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Racing the Sun: Concert Band Conductor Score

$8.00 USD
$8.00 USD
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Racing the Sun Cover Image
Racing the Sun: Concert Band Conductor Score

Racing the Sun: Concert Band Conductor Score

By Roland Barrett

Grade: 1 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-35349S
$8.00
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Description
The inspiration for Racing the Sun comes from a phrase used by solar-powered car enthusiasts to describe the act of piloting their exotic vehicles. Employing a variety of styles and textures, this original Roland Barrett work will capture the imagination of students and listeners alike. A charming musical depiction! This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Additional Details
Series: Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 038081409849
SKU: 00-35349S

More about this title

About the Composer: Roland Barrett

Roland Barrett

Roland Barrett has been composing and arranging music for concert and marching ensembles since the early 1990s, bringing a distinctive voice to beginner and intermediate band repertoire. He joined the University of Oklahoma's composition and music theory faculty in 2001, where he teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses focused on twentieth-century music while continuing to arrange for the Pride of Oklahoma marching band. With more than two hundred published works to his name, Barrett's compositions have been performed by the Dallas Wind Symphony, All-State and All-Region honor bands, and have received airtime on NPR and cable television. His contributions to music education have earned him multiple ASCAP awards and recognition at major conventions including the Midwest Band & Orchestra Conference and the International Trumpet Guild.

Why we love this

Racing the Sun delivers genuine fun without sacrificing musicianship. Barrett's use of contrasting styles and textures keeps players engaged across all sixteen pages, and the Grade 1 level means your entire band can access a concert-ready piece that sounds far more polished than its difficulty suggests. It's a program opener that audiences genuinely enjoy and students are eager to rehearse.

What to expect

Energetic and lighthearted, with vivid imagery of speed and sunlight woven through contrasting musical textures. The piece moves with playful momentum, painting a sonic picture of the racing experience without relying on gimmicks or simplistic effects.

Who it's for

Beginning band conductors seeking a concert piece that combines accessibility with musical substance. This title engages Grade 1 students across all sections while offering enough variety to sustain audience interest.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the variety of textures by shaping phrase contours clearly; let articulation and dynamics define each stylistic section rather than rushing tempos through transitions.
  • Maintain forward momentum without overdriving the pulse; Grade 1 bands often benefit from a steady, confident conductor beat that anchors the ensemble through style changes.
  • Highlight exposed lines in the woodwinds and brass by giving them slight dynamic lift in rehearsal so they project without drowning out accompaniment figures.
  • Use the 16-page score to plan sectional rehearsals around textural shifts, addressing balance and blend in each distinct musical idea before running the full piece.

How to use it

Program this early in a concert to set an upbeat tone and showcase your band's rhythmic precision and style flexibility. The charming character and accessibility make it an ideal choice for spring concerts, festival appearances, or any program where you want students to feel successful while entertaining the audience.

Skills your students will build

  • Playing with rhythmic precision across changing tempos and textures
  • Responding to clear sectional contrasts in style and articulation
  • Balancing ensemble sound while maintaining independent part integrity
  • Reading and executing dynamic and stylistic markings that define musical character

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