Band BFFs

In this episode of Band BFFs , we explore Photos from December by Randall Standridge, a beautiful, nostalgic Grade 2 piece perfect for your winter or holiday concert. We discuss its lyrical melodies, featured clarinet and alto saxophone solos, colorful percussion, and familiar holiday tunes woven throughout. Plus, we share teaching tips for balancing musical layers, navigating tempo changes, and c...

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In this episode of Band BFFs , we explore Matt Neufeld’s Echo Ridge Express , a joyful, fast-paced beginner band piece filled with train whistle effects, colorful percussion, stomps, claps, and fun opportunities for every section to shine. We discuss how the piece can help young musicians develop style, articulation, balance, and ensemble skills while keeping rehearsals engaging and full of person...

In this episode of Band BFFs , we dive into Jason Nitsch’s The Skeleton Crawl , a fun, accessible Grade 2 piece packed with swing style, percussion features, snapping, and even singing. We discuss teaching strategies for style, phrasing, dynamics, and student confidence while highlighting why this spooky, energetic piece is a great choice for a Halloween or themed concert.

In this episode of Band BFFs , we explore Going Rogue by Brian Balmages, a dark, mysterious, spy-inspired Grade 1 piece that’s accessible for younger players while still offering plenty to teach. We break down its rhythmic precision, articulation, dynamics, balance, accidentals, and exposed low-brass moments, plus why its suspenseful sound makes it a real “kid magnet.”

In this episode of Band BFFs , we explore Piñata! by Willie Owens, a festive, accessible piece packed with Latin percussion, catchy melodies, and plenty of opportunities to build ensemble skills. We break down its balance, phrasing, accidentals, and rhythmic challenges, plus why having a strong percussion section really brings the piece to life.

In this episode of Band BFFs , Laura and Katie discuss A Jubilant Spirit by Carol Brittin Chambers , highlighting why it has become a favorite for developing bands. They cover the piece’s accessible ranges, limited percussion requirements, strong teaching opportunities in 3/4 meter, articulation, phrasing, balance, and accidentals, along with practical rehearsal strategies for helping students dev...

In this episode of Band BFFs , Laura and Katie explore Creepin’ Monsters by Chris Clark, a playful and spooky new work written especially well for young ensembles. They discuss its accessible ranges, repetitive structure, light staccato style, colorful percussion effects, and opportunities to teach phrasing, articulation, accidentals, balance, and ensemble independence. With flexible tempo possibi...

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...