Procession of Heroes Cover Image

Procession of Heroes: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$56.00 USD
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Procession of Heroes Cover Image

Procession of Heroes: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Robert W. Smith and Michael Story

Grade: 1 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-32481

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Description
A bold musical statement for your first-year band from the Smith and Story composer team. Written in support of Band Expressions™ Book One, this charmer will make every band sound huge! This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Procession of Heroes: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts 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: Band Expressions
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 142
UPC: 038081389882
SKU: 00-32481

More about this title

About the Composer: Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith has established himself as a defining voice in American concert band composition, with over 400 works published and performed internationally. His education at Troy State University and the University of Miami shaped a compositional approach that balances accessibility with musical substance, evident in works ranging from The Tempest to his symphonic treatments of classical literature. Smith's reach extends beyond the concert hall; his music has appeared in Olympic ceremonies, network television broadcasts, and landmark American events, reflecting both the breadth of his catalog and the versatility of his writing.

As a clinician and conductor, Smith has worked extensively with developing musicians across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, bringing direct knowledge of what first-year and intermediate ensembles need to sound and feel successful. His prolific output for the developing band represents a conscious commitment to creating repertoire that builds confidence and musicianship without compromising artistic integrity.

Why we love this

Smith and Story understand the first-year band psychology: students need to feel powerful without drowning in complexity. This piece delivers genuine heroism through straightforward orchestration, clear harmonic movement, and moments that let different sections shine individually before the full ensemble lands the payoff. The programmatic framing gives students a concrete musical story to invest in, turning a concert requirement into a confidence builder.

What to expect

Procession of Heroes unfolds with processional dignity and growing momentum, painting a musical picture of brave figures moving forward with purpose. The piece builds from introspection to full-bodied celebration, offering moments of lyrical beauty alongside passages where the entire ensemble can feel the weight and resonance of their collective sound.

Who it's for

First-year concert bands ready to step beyond warm-up material into genuine repertoire. The Grade 1 level keeps technical demands minimal while the bold orchestration and programmatic concept appeal to student musicians who want their playing to matter. Bands preparing for concert or festival settings will find this piece strikes an ideal balance between accessibility and musicality.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the melodic line with dynamic swells rather than sudden jumps; younger players respond well to gradual intensity growth and find it easier to control.
  • Lock the rhythm section (bass and percussion) early in sectionals; a solid foundation frees the melody and harmony to focus on intonation and phrasing.
  • Conduct with a clear, unhurried pulse in rehearsal so students can hear how the piece breathes between phrases; resist the urge to rush moments of triumph.

How to use it

Open a concert with this piece to set an energetic, confident tone from the first moments. Its programmatic nature makes it an effective programming companion to lighter character pieces or quieter reflective works, functioning as a tonal anchor that demonstrates your ensemble's range. Consider placing it early in your festival rotation when students benefit most from performing something that builds their morale.

Skills your students will build

  • Dynamic control and phrase shaping across sustained passages
  • Sectional independence within a full ensemble texture
  • Rhythmic precision in unison and homophonic writing
  • Listening to balance between melody, harmony, and bass line
  • Confidence performing programmatic music with clear structural arc

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