Middle School Program

Shepherds Hey (1:30 Gr. 1)..Percy Grainger

Arr. Chip de Stefano

Korean Folk Rhapsody (3:00 Gr. 2).Arr. James Curnow

A Prehistoric Suite (6:00 Gr. 1.5)..Paul Jennings

Ye Banks and Braes O Bonnie Doon (2:30 Gr.1)..Arr. Michael Sweeney

Rhythm Stand (2:30 Gr. 2)Jennifer Higdon

I programmed Sheperds Hey as the first piece because it is a cheerful, but short work. This
should help my students settle down if they are nervous. I wanted to include it in this program because
this simplified version will allow me to introduce them to Graingers work at an appropriate difficulty
level. Korean Folk Rhapsody is one of the more challenging pieces on this program. I programmed this
piece to challenge my students rhythmically. This is also a good piece to use to teach about intonation
and non-western music. A Prehistoric Suite is fun for students to play, and I wanted to make sure I had
at least one piece that my students will really enjoy. This piece has some good stylistic contrast, and I
can use it to teach my students about programmatic music. Ye Banks and Braes O Bonnie Doon is a
great piece to use to work on balance and intonation. I can also use this to teach my students some
music history. I wouldnt normally put Rhythm Stand last on a concert, but I am assuming that the
middle school band is opening for the high school. I like this piece because it uses non-traditional
rhythm instruments. This would be a good piece for working on rhythmic accuracy with the entire band.

High School Program

Alligator Alley (5:00 Gr. 3)Michael Daugherty

Shaker Variants (4:30 Gr. 2).Elliot Del Borgo

On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss (5:00 Gr. 3)....David R. Holsinger

Pageant (7:00 Gr. 4)..Vincent Persichetti

I would use Alligator Alley as an opener because it is upbeat and lively. This would be a good
piece to showcase my bassoon section and to keep my percussionists engaged. I could use this piece to
teach about form and recurring themes. Shaker Variants would showcase my flutes and brass players
well. This is a grade two piece, so it should be easier for the younger players to master. I could use this
piece to teach my band a bit about American music history. On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss is the slow
piece of this program. I would use this piece to teach my band about expression, balance, and
intonation. Pageant is last on the program because it is the most impressive piece. It includes both slow
and lively material, and the slow material at the beginning is a good transition from the piece before it.
This piece will challenge my band to play expressively, and it will also help develop their technique.
There is also a good piccolo part in Pageant.