Beginning Band Music
Level 3
Embedded Files
Lydia's Balloon
The Lydian Mode is a playful and fun melodic device. Lydia’s Balloon uses the Lydian Mode to depict the playful spirit of a child with a brightly colored balloon. Written in arch form, this piece uses a limited range and simple rhythmic patterns, three-part voicing, and tutti playing. Engaging and cheerful, this piece can be played after completing the first 10-11 pages of most modern Beginning Band Method Books.
The A Theme introduces the balloon and playful character of the piece.
The B Theme is quieter and more percussive as Lydia tugs on and bounces her balloon.
The C Theme is more lyrical and driven by the lower voices as she runs about with her balloon in tow!
We return to the B theme and finally the A theme which ends with a brief augmentation of the theme and a diminuendo to an unison staccato indicating the balloon gently popping.
I hope you and your students enjoy this piece!
Scenes in Stained Glass Windows
Light diffusing through richly stained glass in lofty cathedrals was the inspiration for this piece. A lonely and haunting melody accompanied by the persistent tinkling sound of bells draws the different scenes one might see in these powerful forms of art. Using the most achievable octave of pitches and the simple rhythmic patterns found in the first 5-6 pages of most Beginning Band method books, this tone poem describes the lonely wonder, the intricate detail, the heroic stories, the sheer grandeur, and the final awe of standing in an empty space bathed in light through stained glass windows.
I hope you and your students enjoy this piece!
Triple A March
This single-theme march can be played by beginning bands after completion of the first 11-12 pages of most modern Beginning Band Method books. Using simple rhythmic patterns and limited melodic range, a percussion introduction leads to a light and catchy march tune. The theme repeats, this time with a simple countermelody. A B section lead by the lowest voices heralds a return to the theme. The percussion introduction is restated and ends with a unison statement utilizing accidentals to create exciting harmonic interest and a strong unison ending.
I hope you and your students enjoy this piece!
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