Praeludium and Dance: Concert Band Conductor Score

$7.00 USD

Praeludium and Dance: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Praeludium and Dance: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-29451S
Price: 7.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Robert Sheldon

Grade: 1.5 (Easy)

Item: 00-29451S

$7.00

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One moment…

A bold fanfare opens this dynamic work, quickly leading to a rhythmic dance motif that propels the ensemble through a whirlwind of punctuated accompaniments and tuneful melodies. This is the perfect concert and contest opener or closing work for any developing band! (2:30) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Series: Challenger Band Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081321684

SKU: 00-29451S

More about this title

About the Composer: Robert Sheldon

Robert Sheldon's music appears on state and national contest lists across the country, and his works are performed regularly by bands at every level. He has conducted honor bands and clinicked for state music education associations across the United States and internationally, including appearances in Japan, Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, and China. His compositions have been heard in some of the world's most prestigious venues, from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center.

As a prolific publisher and the lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Sheldon has shaped how many young musicians learn to play. He holds honors from the American School Band Director's Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP, and received a honorary doctorate from VanderCook College of Music in 2020. Each year he produces new works and accepts commissions, maintaining a schedule that reflects his deep commitment to wind band music.

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Why we love this

Sheldon understands exactly what early developing bands need: clear instrumentation, architectural simplicity, and immediate musical payoff. The opening fanfare grabs attention without requiring advanced technique, and the dance section gives every section something memorable to play. This is one of those rare openers that works just as well to close a concert.

What to expect

The opening announces itself with authority, then shifts into a propulsive rhythmic groove that feels almost dance-like in its momentum. Accessible melodies float over bustling accompaniments, creating a sense of controlled energy and joy rather than frantic rushing.

Who it's for

Conductors working with Grade 1.5 bands who need a concert opener with real presence and personality. This piece fits programs where developing ensembles want to sound confident without overreaching technically.

How to get the most out of it

Bring out the fanfare's brass color by letting the trumpets and trombones sit naturally in the balance; resist the urge to push them over the top.
Lock the rhythmic drive of the dance section through the percussion section. A steady, confident pulse from timpani and bass drum keeps younger players anchored.
Shape the tuneful melody lines with direction even when they're doubled across multiple instruments. A sense of forward motion makes the piece feel energetic rather than mechanical.
Balance the punctuated accompaniments carefully so they support rather than overshadow the primary melodic ideas.

How to use it

Use this as an opening work for a fall or winter concert to establish musical excellence from the first piece. The 2:30 duration makes it an efficient addition to festival schedules, and its combination of fanfare and dance gives the audience an immediate sense of your band's musicianship.