Northwest Rising: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Music by Robert Sheldon
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PK-0008452
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Description
Depicting the thrill of a hot-air balloon ride, Northwest Rising is yet another concert showstopper from Robert Sheldon. From the excitement of the initial liftoff to the quiet calm of floating in air, to the anticipation of the thrill of landing, this piece will take your band and audience on the musical balloon ride of a lifetime. Woodwind glissandi, refreshing harmonies and driving percussion help make Northwest Rising as fun to perform as it is to listen to. Another winner from Robert Sheldon!
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
3
SKU:
00-PK-0008452
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert Sheldon
Robert Sheldon's compositions for wind band have become staples in rehearsal rooms and concert halls worldwide. His award-winning catalog reflects a gift for writing accessible yet sophisticated music that challenges young ensembles while remaining genuinely engaging to perform. Sheldon has been honored by the American School Band Director's Association, Phi Beta Mu, and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for his contributions to the field.
Beyond his prolific output as a composer, Sheldon serves as lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band and maintains an active schedule as guest conductor for All-State and Regional Honor Bands. His works have been performed at Carnegie Hall, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Symphony Hall in Boston, the Sydney Opera House, and the Kennedy Center. He has taught and conducted clinics across the United States and internationally in Japan, Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, and China, and received an honorary doctorate from VanderCook College of Music in 2020.
Why we love this
Sheldon excels at turning vivid imagery into immediate musical engagement. Northwest Rising captures the physical and emotional arc of a balloon adventure with genuine charm: the initial excitement translates into driving rhythms, while the quiet moments of floating create breathing room that audiences find enchanting. The writing sits perfectly at Grade 3, offering enough technical interest to reward developing players without sacrificing the narrative power of the piece.
What to expect
Northwest Rising takes you from the trembling anticipation of takeoff through the serene weightlessness of altitude, then returns you to earth with a rush. The woodwind glissandi sparkle like wind rushing past, while the driving percussion grounds you in the physical thrill of the experience.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the intermediate level seeking a crowd-pleasing piece with strong narrative arc and limited technical demands. This works equally well for groups building confidence in ensemble balance and musical storytelling.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the glissandi with clear intention during the liftoff section. These flourishes need precision to land the comic effect without sounding accidental.
- Balance the woodwind writing in the calmer middle section carefully. The harmonies are designed to float, so let them drift rather than anchor them too heavily.
- Drive the landing sequence with committed articulation from the full ensemble. This pays off the journey and gives the audience a satisfying conclusion.
How to use it
Program this as an opener or mid-concert selection when you want to shift the mood from formal to playful. The vivid imagery makes it an excellent choice for family concerts or educational pops programs where the audience enjoys musical storytelling.
Skills your students will build
- Executing glissandi with control and musical purpose
- Balance and blend in harmonic progressions across the woodwind section
- Dynamic shaping to support programmatic content (liftoff, floating, landing)
- Ensemble articulation and rhythmic precision in driving passages