To Absent Friends: Score
A Tribute
By R. Christopher Teichler
Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0004663
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Description
It is common to have a toast "to absent friends" at ceremonies or receptions. While not limited to military functions, it is in this context that the toast often seems the most special and appropriate. This heartfelt piece is a tribute to those who have served in the armed forces and are no longer with us. (3:45) 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, To Absent Friends: Score 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:
Young Symphonic
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
126
SKU:
00-PR-0004663
More about this title
About the Composer: R. Christopher Teichler
R. Christopher Teichler has built a reputation as a composer deeply attuned to the emotional needs of school and community ensembles. His works balance accessibility with genuine musical substance, making him a trusted voice in the Young Symphonic series.
Teichler's compositions often address themes of significance and reflection, written with a clear understanding of what student musicians can achieve at each level. His ability to craft pieces that serve both concert and contest contexts has made his work a staple in band programs across the country.
Why we love this
Teichler writes with genuine emotional restraint here, letting simplicity and sincerity do the heavy lifting rather than orchestral grandeur. A Grade 2 piece that respects both the gravity of its subject and the capabilities of developing musicians, it gives young ensembles meaningful material to perform with dignity.
What to expect
Quiet dignity underlies every phrase. The piece moves with unhurried sincerity, honoring memory through measured expression rather than dramatic gesture. Listeners recognize the weight of the moment without needing theatrical display.
Who it's for
Concert bands performing in formal settings where ceremony and reflection matter. This works equally well for bands seeking repertoire that builds technical foundation while introducing students to music with genuine emotional purpose, whether in a contest or concert context.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape phrases with sustained breath support; young players often rush through longer lines when unsure, so conductor modeling of legit phrasing will anchor the ensemble.
- Balance the inner voices carefully during harmonically rich moments. Parts often double, but clarity of individual lines prevents the sound from becoming muddy at this grade level.
- Approach the emotional arc without sentimentality. Let the melody speak; avoid over-expressive conducting that encourages overblowing in the upper voices.
- Give the rhythm section confidence with clear, steady beat patterns. Precision in fundamentals allows the melodic voices to float naturally over a solid foundation.
How to use it
Position this as a centerpiece for veteran appreciation events, memorial concerts, or ceremonies. Its moderate length (3:45) and accessible difficulty make it suitable for mid-season programming when bands have built foundational technique but before tackling heavier contest selections.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained legit phrasing across longer melodic lines
- Balancing multiple voice parts in dense harmonic textures
- Controlling dynamic contrast within a predominantly soft dynamic range
- Maintaining rhythmic precision in supported, emotional material
- Understanding thematic development and structural coherence in concert literature