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To Reach the Farthest Stars: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$68.00 USD
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To Reach the Farthest Stars Cover Image

To Reach the Farthest Stars: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Brian Bankston

Grade: 2

Item: 98-RWS261700

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Description
To Reach the Farthest Stars is a colorful overture that is very playable yet still challenges young musicians. This creative piece allows students to develop expressiveness while having fun at the same time. A beautiful, lyrical interlude helps improve listening skills and intonation, complemented by creative percussion throughout. This work generates excitement, which in turn builds motivation and morale, making it a perfect choice for your next festival or concert.

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Additional Details
Series: RWS - Developing Band
Publisher: RWS Music Company
ISBN10: 1-4706-8429-2
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-8429-7
UPC: 038081617817
SKU: 98-RWS261700

More about this title

About the Composer: Brian Bankston

Brian Bankston has built a reputation for writing accessible yet musically substantive works for developing ensembles. His pieces consistently balance technical clarity with genuine artistic intent, giving young musicians the chance to experience real musicianship rather than just play through exercises.

Why we love this

Bankston strikes an uncommon balance here: the piece entertains without requiring tricks or gimmicks, and it teaches through genuine musicality rather than just technical exercises. The lyrical interlude gives young players something musically substantial to sink their teeth into, while the overall architecture keeps energy high enough that rehearsals stay engaging from start to finish.

What to expect

Bright and purposeful, with moments of genuine reflection. The piece captures the energy of younger musicians discovering what they're capable of, punctuated by a quieter section where they can listen to themselves and each other. It feels like an overture in the truest sense: an invitation into something bigger than the moment.

Who it's for

Grade 2 concert bands seeking repertoire that balances accessibility with genuine musical substance. This works equally well for developing ensembles preparing for their first festivals or bands looking for a confidence-building opener before tackling more demanding literature.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the lyrical interlude with long phrases and consistent breath support; this section is where intonation challenges emerge most clearly, so have students tune vertically in pairs during sectionals.
  • Bring out the creative percussion writing as a textural layer rather than background filler; it's designed to complement the band, not compete with it.
  • Build momentum gradually through the opening section rather than jumping straight to full intensity; let the architecture of the piece do the work.

How to use it

Open a concert or festival appearance with this; it establishes your band's musicality from the first note and gives audiences an immediate sense of ensemble energy. Pair it with a contrasting piece from your developing band series to show range, or use it as the anchor of a program built around accessible, well-crafted concert music.

Skills your students will build

  • Shaping lyrical phrases with consistent tone and breath control
  • Reading and balancing multiple rhythmic layers simultaneously
  • Listening for blend and intonation in vertical harmony
  • Responding to dynamic and expressive musical gestures
  • Maintaining ensemble cohesion through tempo changes

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