Roar in the Wind: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Pasternak captures the raw energy and drama of storm chasing while keeping the writing solidly in Grade 3.5 territory. The mixed meter sections challenge your ensemble's rhythmic independence without overwhelming less experienced players, and those special effects (finger snapping, bowed vibraphone) give your students genuine excitement about bringing the score to life.

From the first snapped rhythms, you're in the middle of a meteorological chase, the music swirling between stable and shifting time signatures as storm conditions intensify. The bowed vibraphone conjures an eerie, wind-driven atmosphere, while brass and reeds build tension through layered textures that mimic the raw power of nature unleashed.

This score and parts set is ideal for concert bands at the upper-intermediate to early advanced level who are ready for mixed meter challenges and creative performance techniques. Directors seeking repertoire that combines educational value with audience engagement will find this piece rewards rehearsal time with memorable results.

• Establish clear visual cues for meter changes; consider a subtle conducting gesture that shows the shift between patterns so the ensemble stays locked.
• Balance the finger snapping effects in rehearsal to ensure they enhance rather than overpower the ensemble sound, especially in the quieter storm passages.
• Work the bowed vibraphone part carefully with your percussion section; this technique requires precision and controlled tone to achieve the atmospheric effect the composer intends.
• Shape the climactic moments with dynamic control; the storm's intensity builds through orchestration layering, not just volume alone.

Program this as a standalone feature piece that showcases your ensemble's rhythmic sophistication and willingness to explore extended techniques. It pairs well on a concert exploring nature-inspired or programmatic works, or use it as a closer that leaves audiences energized and talking about what they witnessed.

• Reading and executing mixed meters (shifts between duple and triple subdivisions)
• Ensemble coordination across meter changes
• Extended percussion techniques (bowed vibraphone, rhythmic finger snapping)
• Dynamic shaping and phrasing within programmatic contexts
• Ensemble balance when special effects are featured alongside traditional instrumental voices