On Cloud Nine!: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Richard Saucedo
Grade: 3.5
Item: 35-PK00245386
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Description
"On Cloud Nine" is an impressive and energetic composition that will fit in just about any part of your concert program. The flashy opening segment features woodwind flourishes with powerful brass interjections. Following a slow and beautiful lyric setting of the theme featuring solos on horn and flute, the fast tempo returns and powers the piece to an exciting climax. With accessible ranges and modest technical demands, this work sounds harder than it really is. Dur. 3:00
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00245386
More about this title
About the Composer: Richard Saucedo
Richard Saucedo is a composer and arranger whose concert band works emphasize accessibility without sacrificing musical interest. His pieces are known for balancing technical approachability with sophisticated orchestration, making them favorites in educational settings where directors need repertoire that sounds polished and ambitious.
Why we love this
This piece delivers the payoff that Grade 3.5 bands crave: students play something that genuinely sounds impressive in concert. The contrast between the bright opening and the lyrical middle section gives you two distinct moods to rehearse, while the accessible ranges mean your entire section can lock in without constant doubling or voicing adjustments.
What to expect
Bright and confident, like walking into a room with the lights turned up. The lyrical middle section brings warmth and reflection, featuring individual voices stepping into the spotlight before the ensemble surges back with renewed drive and joy toward the finish.
Who it's for
Grade 3.5 concert bands looking for repertoire that works in any program slot without requiring extended rehearsal time on technical fundamentals. The modest range demands and straightforward notation make it suitable for mixed-ability ensembles while the energetic character keeps audiences engaged.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the woodwind flourishes against the brass interjections in the opening by setting your dynamics in sectional rehearsals first, then blending during full band run-throughs. This clarity prevents the exciting passage from turning muddy.
- Let the horn and flute solos in the lyrical section breathe by pulling back the harmonic support slightly. These lines deserve space to sing without accompaniment crowding them.
- Build momentum steadily as you approach the final climax rather than jumping to full intensity too early. This pacing makes the ending feel earned and keeps energy ascending through the final page.
- Rehearse the return to the fast tempo as a distinct section. Mark the transition clearly so the ensemble commits to the tempo shift together and maintains ensemble cohesion through the reprises.
How to use it
Open a concert with this piece to set an optimistic tone, or place it midprogram to provide contrast after heavier works. Its three-minute duration makes it an ideal filler that doesn't disrupt concert pacing while still giving students meaningful performance experience.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing dynamic contrast between woodwind and brass choirs
- Executing stylistically distinct sections (flashy opening, lyrical middle, energetic finale)
- Supporting solo lines with transparent harmonic accompaniment
- Maintaining ensemble precision through tempo changes and climactic acceleration