Zombie Dreams: 1st B-flat Clarinet
By Roland Barrett
Grade: 2 (Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0015840_C1
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Description
Defined as a reanimated corpse by supernatural means, this original work explores life (or death) through a variety musical scenes both normal and abnormal...even waltzing! With a few special effects to set the mood, dynamic shifts and instantaneous style changes keep the zombies alive. Spooky and engaging, this is a real imagination enhanced by music---and dreaming is out of the question! (4:45) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Zombie Dreams: 1st B-flat Clarinet 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:
Belwin Young Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
138
SKU:
00-PC-0015840_C1
More about this title
About the Composer: Roland Barrett
Roland Barrett has shaped generations of band musicians through his dual career as educator and composer. Since joining the University of Oklahoma's faculty in 2001, he has taught 20th century music theory and composition to undergraduate and graduate students while maintaining his role as musical arranger for the Pride of Oklahoma marching band.
Barrett's catalog exceeds two hundred published works spanning symphonic band, chamber music, and marching ensembles. His compositions have reached audiences through performances by the Dallas Wind Symphony, All-State honor bands, and broadcasts on NPR and the USA network. A multiple ASCAPlus award recipient, Barrett's music has been featured at the Midwest Band & Orchestra Convention, National Trumpet Competition, and International Trumpet Guild convention.
Why we love this
Zombie Dreams delivers exactly what a Grade 2 ensemble needs: instantly engaging content with genuine musical substance. Barrett builds dynamic tension through style shifts and special effects that keep students invested while the straightforward scoring ensures rehearsal time focuses on musicianship rather than technical scrambling. The Halloween theme gives you a perfect programming anchor without sacrificing compositional craft.
What to expect
The piece moves between unsettling supernatural moments and surprisingly normal musical scenes, including a waltz that catches the listener off guard. Dynamic shifts and style changes create a dreamlike quality where the zombies feel less like monsters and more like characters caught between two worlds, all underscored by music that balances playfulness with genuine atmosphere.
Who it's for
Grade 2 concert bands seeking repertoire that commands student engagement without excessive technical demands. This score works equally well for fall concert programming or Halloween-themed events, appealing to young musicians who respond to vivid imagery and genre variety.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the supernatural mood before the first downbeat using your special effects strategically—a well-timed sound or lighting shift transforms the opening and signals what students should expect musically.
- Lock the tempo during style transitions; the waltz sections and dynamic shifts demand precise ensemble cohesion, so rehearse the moment where one character shifts to another with metronomic accuracy.
- Balance the humorous intent with musical control. The spooky character thrives when students play with conviction rather than camp, letting the music itself carry the drama.
- Highlight the percussion section as an essential storytelling voice. Their special effects and texture changes are not decoration; they anchor each musical scene.
How to use it
Program Zombie Dreams as a centerpiece for a Halloween or fall concert, where its theatrical character and reasonable time length (4:45) give you flexibility in building a compelling set. The grade level and engaging narrative make it accessible enough for younger audiences while maintaining enough musical substance to satisfy musicians and discerning listeners.
Skills your students will build
- Managing abrupt style changes and tempo shifts while maintaining ensemble unity
- Playing with character and intentionality across contrasting musical moods
- Responding to dynamic changes and special effects as coordinated musical cues
- Ensemble balance and blend across multiple musical genres within a single work