Concert Openers for Concert Band

Strong thematic material, great percussion, minimal ranges, and simple rhythms make this an ideal first concert opener. All sections have wonderful and engaging parts. A hit! 

An energetic and fast-paced fanfare, this musical burst of energy is the perfect choice for a concert or contest opener. This piece offers opportunities for work on dynamic contrasts, articulations, and

The sweeping landscapes and sounds of American classical music serve as the inspiration for this bold fanfare. Paying homage to Aaron Copland, this work balances careful scoring with quartal harmony and

Written as an opener for your beginning band concert, this bold, exciting, and aggressive work will clearly make a strong musical statement. Active percussion combined with powerful melodic lines in the

Capture the excitement and exuberance of the new! Highly playable for a younger band, this brief concert opener provides opportunities to explore lyrical melodies, exciting fanfare figures, and sudden

This contemporary fanfare will usher in a sense of excitement and anticipation as the music unfolds in dramatic fashion. Bold, rhythmic motives combine with massively powerful lyrical lines spanning a wide

An energetic opener that will start your next concert off with a bang! It contains all the hallmarks of a great curtain-raising selection: exciting rhythms, extended harmonies, brilliant winds, and colorful

Early American folk tunes and composed hymn tunes provide delightful, spirited melodies which offer present-day opportunities for exploration of new harmonies and rhythms. Oliver Holden's hymn

An explosive fanfare-type composition for the youngest students. There are very limited rhythms and notes, but it still has a bold character with slightly advanced harmonies for a more mature

Composed as a tribute to legendary racehorse and 2006 Kentucky Derby winner, Barbaro, this work for mature ensembles captures the excitement and pageantry of race day at the track. Rhythmically dynamic from

This bright and tuneful opener will make a bold and impressive statement for beginning bands. Using only the first six notes learned, no dotted rhythms, and no rolls in percussion, this will have the

Adapted from the Mannheim Steamroller CD A Fresh Aire Christmas, this is actually two publications in one. First is a glorious fanfare in the High Renaissance tradition of antiphonal brass choirs

Written to portray the goddess of wisdom and knowledge, this fanfare is a bold and vigorous start to any concert program. Exquisite woodwind flourishes juxtaposed with fresh brass interjections create a

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the sky with this exceptional composition that will make your young concert band sound full and mature. Inspired by the composer's passion for aviation, this work

A jubilant celebration of the friendship and camaraderie provided by regional community, educational, and professional bands around the world. Through bold and triumphant brass figures, excitement and

Based upon the hymn tune Melita, commonly known as Eternal Father, Strong to Save, this stirring fanfare is perfect for opening a concert or celebratory event. The opening brass

Ignite your performance by opening with this spectacular burst of musical energy! A resplendent feature spot for the entire percussion section, this piece uses a single tempo throughout along with

This invigorating fanfare conveys the optimism and achievement associated with an anniversary celebration. Excitement and energy radiate into every section in the ensemble. A fantastic concert opener with