Portals: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Portals: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-RWS211401
Price: 10.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Robert W. Smith

Grade: 3.5

Item: 98-RWS211401

$10.00

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One moment…

Written during the pandemic of 2020-21, "Portals" was inspired by the digital portals or windows that allowed us to view our world. From the human interaction and expression through videoconference windows, to the living room television screens that served as portals to our outside world, our views drastically changed. Featuring soloists as well woodwind and brass choirs, this joyous composition builds to a bold and majestic full ensemble statement and exciting conclusion. Optional middle school parts are included allowing for full pyramid concert performance. Written for the live concert band or virtual ensemble performance, "Portals" will be a valued addition to your next concert as we celebrate the combined musical voices of our world.

Original Item#: RWS-2114-01

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Series: RWS - Concert Band

Publisher: RWS Music Company

ISBN10: 1-4706-9683-5

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-9683-2

UPC: 038081612683

SKU: 98-RWS211401

More about this title

About the Composer: Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith has established himself as a prolific voice in American band and orchestral composition, with over 400 published works distributed primarily through Alfred Music. His education includes a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Troy State University and a Master's degree from the University of Miami.

Smith's original compositions for concert band and orchestra have earned international recognition, performed across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. His symphonic works (The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey) and developing ensemble standards like The Tempest anchor the contemporary band repertoire. Beyond concert halls, his music has appeared in major television broadcasts, Olympic ceremonies, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and opening day festivities at Dodger Stadium. Smith remains active as both a conductor and clinician, regularly engaging musicians across the United States, Canada, and abroad.

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Why we love this

Smith captures the specific emotional landscape of our recent collective experience without sentimentality, letting the music speak to connection and resilience. The flexible instrumentation (with optional middle school parts) means you can program this meaningfully whether your ensemble is developing or advanced, making it genuinely inclusive rather than just accommodating. The soloists and sectional voicings create space for individual musicianship while building toward that satisfying full ensemble climax.

What to expect

The opening unfolds like light filtering through windows, contemplative and gently curious. As soloists and sectional choirs enter, the texture builds from intimate observation to communal expression, culminating in a bold, unanimous statement that feels celebratory without losing its grounding in reflection.

Who it's for

Grade 3.5 concert bands seeking repertoire that acknowledges contemporary life without resorting to obvious program music. Ensembles of mixed ability levels will appreciate the flexible scoring, which allows stronger players to carry soloists while developing musicians participate fully through the optional parts.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the soloists carefully against the ensemble texture; these moments should feel like personal viewpoints rather than embedded within the larger sound.
Shape the sectional passages (woodwind and brass choirs) with subtle dynamic gradation to highlight the shift in perspective as the composition unfolds.
Emphasize the harmonic movement rather than pushing tempo in the build toward the final statement; let the orchestration drive the momentum.
Prepare the ensemble for the optional middle school doubling by rehearsing both versions separately first, then blending them to ensure balance across all parts.

How to use it

This work thrives as a centerpiece on a concert devoted to contemporary voices or as a bridge between lighter and more complex repertoire. Its moderate length and emotional arc make it ideal for spring concerts or festival appearances where you want something with both substance and accessibility.