Shadows of the Pyramids: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By David Marlatt
Grade: 4
Item: 81-PK-0000016
$125.00
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Description
This powerful piece is based on the Egyptian story of Ra, the Sun God, one of the most important characters in their mythology. It is divided into four main sections, each with its own contribution to the story. Great Hollywood sounding brass parts, an optional part and energetic percussion writing are found throughout this dynamic piece.
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Sample Audio
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Sample Video
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Additional Details
Series:
Eighth Note Publications
Publisher:
Eighth Note Publications
Page Count:
624
SKU:
81-PK-0000016
More about this title
About the Composer: David Marlatt
David Marlatt is a composer and arranger with a gift for creating accessible yet sophisticated concert band works that engage students through vivid storytelling and strong thematic writing. His compositions balance pedagogical clarity with genuine musical substance, making them popular choices for bands seeking repertoire that challenges without overwhelming.
Why we love this
Marlatt crafts a piece that delivers genuine orchestral sweep without demanding extreme technical facility. The four-section structure gives your band natural moments to build intensity and reset, making it rewarding to rehearse and satisfying to perform. Hollywood-caliber brass writing combined with optional parts means you can adapt the piece to your ensemble's strengths rather than working around gaps.
What to expect
Ancient grandeur meets cinematic drama. The piece evokes deserts and monuments through rich brass colors and energetic percussion that propels the narrative forward. Ra's journey unfolds through shifting textures and momentum rather than quiet introspection, creating a vivid soundscape that captivates both players and listeners.
Who it's for
Concert bands working at the Grade 4 level who want programmatic music with visual storytelling and Hollywood-inspired orchestration. This piece suits bands ready for bigger sectional independence and more sophisticated rhythmic and dynamic control without stratospheric range demands.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the brass so it sings without drowning the ensemble; these players should feel like they're telling the story, not overpowering it.
- Let the percussion writing breathe in the quieter sections. Clarity and articulation matter as much as volume when instruments drop out.
- Map out the four sections in rehearsal as distinct chapters. Mark your score clearly so transitions feel intentional rather than abrupt.
- Assess your optional parts early and decide which to include based on your instrumentation. A missing optional line should never create a hole in the texture.
How to use it
Program this as the centerpiece of a concert exploring world mythology or ancient civilizations, pairing it with complementary repertoire that lets students connect history to music. The four-section design makes it an excellent choice for a concert closer where you want a strong finish without overshadowing what comes before.
Skills your students will build
- Sectional independence and balance within a full ensemble texture
- Phrasing and storytelling across program music structures
- Dynamic control and contrast between contrasting instrumental sections
- Precision in percussion ensemble writing
- Optional part reading and flexible instrumentation awareness