To the Fore Cover Image

To the Fore: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$49.00 USD
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To the Fore Cover Image

To the Fore: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Chris M. Bernotas

Grade: 0.5 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-41917

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Description
An appealing and spirited march for your beginning band. While this piece uses only six notes, it maintains all of the excitement that a march should provide. Your students will stand tall as each section has the chance to present the melody. A strong sense of rhythm, catchy melody, and several dynamic changes provide for many teachable moments. (1:55) "To the Fore" correlates to Book 1, Level 2 of Sound Innovations for Concert Band.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, To the Fore: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Sound Innovations for Concert Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 134
UPC: 038081481739
SKU: 00-41917

More about this title

About the Composer: Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas brings over 25 years of classroom and publishing experience to his work as a composer and educator. As Director of Instrumental Publications for Alfred Music, he has shaped band and orchestra curricula for programs worldwide, drawing on deep knowledge of what students need to progress musically and what teachers need to succeed in the rehearsal room.

Bernotas's compositions balance accessibility with genuine musicality, a philosophy rooted in his time working directly with ensembles at all levels. He regularly conducts clinics and workshops, sharing his expertise in pedagogy and conducting while collaborating with directors to develop materials that inspire both young musicians and experienced groups. His published works across multiple series, including Sound Innovations, Sound Percussion, and Sound Artistry, reflect his commitment to creating music that addresses real developmental needs without sacrificing artistic integrity.

Why we love this

This march delivers genuine concert-quality music from a composer who understands exactly what beginning bands need. The limited six-note palette removes reading anxiety while the rhythmic drive, dynamic shape, and sectional spotlight opportunities create real teaching moments and genuine performance satisfaction for your students.

What to expect

A spirited, confident march that makes young musicians feel like they are performing something genuinely important. The piece radiates forward motion and optimism, with enough rhythmic snap and dynamic variety to keep both players and listeners engaged from opening note to final chord.

Who it's for

Beginning band students (grades 4-6) and young musicians in their first or second year of instrumental study. Directors seeking concert and festival repertoire that sounds mature and musical while remaining accessible for inexperienced readers.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the rhythmic foundation in the percussion section first; the steady pulse anchors the entire piece and lets melody instruments float above it with confidence.
  • Shape each dynamic change intentionally rather than executing them as sudden shifts. Encourage players to think of crescendos and decrescendos as musical gestures, not just volume adjustments.
  • Rotate which section carries the melody to build ownership and pride. When every player knows they will have a turn with the main line, engagement and phrasing improve noticeably.
  • Keep the tempo steady and energetic throughout. A march loses its identity if it drags, so establish a tempo your percussionists can maintain comfortably without rushing on the return.

How to use it

Open a concert with this march to set an energetic, positive tone and build audience enthusiasm immediately. It also works well in festival settings where judges need to hear a complete, well-structured musical statement within a short timeframe, and the two-minute length fits concert pacing perfectly.

Skills your students will build

  • Sustaining steady pulse and rhythmic precision within a march form
  • Playing with ensemble blend and matching articulation across sections
  • Responding to dynamic markings and phrasing cues from the conductor
  • Building confidence with melody presentation through sectional solos
  • Reading and performing at a consistent, energetic tempo

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