Band BFFs

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts discuss Panther Rising by Michael Sweeney, a fast-paced Grade 1 concert work that combines accessible ranges and rhythms with strong opportunities to teach dynamics, articulation, phrasing, tuning, and ensemble balance. They praise the flexible percussion writing, recurring crescendo motives, and programmatic “panther” character, noting that the piece sounds...

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts discuss Knox Bridge Jubilee by Todd Stalter, an energetic Grade 2 concert opener packed with fanfare-like moments, syncopated rhythms, and constant interplay between sections. They highlight its strong teaching value for balance, layering, counting, articulation, and ensemble precision, while noting that its brisk tempo, independent lines, and important perc...

Zydeco Cajun Crawdad Dance by Roland Barrett is a lively, style-driven, Grade 2 piece in cut time that leans heavily into Louisiana/Creole groove and character. It’s more rhythmically demanding than typical middle school literature, with syncopation, articulation clarity, and strong style awareness being key to success. Overall: a high-energy, crowd-pleasing piece that’s all about feel—great once...

Fanfare for the Fearless by Brian Balmages is a short, energetic Grade 1 concert opener in concert E♭ that’s perfect for middle school bands or early-season programming. It emphasizes strong articulation, clear phrasing, and basic balance concepts, with accessible ranges and engaging parts across the ensemble. Overall: a clean, effective fanfare that teaches style while sounding bold and exciting...

This episode covers Dragon Dance by Michael Story — a short, beginner-friendly Grade 0.5 piece in concert B♭ that uses only the first six notes, making it very accessible and confidence-building. It features simple rhythms, no split parts, and light percussion (with tom instead of snare for balance), plus clear opportunities to teach articulation, phrasing, and tuning (especially trumpet Ds). Over...

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Upbeat by Randall Standridge , a fast, high-energy Grade 1.5 rock-style piece in concert E♭ built around repeated syncopated rhythms and lots of percussion color. They highlight its strong teaching value for syncopation, layering, and style, plus its catchy grooves and repeated unison patterns that make it feel harder than it is.

This episode covers Fandango by Carol Brittin Chambers — a fast, high-energy Grade 3.5 piece with frequent switches between 3/4 and 4/4. It’s rhythmically challenging, highly stylized, and requires a strong ensemble with solid counting and articulation. The piece features layered melodies, exposed transitions, and a lyrical trumpet/trombone solo section, along with lots of percussion color. Range...

This is a re-release of an earlier episode as it is timely for band directors! Looking for fresh, engaging music for your beginner or non-varsity band? In this episode of Band BFFs, we review two standout concert pieces—Mama Paquita and The Dragon Lord—that bring energy, variety, and valuable teaching moments to your next performance. Tune in for practical insights on rhythm challenges, instrument...

This is a re-release of an earlier episode as it is timely for band directors! Looking for the perfect spring concert piece for your beginner band? In this episode of Band BFFs , we review two crowd-pleasers— Tambora by William Owens and Alpha Squadron by Greg Hillis—that are fun, accessible, and sound impressive on stage. Tune in to hear why your students will love them and how to make the most o...

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into March of the Hobgoblins by Randall Standridge, a fun, march-like Grade 1.5 in 6/8 that they love as an introductory compound-meter piece. They highlight its strong teaching value for 6/8 feel, accents, chromaticism, and form, plus its energetic writing, important timpani part, and mischievous character that makes kids want to play it.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Skedaddle by Timothy Loest, a fast, high-energy Grade 2 piece in concert E♭ that’s full of ostinatos, sharp dynamic contrasts, and layered textures kids will love. They highlight its fun percussion writing, strong teaching value for rhythm and balance, and how quickly it comes together once students lock in the main ostinato pattern.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Cumbia by Jorge Vargas , a colorful Grade 1.5 Latin chart in concert B♭ where style and groove matter more than difficulty. They stress percussion depth, clean articulation, and rhythmic independence.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Above and Beyond by James Swearingen , a short concert E♭ fanfare that sounds impressive without extreme demands. They focus on phrasing, quick dynamic contrasts, and its accessibility for younger or non-varsity bands.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Squirrel Chase by Carol Brittin Chambers , a playful concert B♭ gallop packed with sound effects, driving percussion, and crisp dotted-eighth/sixteenth style. They highlight storytelling, style, and why it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Triumphs by Joshua Hinkel , a fast concert B♭ fanfare with bold brass, a lyrical middle section, and strong opener/closer potential. They emphasize articulation, balance, and shaping long phrases.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Whispers in the Wind by Robert Sheldon , a gorgeous Grade 1 lyrical piece in concert B♭ (about 2 minutes) that’s perfect for teaching phrasing, balance, and mature tone. They highlight its simple scoring (no split parts, limited percussion) and share rehearsal tips like shaping “4 leads to 1,” training staggered breathing, and listening for the mov...

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Union March by Mekel Rogers , a bite-size (about 1:15) concert E♭ march in 2/4 that’s perfect for teaching classic march roles—melody, countermelody, and motor—without split parts or heavy percussion. They share quick rehearsal wins like keeping notes resonant (not too short), using “tau” for clean accents, and watching tuning/articulation in the b...

This week's episode is a first for the "Band BFFs"! We were honored to record a crossover podcast episode with Kyle Smith of "The Growing Band Director"! We had great conversation about how and why we choose pieces and even literature for our own bands. We spoke about some of our favorite pieces and Kyle gave great insight to us as well! Check out this informative and fun Crossover episode with "T...

In this episode of Band BFFs , the hosts dive into Destiny Fanfare by Mekel Rogers, exploring its energetic march-like character, approachable range, and percussion-driven fanfare style. They share practical insights for balancing parts, shaping phrasing, and programming it as a concert fanfare or a march, or even for an All Region band!

In this Band BFFs episode, the hosts break down Randall Standridge’s Choose Joy , which is a brisk, high-energy showpiece with lots of percussion, a calm middle section, and an “Ode to Joy” moment—ideal year-round (especially winter concerts). They highlight practical rehearsal tips (clean articulation, balance), range demands for first trumpet, and all the cool percussion moments!

In this Band BFFs episode, the hosts break down JaRod Hall’s You Better Sleigh! —a funk-style, cut-time crowd-pleaser in concert B♭, which is packed with call-and-response lines, sax and low-brass features, and fun claps that make it a standout for winter concerts and elementary demo visits! They stress clean, independent counting for the syncopation, ample percussion coverage, and smart layering...

In this episode of Band BFFs , we explore Excitation March by Rob Grice — a perfect introduction to march style for beginning and sub–non-varsity bands. This short, 90-second piece uses only the first six notes of the B♭ scale and stays in 2/4 throughout, making it a great teaching tool for articulation, dynamics, march form, and phrasing. With limited percussion, unison rhythms, and clear part fu...

In this episode of Band BFFs , we highlight Christmas Around the Band Room by Lisa Galvin — a festive, beginner-friendly medley that includes Up on the Housetop , Jolly Old St. Nicholas , and Jingle Bells . With accessible ranges, full ensemble scoring, and balanced moments for every section, this joyful arrangement gives all players a chance to shine while reinforcing key ensemble skills like bal...

In this episode of Band BFFs , we break down Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, arranged by Michael Story — a festive, recognizable favorite adapted for beginner and sub–non-varsity bands. With optional simplifications, flexible percussion scoring, and a strong teaching focus on phrasing, articulation, and form (including multiple first and second endings), this charming winter piece provides both cha...

In this episode of Band BFFs , we explore 6-Note Santa arranged by Joseph Compello, a short, cheerful grade 0.5 holiday piece perfect for first-year beginners. With unison writing, limited range, and familiar melodies like “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” this tune is easy to teach and fun to play. We highlight how it introduces phrasing, balance, and ensemble skills while letting every section shine.