Passages: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Michael Sweeney
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00125083
$85.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
The term "passage" can variously describe a "passageway" of travel, a musical phrase, or perhaps the soul's moving on from this world to the next. In this work for band, dark and rich sonorities are contrasted with a lilting, Celtic-flavored melody as it alternates with striking "passages" from the brass. Later, an alto sax soloist adds a haunting quality to the mood followed by a return of the ethnic drumming heard earlier. This unique and rewarding composition is beautifully paced and skillfully orchestrated using every section of the band. Dur: 7:00
Passages: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00125083
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Sweeney
Michael Sweeney is among the most performed and recorded composers for concert band, known for orchestrations that balance accessibility with musical substance. His works span from elementary through advanced levels, and his facility with band instrumentation has made him a cornerstone of school and community band libraries.
Why we love this
Sweeney's gift for layering contrasting moods within a single work shines here: the dark, rich opening gives way to a Celtic melody that feels both ethereal and grounded. What makes this stand out is the orchestrational variety. Every section of your band gets meaningful material, from the striking brass passages to the haunting alto sax solo, making it one of those pieces where no one sits through long stretches.
What to expect
The piece opens with shadowed, contemplative sonority that feels introspective and almost ritualistic. When the Celtic melody enters, the mood softens into something more lyrical and personal, only to be interrupted by vigorous brass declarations that restore drama and forward momentum.
Who it's for
Grade 4 bands with solid fundamentals and section balance will find this piece both musically rewarding and achievable. It works well for groups that have enough maturity to shape contrasting moods and enough individual players (especially a capable alto sax soloist) to carry featured lines.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the opening's dark sonorities by letting the lower reeds and tubas bloom without overwhelming the softer supporting lines in the upper voices.
- Shape the Celtic melody with gentle phrasing; it's easy to rush this section, so lock into a steady pulse and allow the lyrical contour to breathe.
- Feature your alto sax soloist generously in the haunting passage. This moment deserves space and sensitivity from the accompany section.
- Return to the ethnic drumming with clarity and confidence. Mark those rhythmic entrances in rehearsal so the ensemble remembers this callback to the opening texture.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a concert centerpiece that bridges classical and world music flavors without feeling forced. Program it alongside lighter fare to showcase your band's range, or pair it with works that explore similar lyrical or ethnic themes for a cohesive thematic concert.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing dense orchestration across multiple sections
- Shaping lyrical, singing lines with proper phrase direction
- Managing dynamic contrast between soft sonorities and bold brass statements
- Responding to featured soloists while maintaining ensemble cohesion
- Reading and executing rhythmic figures drawn from non-Western traditions