Spirit of the Stallion: Concert Band Conductor Score

$13.00 USD

Spirit of the Stallion: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: Spirit of the Stallion: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-B1668S
Price: 13.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Brian Balmages

Grade: 1

Item: 98-B1668S

$13.00

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One moment…

Inspired by the powerful and magnificent stallion, the music conjures sentiments of pride, strength, daring and sheer power of will. Through simple yet compelling meter changes, one can feel the stallion galloping as it goes through a series of changing moods - from bold to graceful and fierce to humble. A truly spirited work!

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Series: FJH Beginning Band

Publisher: The FJH Music Company, Inc.

UPC: 241444516720

SKU: 98-B1668S

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Balmages

Brian Balmages has built an uncommon career bridging orchestral, band, and chamber music at every level of performance. His works have appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House, performed by ensembles ranging from professional orchestras to elementary school bands. He holds membership in the American Bandmasters Association and received the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association.

As a conductor, Balmages maintains active relationships with all-state and university ensembles worldwide, and has guest conducted at major conferences including the Midwest Clinic and Western International Band Clinic. He currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic. His music was performed at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service, and he has received commissions from major institutions including the University of Miami.

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Why we love this

Balmages understands how to write for developing musicians without talking down to them. The meter changes feel musical and purposeful rather than technical exercises, letting students experience genuine compositional craft while staying solidly within Grade 1 accessibility. Programming a work this well-crafted at the beginning level sets the right tone for what your band can aspire to.

What to expect

The piece channels raw energy and nobility without requiring advanced technique. You'll hear echoes of a stallion in motion, galloping through shifts of character that feel organic and powerful, then momentarily gentler before surging again. It's exhilarating in a way that's honest and achievable for young musicians.

Who it's for

Beginning band students ready to encounter subtle compositional ideas at Grade 1 difficulty. Directors looking to introduce meter changes as a creative tool rather than a challenge, and those seeking accessible contest or festival material with genuine musical substance.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the meter changes as dramatic moments, not mechanical shifts. The shift in feel between sections should be palpable to your audience, so conduct with clear intention at each transition.
Balance the portrayal of contrasting moods by adjusting dynamics and articulation intentionally. The piece asks for both power and grace, so resist the urge to play everything with the same energy.
Let younger players feel the physical rhythm of the galloping motion through a steady pulse. This visceral connection makes the meter changes memorable rather than confusing.
Record a rehearsal and listen back for smoothness between the bold and humble moments. Student musicians often play the bold sections naturally; the graceful passages need intentional attention.

How to use it

This works as an excellent closer for a concert, offering impact and audience engagement without the technical demands of a Grade 2 or 3 opener. It's also an ideal choice for festival play or solo-ensemble competitions where you want to showcase musical growth in your youngest ensembles. Consider pairing it with a slower chorale to highlight the contrasts the composer builds.