Solstice Dance: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$70.00 USD

Solstice Dance: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Solstice Dance: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-B1643
Price: 70.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

By Jack Wilds

Grade: 2.5

Item: 98-B1643

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One moment…

Experience a magical winter solstice ceremony at the Megalithic Newgrange site in Ireland. A smooth, mystical introduction leads to a hypnotic dance groove as open fifths, driving drones and percussion ostinatos give the piece an ancient feel. Eventually the music builds one final time as it barrels to the powerful conclusion!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Solstice Dance: 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: FJH Young Band

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

SKU: 98-B1643

More about this title

About the Composer: Jack Wilds

Jack Wilds composes for a sweeping range of ages and ensembles, from children's choirs to professional orchestras, drawing inspiration from visual art, literature, philosophy, and music itself. His wind band works appear on festival required lists across multiple continents and have been heard at the Midwest Clinic and major educator conferences nationwide.

A former public school band director, Wilds now teaches composition and theory at Texas State University while serving as Co-Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in San Marcos. His chamber works have been performed by ensembles including the Attacca Quartet, members of the New York Philharmonic and Atlanta Symphony, and at international festivals ranging from the International Trombone Festival to New Music on the Bayou. He studied composition with Michael Ippolito, Chris Trapani, and Donald Grantham.

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Why we love this

Wilds crafts an immersive soundscape that transforms a familiar grade 2.5 difficulty level into something genuinely atmospheric. The open fifths and rhythmic drones create an ancient, ceremonial quality without requiring extended techniques or unconventional instrumentation, making it accessible while still offering your ensemble a chance to play something that feels substantial and thematically cohesive.

What to expect

You're standing among ancient stones as twilight settles in, watching a ceremony unfold in firelight and shadow. The music begins with mystery and stillness, then gradually pulls you into an insistent, hypnotic rhythm that builds with relentless momentum toward a powerful, primal conclusion.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the 2.5 level looking for programming that balances accessibility with theatrical impact. This works especially well for groups seeking contest or festival repertoire with a strong thematic identity and clear narrative arc.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the drone sections carefully; let them sit underneath the melodic material rather than compete with it. The open fifths should feel like a harmonic foundation, not a rhythmic layer.
Shape the hypnotic middle section by maintaining consistent tempo while gradually adding dynamic interest. Small crescendos and releases within the groove keep it from feeling static.
Build the final climax by incrementally intensifying the percussion ostinatos and ensemble articulation. This is where controlled aggression pays off.

How to use it

Feature this as a concert opener to set an unusual atmospheric tone early, or use it to anchor a thematic program exploring world cultures and ancient traditions. The mystical quality also pairs well with other repertoire that emphasizes mood and storytelling over technical virtuosity.

Skills your students will build

Sustaining drone sections with consistent tone and intonation
Playing ostinato patterns cleanly while other sections carry melody
Responding to dynamic and textural layering rather than individual part complexity
Building climactic tension through controlled crescendos over extended passages
Balancing ensemble blend when open fifths and simple harmonies are the harmonic language