To Dare Greatly: Score
By Evan VanDoren
Grade: 1.5
Item: 98-PR-RWS2311
$8.00
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Description
Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's famous speech, "The Man in the Arena", To Dare Greatly is the perfect opener for your beginning band's first concert! This energetic work features bold fanfares, clever non-traditional harmonies (using only six notes!), and superbly scored ensemble moments that will make your beginners sound like experienced musicians and feel like rock stars!
Original Item#: RWS-2311-00
Original Item#: RWS-2311-00
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Additional Details
Series:
RWS - Beginning Band
Publisher:
RWS Music Company
SKU:
98-PR-RWS2311
More about this title
About the Composer: Evan VanDoren
Evan VanDoren is a composer and educator who writes concert band music with a sharp eye for what young musicians need: accessible ranges, smart voicing, and material that sounds far more advanced than the technical demands require. His work in the beginning band repertoire combines historical and patriotic themes with contemporary compositional clarity, making him a valued voice in early-level band programming.
Why we love this
VanDoren understands what makes a beginning band sound impressive without overextending them. The restricted harmonic palette (six notes) keeps intonation manageable while the fanfare writing and scored ensemble moments give students genuine musical substance to perform. Your newest musicians will leave that first concert feeling capable and proud.
What to expect
Energetic, ambitious, and surprisingly sophisticated. Bold fanfare gestures give way to crystalline harmonic moments built on just six pitches, creating a sound that feels modern and intentional rather than simplified. Your band will feel capable and purposeful from the opening note.
Who it's for
Beginning band directors programming their students' first public performance need an opener that builds confidence without padding the part books with busywork. This piece is designed specifically for Grade 1.5 ensembles who have enough fundamental skills to handle modest rhythmic complexity and simple harmonic independence.
How to get the most out of it
- Lean into the bold character of the opening fanfares. These moments set the tone for the whole piece, so encourage confident attacks and clear articulation from your brass section.
- Balance the ensemble passages carefully. With simpler harmonies, slight intonation wavering becomes more noticeable, so drill unison and octave relationships in sectionals.
- Let the non-traditional harmonies breathe. They may sound unfamiliar at first, but steady ensemble work and confident conducting will make them land as intentional and modern rather than uncertain.
How to use it
Open your first band concert with this. It sets an energetic, confident tone for the evening and gives your newest musicians an immediate sense of accomplishment. The patriotic inspiration and fanfare character also work well as a season opener in fall concerts or as part of a patriotic program theme.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and performing fanfare-style articulation and phrasing
- Ensemble balance with restricted harmonic materials
- Intonation in non-traditional harmonic contexts
- Confident ensemble attacks and ensemble cohesion
- Foundational experience with intentional compositional choices beyond traditional harmony