Thus Spoke the Raven: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$52.00 USD

Thus Spoke the Raven: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Thus Spoke the Raven: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-19531
Price: 52.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Gary Fagan

Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)

Item: 00-19531

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Thus Spoke the Raven was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's dark and mysterious poem "The Raven." Sounding particularly sophisticated for this grade level, the piece accurately depicts Poe's poem in a fun and exciting musical setting. Slightly sinister sounding percussion begins the medium-tempo introduction, which leads into an energetic and driving "Allegro." With the use of pulsing staccato accompaniments, exhilarating ostinato patterns, and stimulating syncopation, this piece has it all!

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Series: Young Symphonic

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 268

UPC: 038081182766

SKU: 00-19531

More about this title

About the Composer: Gary Fagan

Gary Fagan has shaped music education across Virginia for nearly four decades as a band director in Albemarle County before transitioning to university teaching and mentorship. His compositions and arrangements have reached audiences from the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic to the White House, and his work was performed at the inauguration of former Governor Douglas Wilder. He holds degrees from Bridgewater College and James Madison University, where he now serves as a University Supervisor and teaches arranging.

Fagan's contributions to the field have earned recognition including the Central Virginia Outstanding Middle School Teacher award from the University of Virginia's Phi Delta Kappa chapter, awards from the Virginia Governor's School for the Visual and Performing Arts, and the Piedmont Council of the Arts. Active as a clinician, adjudicator, and performing percussionist with the Charlottesville Band, he maintains membership in ASCAP, the National Band Association, and Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity. His ongoing work with band and string orchestra demonstrates a deep commitment to instrumental literature at all levels.

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Why we love this

Fagan delivers sophisticated musical storytelling at a Grade 2 level that avoids sounding juvenile or condescending. The piece captures Poe's atmosphere without relying on horror cliches, letting syncopation and percussion textures do the interpretive work. It programs naturally into fall concerts and festival competitions, giving younger bands repertoire that challenges their musicianship while remaining achievable.

What to expect

The piece opens with creeping, unsettling percussion textures that evoke Poe's darkly poetic mood before bursting into rhythmic energy. Driving staccato accompaniments and interlocking ostinatos create forward momentum, while syncopation keeps the ensemble sharp and engaged throughout.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands that want to program literature with literary depth and atmospheric sophistication. This works well for middle school and developing high school bands seeking Halloween or fall concert repertoire that doesn't talk down to their audience.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the percussion introduction as the dramatic anchor. Those slightly sinister sounds need clarity and control; balance them carefully so the band can lock into the ostinato patterns without losing precision.
Shape the pulsing staccato accompaniments with dynamic intent. Short articulation doesn't mean timid; these rhythmic layers need drive and purpose to propel the Allegro forward.
Isolate the syncopated sections in rehearsal by parts. The syncopation feels natural when each section understands its rhythmic relationship to the main pulse, not when players are fighting against the notation.
Mark the transition from introduction to Allegro clearly in all parts so the tempo shift lands together. Young players need visible cues for meter or tempo changes to execute them confidently.

How to use it

Program this as a centerpiece for Halloween or autumn concerts, where it can anchor a thematic concert around literature and dark storytelling. It also serves as a confident festival selection for Grade 2 bands looking to make an artistic statement beyond the typical grade-level offerings.