Two Modal Episodes: (wp) Baritone T.C.

The first episode evokes a meditative, ancient quality with its chant melody floating over sustained brass. The Allegro that follows is propulsive and rhythmic, with a folk-dance energy that contrasts sharply with the opening's contemplative mood.

Beginning concert bands working with Grade 1 material who are ready to explore modal concepts in a guided, musically grounded way. Directors seeking accessible repertoire that builds tonal awareness without requiring advanced technical skills.

• Bring out the chant-like quality in the opening melody by keeping the tempo steady and allowing the phrasing to breathe naturally; avoid rushing the sustained notes.
• Let the brass block chords sit underneath the opening melody as a harmonic foundation rather than competing for attention; balance is everything here.
• Emphasize the dance-like character in the Allegro by keeping the percussion question-and-answer exchange crisp and rhythmically precise; these exchanges drive the forward motion.
• Shape the B-flat Mixolydian section with clear articulation to highlight how the flatted seventh degree creates a different harmonic color than straight major tonality.

Program this as an engaging introduction to modal tonality in a concert setting where you want students and audiences to hear something structurally different from standard diatonic writing. It works well as a teaching piece on a mixed-level program, or as a standalone work that demonstrates how mode shapes musical character.

• Recognizing and performing in G Aeolian mode (natural minor scale)
• Recognizing and performing in B-flat Mixolydian mode (major scale with flatted seventh)
• Balancing melody and harmonic accompaniment in ensemble texture
• Executing question-and-answer phrasing between sections
• Maintaining steady tempo through contrasting episodes