To Honor, Thank and Remember: Score
By Michael Story
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0002131
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Description
Three contrasting sections are united to create this lovely composition which has been dedicated by the composer to the men and women who won World War II. The piece begins with a flourishing fanfare which is interrupted by what may be Michael Story's most beautiful melody. This melody interacts with rhythmic excitement and concludes with a grandiose statement of the theme. A superb choice! (3:13)
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
334
SKU:
00-PR-0002131
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Story
Michael Story is a prolific composer and arranger whose works for young and developing bands have become staples in music education. His gift for crafting memorable melodies paired with accessible orchestrations has made him a trusted voice in the band repertoire, particularly for Grade 2 and 3 ensembles.
Story's compositions consistently balance musical substance with pedagogical clarity. His arrangements respect the technical limitations of younger players while refusing to sacrifice artistic integrity, a balance that has earned him widespread adoption in school programs across the country.
Why we love this
Story delivers a piece that respects the occasion without relying on obvious patriotic clichés. The three-part structure (fanfare, lyrical melody, triumphant finale) gives conductors clear architectural landmarks to shape, and the Grade 2 accessibility means your entire band participates meaningfully in honoring the work's subject matter. This is music that students recognize as substantial while remaining within their technical reach.
What to expect
The piece opens with ceremonial brightness before yielding to a melody that carries genuine warmth and reflection. The final section restates the thematic material with full band support, creating a sense of collective remembrance and respect that feels earned rather than imposed.
Who it's for
Grade 2 concert bands in need of a patriotic piece that works for Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or 4th of July programming. The accessible instrumentation and straightforward technical demands make it suitable for younger or developing ensembles working to build confidence in their sound.
How to get the most out of it
- The opening fanfare needs clarity and punch despite its relative simplicity. Shape the rhythm figures with articulate precision so the brass cuts through without sounding forced.
- Prepare the band to shift tone quality when the melody enters. This is the emotional heart of the piece, and sustaining players need to understand they're accompanying a statement, not just filling harmony.
- Balance the return to rhythmic excitement after the melody so it feels like a reinvigoration rather than a shock. The transition between sections defines the overall architecture.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a standalone tribute piece or as part of a patriotic concert program where it can anchor the emotional core. The 3:13 runtime and clear three-part structure make it ideal for a moment of dedicated remembrance within a longer concert, giving the audience time to sit with the music's intent.
Skills your students will build
- Balancing fanfare articulation with lyrical tone quality
- Sustaining phrases across full ensemble texture
- Responding to thematic material through dynamics and character shifts
- Building confidence in Grade 2 technical passages with sustained focus on musical expression