Overdrive: 2nd B-flat Clarinet
By Robert Sheldon
Grade: 1.5 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0017000_C2
$3.00
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Description
Put down the top on the convertible and take your audience on a cruise down the highway with this irrepressible, high-energy composition for developing bands. Driving rhythms and a catchy melody combine with power chords and a rockin' percussion section to create the tune everyone will be talking about after your next concert. (1:55)
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Overdrive: 2nd B-flat 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:
Sound Innovations for Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
150
SKU:
00-PC-0017000_C2
More about this title
About the Composer: Robert Sheldon
Robert Sheldon stands among the most frequently performed composers of wind band repertoire in the world. His works appear regularly on contest lists and concert programs across the globe, and he has led performances of his compositions at Carnegie Hall, Orchestra Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. Beyond composing, Sheldon serves as lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band and maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor for All-State and Regional Honor Bands.
His contributions to music education have earned him recognition from the American School Band Director's Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP. Sheldon has worked as a conductor and clinician throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, regularly presenting at state music education conferences and university seminars. VanderCook College of Music awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2020.
Why we love this
Sheldon writes music that energizes young ensembles without compromising craftsmanship. The rock-influenced idiom and driving rhythms grab audience attention instantly, but the piece is constructed solidly enough that your band will feel genuinely proud of what they've accomplished in performance. At Grade 1.5, it builds real musicianship while keeping the energy and fun that makes students excited to come to rehearsal.
What to expect
Imagine windows down, highway stretching ahead, and a song that won't leave your head. Overdrive captures that sense of motion and freedom through insistent rhythmic figures, bright power chords, and a melody designed to stick with listeners long after the final note. The energy never lets up, but the piece remains playful rather than aggressive, inviting the audience to share in the fun.
Who it's for
Developing concert bands ready to tackle repertoire with contemporary edge and infectious rhythmic drive. This works beautifully for ensembles in their first or second year of band experience who respond well to musical styles beyond traditional concert band fare. Directors seeking material that engages student musicians and audiences with equal enthusiasm will find this piece delivers on both fronts.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the groove in your rhythm section first. Lock the kick drum and bass line into a tight, steady pulse before layering in melodic entrances. This foundation makes the driving quality feel inevitable rather than rushed.
- Balance the melody against the power chords and percussion. The catchy tune should soar, but if the band crunches too hard on the harmonic support, you'll lose melodic clarity. Use dynamic control in the lower voices to let the hook shine through.
- Lean into the rock character without becoming sloppy. Tight articulation on the driving figures and clear attacks on the power chords create precision within the high-energy style.
- Shape the 1:55 duration for maximum impact. Every bar should feel purposeful. Avoid letting tempo drift, as even slight timing variations will undermine the propulsive energy that makes this piece work.
How to use it
Program this early in a concert when you want to set an upbeat tone and establish audience engagement immediately. Its compact length and contemporary spirit pair well alongside traditional concert selections, offering contrast without disrupting the overall arc of your program. Consider it ideal for spring concerts, pops programs, or any event where you want to showcase your band's versatility and the joy they find in playing together.
Skills your students will build
- Maintaining steady rhythm in driving, syncopated figures
- Balancing melody against harmonic accompaniment
- Playing with precision in rock-influenced articulation
- Responding to contemporary musical styles and idioms
- Coordinating ensemble rhythm and pulse across full band