear, making it memorable long after the October concert.

What to expect

The opening evokes genuine eeriness, not cartoonish, but genuinely mysterious, before the piece pivots into unbridled energy. By the conclusion, you're in full celebration mode, with the kind of rhythmic drive and ensemble power that reminds students why they play.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands looking for a festival or concert piece with personality and variety. This works equally well for groups new to programming thematic contrasts and for more experienced ensembles seeking repertoire that entertains performers and audiences alike.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish a clear dynamic contrast between the spooky opening and the energetic section. The mystery works best when players commit to restraint at first, making the shift to lively feel like a genuine surprise.
  • Balance the melodic voices in the lively section so the main theme sings through the accompaniment. Lighter inner voices help the tune stay prominent.
  • Shape the rousing conclusion with forward momentum. Slight accelerando and increasing dynamic intensity in the final measures build toward a satisfying climax rather than simply maintaining tempo.
  • Use the conductor score to identify the exact moment transitions occur so you can lead the band through them with confidence. Clear conducting will help students execute the contrasting sections crisply.

How to use it

Program this as a welcome seasonal or festival piece in October. Its Grade 2 accessibility makes it ideal for opening a concert or festival schedule, where it sets an energetic tone without overshadowing more challenging work. It also pairs well with other themed or celebratory band repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Contrasting articulation and style between spooky and energetic sections
  • Dynamic control across a wide range of intensities
  • Entrances and exits during section transitions
  • Rhythmic precision in the lively, syncopated material
  • Maintaining ensemble balance during melodic carrying passages

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