To Dare Greatly: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

VanDoren's constraint of using only six notes to build non-traditional harmonies demonstrates real compositional craft. Rather than simplifying the sound palette, he's created something that feels bold and unexpected while remaining well within a first-year band's technical reach.

Bold and purposeful, with fanfares that catch light like brass catching sun. Despite its beginner-friendly technical design, the piece carries genuine weight and conviction, a stirring call to action wrapped in accessible scoring.

First-year and developing concert bands ready for their debut performance. The piece meets them where they are technically while offering the musical satisfaction that makes young musicians want to continue with the ensemble.

• Project the fanfare sections with absolute confidence. Beginning players often undersell their own sound; these moments need full voice to land the dramatic effect Roosevelt's speech demands.
• Balance the ensemble carefully during the harmonic moments. With only six notes available, intonation and blend become the primary shapers of the overall sound, so address those directly in rehearsal.
• Let the energy breathe naturally rather than pushing through at a relentless tempo. This piece works best when the players feel the pulse lift them forward, not when they're scrambling to keep up.

Open your fall or spring concert with this to establish energy and confidence from the first downbeat. The patriotic theme and motivational connection to Roosevelt's speech also work naturally in programming around Americana or courage-themed concert concepts.

• Reading and executing rhythmic fanfare figures with precision and conviction
• Blending within restricted harmonic materials to create intentional sonority
• Balancing individual lines within dense ensemble textures
• Sustaining attention and ensemble unity across longer phrase structures
• Responding to dynamic and style contrasts within a single work