To Dance Among the Stars: Mallet Percussion 1
By Brian Balmages
Grade: 3
Item: 98-PC-DB1808_M1
$7.00
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Description
Joy. Wonder. The infinite backdrop of space and the stars... These thoughts inspire a bold rhythmic fanfare and the uplifting themes found throughout this formative work. A beautiful, ethereal section uses extended percussion techniques to portray the expanse of the universe, allowing the listener to slow down and reset. Having emerged renewed, we dance our hearts out one final time.
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Concert Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-PC-DB1808_M1
More about this title
About the Composer: Brian Balmages
Brian Balmages composes across orchestral, band, and chamber idioms with equal facility, and his works have reached stages from Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to the Sydney Opera House and beyond. His honors include the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association, the 2020 NBA William D. Revelli Composition Contest for Love and Light, and membership in the American Bandmasters Association. He has conducted regional and all-state ensembles worldwide, appearing at the Midwest Clinic, Western International Band Clinic, and numerous international conferences.
Balmages holds degrees from James Madison University and the University of Miami, where he received the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Award and was later commissioned to compose for the university president's inauguration. His music was performed at the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Prayer Service. He currently serves as Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred and MakeMusic.
Why we love this
Balmages crafts a narrative arc that moves seamlessly from spectacle to introspection to celebration, giving your ensemble clear emotional waypoints to navigate. The extended percussion techniques create a genuinely distinctive sound world that feels ambitious without demanding virtuosity beyond Grade 3, making students feel like they're performing something truly concert-worthy.
What to expect
The piece unfolds like a journey through the cosmos, beginning with bright, energetic fanfares that capture wonder and excitement. A hushed, shimmering midsection invites listeners to contemplate infinite space before the ensemble returns triumphantly, dancing with joy and release.
Who it's for
Grade 3 concert bands that are ready to tackle a piece with genuine programmatic ambition and varied textures. This works beautifully for ensembles seeking contest and festival repertoire with emotional depth, as well as groups wanting to show their audiences what they can accomplish musically.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the opening fanfare with clear articulation and controlled dynamics; the rhythm drives the piece forward, so lock the ensemble on releases and attacks before adding tonal refinement.
- In the ethereal section, allow percussion to shine without overwhelming the ensemble. Balance is critical here, and rehearsing without the extended technique passages first will help woodwinds and brass find the transparent texture you need.
- Return to the final dance with unbridled energy. Contrast with the quiet middle section will be your most powerful tool; commit fully to the uplifting themes so the audience feels the renewal.
How to use it
Open a concert with this piece to set a high bar for musicality and imagination, or use it as a centerpiece contest selection that showcases your band's range and maturity. The contrasting sections also make it an excellent teaching tool for young musicians learning to navigate dramatic shifts in mood and intensity within a single work.
Skills your students will build
- Shaping long melodic lines with phrase direction and dynamic control
- Balancing sustained tones with rhythmic passages in ensemble texture
- Responding to extended percussion techniques and adapting blend accordingly
- Transitioning between contrasting tempos and character changes with precision