Wildcat Valley Fanfare: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By Michael Sweeney
Grade: 3
Item: 35-PK00377106
$65.00
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Description
The Wildcat Creek in central Indiana forms a valley connecting all schools in the Howard County area for whom this piece was written. Opening with the percussion section in a stately style, the main theme is first heard in a chorale-like setting. Designed as an extended fanfare, the piece quickly builds in intensity with each subsequent phrase, and culminates in a fast-paced and brilliant sounding ending flourish. Effective as a concert opener. Dur: 3:15
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00377106
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Sweeney
Michael Sweeney has built a reputation as one of the most prolific and widely performed composers for concert band, with a particular gift for writing music that engages both students and audiences. His works span from accessible grade 2 pieces to sophisticated concert fare, and he has an instinctive understanding of what makes band music sing across the full ensemble.
Sweeney's approach to composition emphasizes clear melodic writing, logical harmonic development, and orchestration that allows each section to contribute meaningfully. Educators return to his catalog repeatedly because his pieces consistently deliver musical substance without requiring virtuosic technique, making them ideal for building ensemble musicianship.
Why we love this
This piece arrives fully formed as a concert opener, which means no apologizing for what you're programming or needing to build context. The structural arc from stately opening to brilliant finish gives your ensemble a satisfying dramatic shape to sink into, and Sweeney's orchestration ensures every section feels the momentum shift.
What to expect
The piece unfolds with ceremonial dignity before gradually shedding its formality and erupting into bright, urgent motion. You hear the Wildcat Creek itself in this arc: calm and stately at first, then gathering speed and energy as it flows forward.
Who it's for
Grade 3 concert bands with a solid foundation in ensemble balance and basic articulation. The piece works equally well for regional honor bands, middle school festivals, or high school groups building their fall repertoire.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the chorale section carefully so the main theme emerges clearly without the supporting harmonies fading into accompaniment texture.
- Let the percussion establish the opening character with confidence; the stately opening only lands if they own that rhythmic foundation.
- Build the intensity progressively across each phrase rather than jumping to full volume at the climax, which preserves the effectiveness of the final flourish.
- The fast closing section needs articulate, unified tonguing from the woodwinds to cut through the full band sound.
How to use it
Open a concert with this to establish energy and momentum immediately, or pair it with a more lyrical middle work to create a balanced first half. Its three and a quarter minute duration makes it ideal for festivals where timing matters or as the first of several shorter works that build thematic connections throughout a program.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining dynamic control through long chorale passages
- Balancing harmonic parts without losing melodic clarity
- Building intensity progressively across phrases
- Executing clean, unified articulation at faster tempos
- Responding to sectional entrances and cues in an extended form