The Second Shaman: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Barrett crafts an arc that keeps ensembles engaged from downbeat to final chord: the opening trade-off between solo trumpet and percussion immediately signals that this isn't background music, the lyrical middle section gives you room to shape phrase and color, and the return to those percussion fireworks provides a satisfying sense of journey. Grade 3 bands often struggle to find pieces that feel substantial without overwhelming them; this one delivers both polish and purpose.

The piece unfolds like a cinematic moment: it opens with arresting urgency, invites reflection and beauty in its heart, and builds back to affirmation. The interplay between solo voice and ensemble creates drama without losing transparency, and the programmatic trajectory gives students something tangible to perform toward.

Grade 3 concert bands seeking a substantial but accessible piece that works equally well in festival settings or regular concert programs. This title appeals to directors who want their students to engage with narrative structure and orchestrational color without scaling back the musical content.

• Balance the opening trumpet solo against the percussion punctuation; the trumpet carries melodic weight, but those percussion statements should land with clarity and authority.
• Shape the lyrical A section by identifying the phrase structure and creating subtle dynamic contours that prevent the line from sounding static.
• Lock the middle section's pulse early in rehearsal so the ensemble stays together through any tempo-sensitive passages before the climactic return.
• Reserve full ensemble power for the closing passage; the contrast between restraint in earlier sections and the final percussion declarations will feel earned and impactful.

Pair this as a centerpiece in a concert program designed around vivid, contrasting works. Its five-and-a-half minute length sits comfortably between shorter pieces and larger structures, making it ideal for festival competitions where you want to showcase both technical facility and musical maturity. The driving energy and powerful closing also make it an excellent encore or program opener.

• Balancing solo voices against accompaniment texture
• Shaping lyrical phrases with subtle dynamic control
• Responding to programmatic structure and compositional intent
• Coordinating tight rhythmic precision in driving passages
• Building and releasing energy across a multi-section form