Quintilian: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Smith crafts an ingenious introduction to programmatic thinking at Grade 1. The Roman fanfare immediately signals character and context, while the quintal harmony and rhythm give your band something genuinely distinctive to execute, not just note patterns to decode. Young players grasp that concert music can tell a story and sound substantial without requiring advanced technical demands.

Quintilian opens with the pomp and grandeur of ancient Rome, then pivots into a driving harmonic journey built on the unusual sound of quintal writing. The piece generates momentum and dramatic tension as it unfolds, culminating in a stirring conclusion that leaves audiences impressed and students energized.

Beginning and early intermediate concert bands seeking a work that combines educational value with genuine musical interest. Directors introducing their students to programmatic composition and the idea that concert music can be both accessible and artistically rewarding.

• Emphasize the articulation in the opening fanfare; those brass punches should cut through with confidence and uniformity, setting the ceremonial tone before the thematic material enters.
• The quintal theme works best when each section balances clarity with a sense of forward momentum. Avoid letting the harmony drag, even at modest tempos.
• Build the dramatic conclusion gradually across the ensemble. Mark the climactic moments in your score so you can shape the crescendo with intention rather than letting it happen accidentally.

Program this as the opener for a concert showcasing your band's growing musicianship. Its combination of historical inspiration and accessible difficulty makes it an ideal first selection when you want to establish that your ensemble takes music seriously. It also pairs well with other Smith works or with classical-era marches in a thematic concert.

• Understanding quintal harmony and its effect on tone color
• Executing articulated fanfare passages with ensemble precision
• Reading and responding to programmatic cues in the conductor's direction
• Sustaining momentum through harmonic development
• Balancing individual line integrity while contributing to larger harmonic structures