The Celts of County Clare: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$80.00 USD

The Celts of County Clare: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: The Celts of County Clare: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-49981
Price: 80.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Robert Sheldon

Grade: 3.5

Item: 00-49981

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The Celts of County Clare by Robert Sheldon is inspired by the music of Ireland. Specifically, the type of folk music heard in the County Clare region, located on the central southwest coast. While much of the music played in the pubs is rhythmic dance music, the area is also known for some lovely ballads. (5:15)

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Series: Alfred Concert Band

Publisher: Alfred Music

ISBN10: 1-4706-5932-8

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5932-5

UPC: 038081576589

SKU: 00-49981

More about this title

About the Composer: Robert Sheldon

Robert Sheldon has established himself as a defining voice in contemporary wind band composition. His works appear on festival and contest programs internationally, and his music has been performed at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Sydney Opera House. He is the lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band and has received recognition from the American School Band Director's Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP.

Sheldon maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor for All-State and Regional Honor Bands, and he regularly presents clinics at universities and state music education conferences across North America and internationally, including Japan, Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, and China. He accepts commissions frequently and releases numerous concert band publications each year. VanderCook College of Music awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2020.

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Why we love this

Sheldon captures the spirit of County Clare with musical authenticity that never feels forced or oversimplified. The piece balances rhythmic energy from the region's dance tradition with genuine melodic warmth from its ballads, giving your band multiple moods to work with and a real sense of cultural specificity. At Grade 3.5, it's accessible enough for mid-level ensembles yet musically sophisticated enough to hold the interest of stronger bands.

What to expect

The Celts of County Clare opens with the energy and rhythmic vitality of a session pub session, full of forward momentum and spirited ensemble playing. As it unfolds, you encounter moments of genuine tenderness and lyrical beauty that reflect the region's ballad heritage, creating a piece that feels both celebratory and reflective.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the Grade 3.5 level looking for repertoire with strong musical character and cultural dimension. Directors who want their students to explore folk music traditions beyond the classroom and who value pieces that sound mature without excessive technical demand.

How to get the most out of it

Emphasize the rhythmic precision of the dance sections without letting them become metronomic; the lilting quality of Irish folk rhythm depends on subtle flexibility within a steady pulse.
Shape the ballad passages with genuine legit phrasing and dynamic contrast; these moments deserve the same care a soloist would bring to a lyrical line.
Balance the melodic voices carefully so folk-inspired countermelodies remain audible without overshadowing the primary theme.
Use the recorded accompaniment to lock ensemble entrances and to hear the intended balance of parts in context.

How to use it

Program this as a standalone concert piece or as part of a multicultural programming theme. Its 5-minute duration and mid-level difficulty make it ideal for spring concerts, festivals, or contests where you want to showcase both your band's technical control and musical maturity.