The Last Rose of Summer: Concert Band Conductor Score

$7.00 USD

The Last Rose of Summer: Concert Band Conductor Score

Name: The Last Rose of Summer: Concert Band Conductor Score
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-24643S
Price: 7.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Alto Saxophone, Flute, and Trumpet Solos

Arr. Mark Williams

Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-24643S

$7.00

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This beautiful arrangement of a favorite Irish folk song utilizes colorful scoring and features solos for alto saxophone, flute and trumpet. This gorgeous melody is also known (with a different set of words) as "The Groves of Blarney", and was featured in a popular 19th-century opera, "Martha", by German composer Friedrick von Flotow. Great for developing tone quality, blend, balance and independence, this work will be a treasured addition to your young band library for years to come. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Series: Challenger Band Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 038081276175

SKU: 00-24643S

More about this title

About the Arranger: Mark Williams

Mark Williams built his reputation as one of school band's most prolific and accessible composers, with over 200 published works spanning band, orchestra, and choral ensembles. His career reflected deep roots in music education: he taught elementary band in Washington state for many years, co-authored the widely-used Accent on Achievement Band Method, and served as woodwind performer and arranger for the 560th Air Force Band. Williams earned recognition through the Western International Band Clinic's Gralia Competition and multiple ASCAP Special Awards, establishing himself as a composer who understood exactly what student musicians needed to play.

Beyond the page, Williams was an active clinician and guest conductor who visited 34 states, five Canadian provinces, and Australia. He performed regularly on bassoon and served as Conductor and Artistic Director for the Spokane British Brass Band, blending his compositional work with active musicianship. A Chicago native who spent his formative years in Spokane, Washington, Williams held degrees from Eastern Washington University in music education and education, grounding his approach in both pedagogy and practice.

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Why we love this

Williams's arrangement captures the lyrical warmth of this beloved melody while using the band's full palette to build musicianship. The strategic placement of solos for alto saxophone, flute, and trumpet creates natural teaching moments for tone quality and independence without overwhelming a Grade 2 ensemble, and the supporting harmonic writing develops blend and balance organically.

What to expect

Warm and nostalgic, this arrangement honors the folk song's gentle character while allowing each instrumental voice to contribute something distinctly its own. The melody unfolds with the grace of a favorite song passed down through generations, and the orchestration gives every section a moment to shine without demanding virtuosity.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands looking for a musically rewarding arrangement that serves both musical and pedagogical goals. This work suits developing ensembles ready for modest scoring complexity and featuring sections with strong soloists in flute, trumpet, and alto saxophone.

How to get the most out of it

Balance the alto saxophone solo by bringing back the accompanying woodwinds slightly; the melody should sing clearly without drowning out the harmonic foundation.
Shape the phrase endings with slight ritardandos and dynamic tapering to let the folk song's natural lyricism breathe.
Rehearse the flute and trumpet solos separately with their respective sections before combining them with the full arrangement to ensure independence and confidence.
Pay attention to vibrato consistency across the ensemble during sustained chords; uniformity in tone production strengthens blend significantly at this level.

How to use it

Program this early in the season as a morale builder and a showcase for emerging soloists; its accessibility and emotional directness make it ideal for young ensembles still building confidence. The piece also works beautifully as a first-half closer on a concert where it can provide a reflective moment before intermission.