On the Horizon: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Katie O'Hara LaBrie
Grade: 1.5
Item: 00-PK-0008701
$55.00
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Description
This powerful work represents vision and hope, inspired by Katie O'Hara LaBrie's vision of a never-ending horizon. A beautiful opening suggests the sun rising on a new day before moving into a triumphant melody with uplifting woodwind interludes. The music embeds a strong sense that one can be ready for anything that lies ahead On the Horizon. (2:00)
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Additional Details
Series:
MakeMusic Developing Band
Publisher:
MakeMusic Publications
SKU:
00-PK-0008701
More about this title
About the Composer: Katie O'Hara LaBrie
Katie O'Hara LaBrie brings fifteen years of orchestra teaching experience from Fairfax County Public Schools to her work as a composer, conductor, and clinician. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from St. Olaf College and her Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from George Mason University, studying with Anthony Maiello.
LaBrie's compositional voice emerges directly from her classroom: she writes music that educates, engages audiences, and above all, rewards the players performing it. Her work has earned frequent J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice selections, performances at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Directors Clinic, and recognition as one of Yamaha's "40 Under 40" in 2022. She founded the Fairfax Chamber Players and co-created "the Big IDEA" practice method, reflecting her commitment to purposeful music education.
Why we love this
LaBrie builds emotional arc with restraint and clarity at this grade level. The opening sunrise imagery gives way to a genuinely triumphant section without overselling the moment, creating space for developing musicians to discover their own musicality within the structure. The two-minute length strikes the perfect balance for Grade 1.5 ensembles: substantial enough to matter in a program, concise enough to execute with confidence.
What to expect
The opening unfolds like dawn breaking, all soft light and possibility. The surge toward triumph feels earned rather than imposed, building naturally from the gentle beginning into something genuinely celebratory. Throughout, the music breathes with hope that feels grounded and real rather than manufactured.
Who it's for
Grade 1.5 concert bands preparing festival or contest repertoire with strong audience appeal. Directors seeking music that develops musicianship through accessible, emotionally coherent writing rather than technical display.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening as a true sunrise rather than a sharp entrance; let the sustained sonorities establish the sense of new beginnings before forward motion emerges.
- Balance the woodwind interludes so they breathe as response rather than decoration; they carry thematic material and deserve clarity from the full ensemble.
- Build momentum gradually through the triumphant section rather than pushing immediately; younger players respond well to incremental dynamic growth that they can sustain.
- Allow the final cadence to settle rather than rushing to close; let the sense of readiness and hope land fully with the audience.
How to use it
Program this early in a concert to establish an optimistic tone, or place it as a cornerstone of a thematic program exploring growth and resilience. Its accessible Grade 1.5 level makes it ideal for festivals and competitions where you want both judges and audiences to hear your ensemble's musicality without technical barriers.
Skills your students will build
- Shaping long, sustained tones with dynamic control
- Balancing ensemble sound between full band and featured sections
- Understanding and executing arc within a compact form
- Responding to and supporting thematic material across different voice groups