Olympia: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Olympia: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-B1270S
Price: 13.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 1

Item: 98-B1270S

$13.00

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One moment…

This powerful fanfare captures the spirit of Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The opening figure in the percussion is reminiscent of Aaron Copland and introduces the opening theme. As the theme seamlessly develops, the piece picks up tempo as snippets of the fanfare theme are interjected between lyrical statements in the woodwinds. Great (and flexible) percussion writing adds depth to the work. In addition to the regular part, an optional advanced snare drum part is included for accomplished percussionists. Bold sounds yet extremely playable!

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Series: FJH Beginning Band

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 241444477052

SKU: 98-B1270S

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has established himself as a composer and conductor working across orchestral, band, and chamber repertoire at the highest levels. His works have been heard in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, and the Toronto Centre for the Arts, performed by ensembles ranging from professional orchestras to school groups. He received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association and won the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest.

Balmages is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association and has held distinguished teaching and administrative roles, including Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic. His music was performed at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, and he has been commissioned by major institutions including the University of Miami for the inauguration of the institution's president. As a guest conductor, he regularly works with all-state ensembles, university groups, and professional bands across North America and internationally.

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Why we love this

Balmages crafts a Grade 1 fanfare that actually sounds like something worth playing, rejecting the thin orchestration many teachers dread at this level. The percussion writing is genuinely interesting without being inaccessible, and the optional advanced snare part lets you challenge your strongest players without slowing down the ensemble. Programming a Grade 1 work this musically generous gives younger students real material to sink their teeth into.

What to expect

A bright, ceremonial opening unfolds into something athletic and propulsive. Woody lyricism breaks through the fanfare energy, giving the piece breathing room before the momentum builds again. The overall character is accessible and optimistic without feeling patronizing.

Who it's for

Beginning concert bands looking for Grade 1 material with genuine musical substance. The optional advanced percussion part makes it work for mixed-ability sections, letting you serve developing players while engaging your strongest percussionists.

How to get the most out of it

Establish a clear pulse in the opening percussion figure before the theme enters; those Copland-esque flourishes need rhythmic confidence to land properly.
Shape the lyrical woodwind statements with phrase breathing, since they're the emotional heart between fanfare interjections.
Balance the optional advanced snare part so it enhances rather than drowns the main snare line if you're using both players.
Let the tempo lift gradually as the piece develops rather than jumping suddenly; this rewards careful listening from the ensemble.

How to use it

Place this early in a concert to establish energy and confidence in a young ensemble. It works as a contest or festival selection where Grade 1 repertoire requirements exist, or as a confident opener before stepping into more exploratory pieces. The celebratory Olympia theme also pairs well with classical or Olympic-themed programming concepts.