On Golden Wings: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Oare understands exactly what Grade 3 bands need to sound impressive without overwhelming them. The piece opens with genuine lyricism that gives your flute and oboe players something beautiful to showcase, then shifts into driving energy that builds momentum and excitement. Your students will feel like they're performing something substantial, and your audience will hear a complete musical statement.

Ethereal and introspective at first, with the flute and oboe sharing intimate moments over shifting harmonies and soft percussion colors. The energy gathers momentum as the pace quickens, building into something soaring and triumphant that carries the ensemble forward with conviction.

Grade 3 concert bands looking for repertoire that balances accessibility with genuine artistry. Directors preparing students for contest or festival performances will appreciate a piece that develops musicianship across the ensemble while remaining within reach of developing musicians.

• Balance the opening chorale carefully; the flute and oboe solos need to emerge clearly from the harmonic cushion beneath them, so adjust dynamic levels in rehearsal rather than relying on individual students to simply play louder.
• Establish a steady pulse before entering the faster section, then bring the tempo up deliberately so the ensemble can lock into the driving rhythm without losing clarity.
• Shape the melodic lines through the buildup toward the conclusion; even in the energetic section, musical phrasing prevents the piece from becoming rhythmically mechanical.
• Use the percussion effects in the opening as rehearsal anchors; their delicate character sets the mood and teaches percussionists that restraint can be more powerful than volume.

Program this early in your concert to establish a sophisticated tone for the evening, or place it as a palate cleanser between heavier works. Its 4:20 duration fits neatly into festivals and competitions, and the two distinct sections provide natural programming variety when you're building a concert around contrasting moods.

• Sustaining lyrical phrasing through longer melodic lines
• Blending chorale harmonies with clean intonation
• Transitioning between contrasting tempos without losing ensemble cohesion
• Balancing solo and accompanimental roles within a full ensemble texture
• Reading and executing delicate percussion effects with musicality