The Spirit of Thanksgiving: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Featuring: We Gather Together / Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Arr. Robert Sheldon
Grade: 1.5 (Easy)
Item: 00-PK-0006136
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Description
Two of the most popular Thanksgiving hymns are set for young band in this heartfelt setting. Contemporary harmonic structures are carefully woven into the fabric of these beautiful melodies in celebration of this uniquely American holiday. (2:45) "The Spirit of Thanksgiving" correlates to Book 2, Level 2 of Sound Innovations for Concert Band. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Spirit of Thanksgiving: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts 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:
Sound Innovations for Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
134
SKU:
00-PK-0006136
More about this title
About the Arranger: Robert Sheldon
Robert Sheldon stands among the most widely performed composers in wind band repertoire today. His works appear regularly on concert programs and contest lists around the world, and he has conducted his own compositions in some of the finest concert halls on the continent, including Carnegie Hall, Symphony Hall, and the Kennedy Center. His contributions to music education extend beyond composition; as lead author of Sound Innovations for Concert Band, he has shaped how countless young musicians develop their craft.
Sheldon's honors include recognition from the American School Band Directors Association, Phi Beta Mu, and ASCAP, reflecting both the artistic depth and educational impact of his output. His schedule balances guest conducting assignments with All-State and Regional Honor Bands, clinician appearances at universities and state conferences, and international conducting engagements across Japan, Canada, Italy, Germany, Australia, and China. VanderCook College of Music awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2020.
Why we love this
Sheldon brings genuine musical substance to Grade 1.5 repertoire without oversimplifying the hymn melodies themselves. The contemporary harmonic language keeps these familiar Thanksgiving tunes fresh for young musicians while remaining accessible, and the 2:45 runtime makes this ideal for concert pacing when you need something meaningful but not unwieldy.
What to expect
These arrangements honor the reverent, grateful character of Thanksgiving hymns while speaking in a musical language that feels contemporary and unfamiliar to young ears. The harmonic warmth beneath these beloved melodies creates a sense of celebration that is both solemn and joyful.
Who it's for
Young concert bands at the Grade 1.5 level gain reliable, substantive repertoire here. Directors building programs around Sound Innovations for Concert Band will find this correlates directly to Book 2, Level 2, making it a natural fit for students progressing through that curriculum.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the hymn melody across your wind sections so it sings through the harmonic textures; young musicians often bury the tune when concentrating on their own parts.
- Take time in rehearsal to listen for Sheldon's harmonic movement underneath the melody line, even at this grade level. When students understand where the harmony supports or colors the tune, their phrasing deepens.
- Conduct these settings with the respect you'd give a traditional hymn arrangement, not as "easy" filler music. The contemporary harmony deserves clarity and intentionality in your tempo choices and dynamics.
How to use it
Program this for a fall concert dedicated to Thanksgiving or holiday themes, or use it to open a concert with a moment of reflection before shifting into higher-energy repertoire. At 2:45, it serves as a perfect single-piece statement without consuming substantial rehearsal time.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and executing contemporary harmonic movement within a traditional melodic context
- Balancing melody against supporting harmonic parts in wind scoring
- Ensemble blend and intonation in hymn-style textures
- Phrasing and dynamics appropriate to devotional music