Shattered: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Bernotas knows exactly what energizes a band at this level without overwhelming the section leaders. The relentless forward momentum and rhythmic interplay between winds and percussion create the kind of piece that fills a room with confidence, whether you're programming a concert or heading into festival season. Students hear themselves as part of something vital from the opening beat.

Shattered grabs attention from the first measure with explosive intensity and refuses to let go. The piece pulses with forward momentum and interlocking rhythmic figures that create a sense of controlled urgency, as if every player is driving toward something vital together.

Concert bands at the Grade 2.5 level seeking a high-energy opener or closer that builds technical confidence without requiring advanced virtuosity. This works equally well for groups preparing for festival or those programming a concert that demands immediate audience engagement.

• Establish the rhythmic drive early in rehearsal by locking the entire band into the same pulse; use a metronome or click track to keep precision sharp across all sections.
• Mark dynamic contrasts in parts before rehearsal so students understand where the piece breathes and swells; strong articulation depends on clarity about when to push and when to settle.
• Layer the rhythmic interplay gradually, starting with one section's pattern and adding others systematically so the ensemble hears how each part contributes to the overall momentum.
• Record a full run-through mid-season and listen as an ensemble; hearing themselves reveals phrasing opportunities and rhythmic inconsistencies that discussion alone cannot capture.

Open a concert with this piece to set an energetic tone and prove to the audience that your band plays with precision and confidence. It also serves as an effective festival choice, where its clear articulation and driving rhythm make an immediate impression on adjudicators.

• Reading and executing dynamic contrast (forte to piano transitions)
• Articulation precision under tempo (staccato and legato clarity)
• Rhythmic interplay between sections (listening to complementary patterns)
• Maintaining forward momentum across phrase boundaries
• Ensemble balance while performing rhythmically independent figures