Open Road: E-flat Alto Clarinet
By Robert Sheldon
Grade: 1.5
Item: 98-PC-DB1556_AC1
$7.00
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Description
Take a road trip with this musical journey that ventures out on the highway while cruising over miles of "open road." The mood of the music paints a picture of windows down while wind and fresh air fill the car with a carefree spirit. Feel the energy, excitement and anticipation of a this musical road-trip that will have you fastening your seat belts!
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Open Road: E-flat Alto Clarinet comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Concert Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DB1556_AC1
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert Sheldon
Robert Sheldon stands among the most frequently performed composers in the wind band repertoire. His works appear regularly on state and national contest lists, and his compositions have been heard in Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. He coauthored Sound Innovations for Concert Band and has earned recognition from the American School Band Director's Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP.
Sheldon maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor for honor bands and clinician at universities and state music education conferences across the United States, Japan, Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, and China. He regularly accepts commissions and produces numerous concert band publications annually. In 2020, VanderCook College of Music awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contributions to music education and composition.
Why we love this
Sheldon writes with an ear for what young bands can achieve musically without requiring advanced technical skills. The narrative clarity in Open Road means your ensemble stays engaged with the story rather than struggling through the mechanics, and the contest-festival designation signals that this piece will hold up under adjudication while remaining fun to rehearse and perform.
What to expect
Windows down, highway stretching ahead. The music captures the restless energy of departure and the freedom of motion, with fresh air and open sky in the arrangement. Excitement builds naturally as the journey unfolds, creating an infectious momentum that carries listener and performer alike.
Who it's for
Beginning and early intermediate concert bands (Grade 1.5) looking for contest-worthy repertoire that doesn't demand years of refinement. Directors seeking music with programmatic appeal and clear emotional content will find students connect quickly to the road-trip narrative. This works equally well for concert programming, festival competition, or end-of-year performance.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening to establish the roadside imagery before energy builds. The foundation sets expectation for what comes next, so resist rushing the intro.
- Balance section independence with clarity during full ensemble passages. Young players often lock onto neighboring parts instead of their own line, so isolate each section briefly before combining.
- Lean into dynamic contrast to amplify the carefree mood. Sheldon's writing responds well to expressive conducting, and younger players love the permission to play with dynamics.
- Mark breathing points in parts so players avoid phrase collapse. Even at this level, intentional breaths between ideas prevent monotone texture and maintain momentum.
How to use it
Program Open Road as an opener or closer on a spring concert to set a bright, energetic tone. Its accessibility makes it an excellent choice for a festival appearance where you want strong musicality without excessive technical burden. You might pair it with a slower, lyrical piece to showcase contrast and range.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing at Grade 1.5 difficulty across all concert band voices
- Responding to narrative and programmatic content through musical expression
- Maintaining rhythmic independence in full ensemble textures
- Dynamic contrast and phrase shaping within accessible ranges
- Ensemble balance and blend across sections