Swords of Glory: Mallets
By Adrian B. Sims
Grade: 1.5
Item: 00-PC-0018877_M1
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Description
Swords of Glory by Adrian B. Sims is a musical soundtrack that imagines a fantasy sword fight. (2:15)
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
The PerformancePlus+ series is an innovative addition to the ever-expanding MakeMusic Cloud interactive library. These engaging selections are presented with educational resources designed to enrich the rehearsal process and create outstanding performances. Including:
- Assignment, recording, and assessment tools within MakeMusic Cloud
- Piece-specific exercises focused on skills and techniques
- Educational tips and suggestions to support learning
Available in print and digital formats.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Swords of Glory: Mallets comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Concert Band - PerformancePlus+
Publisher:
Alfred Music
SKU:
00-PC-0018877_M1
More about this title
About the Composer: Adrian B Sims
Adrian B Sims (b. 2000) grew up in Seattle, Washington, and graduated from Catonsville High School in Maryland in 2018. His compositions have been performed at The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and recognized on the Bandworld Top 100 List. He has won multiple composition competitions, including the Maryland Music Educators Association Young Composers Project and the Make Music Young Composers Contest, and has conducted his own works at schools throughout Maryland.
As a trombonist, Sims has performed in pit orchestras, symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, and concert bands. In high school, he was selected for the Maryland All-State Band multiple times and performed alongside the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He is currently pursuing a dual degree in Music Education and Composition at The University of Maryland, where he studies composition with Dr. Robert Gibson and has received mentorship from composer Brian Balmages. His primary teacher for trombone is Matthew Guilford, solo bass trombonist with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Why we love this
Sims captures the visceral energy of sword combat through accessible orchestration that Grade 1.5 bands can execute with confidence. The programmatic clarity keeps students engaged while the musical writing rewards clean articulation and precise rhythmic coordination. This piece proves that evocative storytelling doesn't require advanced technical demands.
What to expect
Swords of Glory summons the clash and drama of fantasy combat through orchestral color and rhythmic precision. Bright harmonic moments give way to darker, more intense passages that mirror the ebb and flow of an imagined duel, all unfolding in just over two minutes.
Who it's for
Conductors leading Grade 1-2 concert bands who want programmatic music that engages students and audiences without overextending technical resources. This works equally well for contest preparation or concert programming when you need accessible repertoire with strong musical character.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening with clear articulation to establish the scene; the fantasy setting invites crisp attacks and controlled releases that define the sword imagery.
- Balance the harmonic progression so the fantasy narrative unfolds naturally; support younger players in tracking how chords shift the mood between tension and triumph.
- Control the tempo to match the visual pacing of a sword fight; rehearse sections at slightly slower speeds to lock rhythmic unison before bringing the full energy.
How to use it
Program this as a concert opener to capture attention immediately, or pair it with other light concert pieces for a thematic set. Its brevity and narrative clarity make it an ideal selection for young ensemble festival performances or contest programs seeking strong programming variety.
Skills your students will build
- Clear articulation and release coordination across the full ensemble
- Following programmatic intent through harmonic and dynamic shifts
- Rhythmic precision in articulated passages and syncopated figures
- Sectional balance and blend in accessible orchestrations
- Tempo and pacing control to support musical storytelling