The Emerald Isle: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$60.00 USD

The Emerald Isle: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: The Emerald Isle: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-16543
Price: 60.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Dave Black

Grade: 3 (Medium)

Item: 00-16543

Need it now?

Buy Digital Version

$60.00

Shipped

One moment…

Beautiful and poignant, The Emerald Isle is a new work from popular Alfred composer Dave Black. This wonderful piece begins with a lovely melody that features the woodwinds, with horn chords in the background. The final section begins with percussion and is a jaunty Irish jig in 6/8 time. This is a great concert piece with plenty of chances to learn ensemble playing, 3-against-2 rhythms, and musical phrasing!

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Emerald Isle: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Open in the Player

Jump straight in and assign it today.

Start Your Free Trial

Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.

No sample videos found.

Series: Growing Band Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 276

UPC: 038081135458

SKU: 00-16543

More about this title

About the Composer: Dave Black

Dave Black is a percussionist and composer whose work spans both concert music and educational publishing. He earned his Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from California State University, Northridge, and has built a career performing and recording with renowned entertainers and productions worldwide. His catalog includes over 60 published compositions and arrangements with major music publishers, many of which have been commercially recorded.

Black's contributions to music education are substantial. He has authored or co-authored more than 30 books, including Alfred's Drum Method (the world's bestselling percussion method) and Sound Innovations for Concert Band. His accolades include 26 consecutive ASCAP Popular Composer Awards, two GRAMMY Award participation certificates, the Percussive Arts Society President's Industry Award, and a certified Gold Record for Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1. His compositions have appeared as soundtrack material in television and film, including the movie Drumline. With combined sales exceeding two million units globally, Black's materials reach young musicians across the world.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

The Emerald Isle balances accessible musicality with genuine teaching moments. Black structures the piece to showcase woodwind color early on, then shifts into rhythmic energy with the 6/8 jig finale, keeping students engaged across contrasting sections. The integration of 3-against-2 rhythms and phrasing challenges gives your band tangible skills to develop without overcomplicating Grade 3 abilities.

What to expect

The piece opens with quiet warmth as the woodwinds float a gentle melody over horn harmonies, evoking a contemplative Irish landscape. The final section transforms into spirited movement with the jaunty 6/8 jig rhythm, bringing brightness and forward momentum that lifts the ensemble's energy.

Who it's for

Concert bands at the Grade 3 level will find this piece rewarding both musically and pedagogically. Directors preparing students for contests or festivals benefit from repertoire that combines appealing melody with substantive rhythmic and phrasing work. The conductor score and parts format makes it immediately ready for full ensemble use.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the opening woodwind melody with gentle dynamic swells; the horn chords underneath should provide harmonic support without drowning out the tune.
Isolate the 3-against-2 rhythmic figures in sectional rehearsals before running full ensemble passages. Clarify which sections carry the primary pulse.
Let the percussion drive the 6/8 jig section. The rhythmic lift comes from clarity in the rhythm section, not from rushing the tempo.
Balance lyrical and energetic character by avoiding a drastic tempo shift between sections. The transition should feel natural, not like two separate pieces.

How to use it

The Emerald Isle works well as a concert opener or contrasting mid-program selection, especially if paired with pieces of different character. Its moderate length and accessible Grade 3 level make it suitable for festival or contest submission, while the musical narrative arc creates a satisfying standalone performance.