Savannah River Rhapsody: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$85.00 USD

Savannah River Rhapsody: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Savannah River Rhapsody: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-37825
Price: 85.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Robert Sheldon

Grade: 3.5 (Medium)

Item: 00-37825

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Commissioned by and written for the Georgia Music Educators District Ten Band Directors Association, "Savannah River Rhapsody" was premiered by the District's outstanding high school honor band in Augusta, Georgia, conducted by the composer. The Savannah River plays an enormous part in the lives, history, and commercial vitality of the region. The piece begins at the source of the river, in the southern Appalachians, with an introduction representing the grandeur of this ancient mountain range. As the music continues, it follows the river downstream, changing tonality and style with every river bend. (5:15) 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, Savannah River Rhapsody: 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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Series: Alfred Concert Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 280

UPC: 038081429762

SKU: 00-37825

More about this title

About the Composer: Robert Sheldon

Robert Sheldon's compositions appear on more high school and college concert band programs than perhaps any other living composer. His prolific output and accessibility across ability levels have made him essential to American wind band repertoire. Recognition from ASBDA, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP reflects both the technical craft and emotional resonance that characterize his work.

Beyond the page, Sheldon maintains an active presence as guest conductor for honor bands and clinician at universities and state conferences nationwide. His work has been performed at Carnegie Hall, Orchestra Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Sydney Opera House, and the Kennedy Center. In 2020, VanderCook College of Music honored him with a doctorate recognizing his sustained impact on wind band literature and music education.

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Why we love this

This is unapologetically regional in inspiration without sacrificing musical sophistication. Sheldon captures the Savannah River's character through genuine harmonic and textural transformation rather than surface effects, giving your band a piece that sounds like it has something to say about place and history. The Grade 3.5 scoring keeps the work accessible while the programmatic journey sustains interest for both performers and listeners.

What to expect

The piece unfolds like a journey, beginning in mountain grandeur and evolving through landscape as the river flows. Each section carries distinct character while remaining part of a coherent whole, creating the feeling of continuous motion punctuated by moments of regional identity.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the upper-intermediate to early advanced level who want substantial programming that balances accessibility with musical substance. Directors seeking repertoire with regional or local significance will find this particularly valuable since the piece originated from a commission by Georgia music educators.

How to get the most out of it

Track the harmonic shifts that mark each river bend. These changes in tonality define the journey downstream and should register clearly in balance and color, not just tempo.
Begin the Appalachian introduction with unhurried weight. This section establishes the landscape, so resist rushing despite its simplicity.
Let the changing styles speak for themselves as the river moves through different regions. Conduct the transitions with intention so the ensemble understands the geography of each section.
Pay attention to the full score's dynamic shape across the 5:15 duration. Long-line thinking prevents the piece from fragmenting into isolated moments.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece work that can anchor a concert celebrating state or regional music heritage. Its length and programmatic trajectory make it equally suitable for festival performance or as the substantial climax of a concert featuring shorter opening selections.

Skills your students will build

Conducting sectional transitions and harmonic shifts within a multi-section form
Balancing programmatic intent with accurate stylistic execution
Reading and performing across Grade 3.5 concert band scoring with varied instrumental demands
Sustaining musical momentum through a five-minute narrative structure
Interpreting dynamic and tonal color changes that mark geographical progression