Brian Balmages' Music for Band and Orchestra

Everyone is still, the countdown begins. In a single moment, adrenaline surges in an eruption of musical energy and power. This intense closer does not let go, keeping the audience and performer on the edge

Clusters of sound and unrelenting rhythmic drive recreate the experience the composer had when his home was hit by a powerful lightning strike. The work has an urgency about it, with brief moments of

One of the most emotional and powerful pieces this composer has ever written. The highly descriptive music goes through a wide range of styles and emotions, including expressive moments of untamed beauty,

This thrilling closing number pairs perfectly with A Festive Fanfare and brings your elementary band holiday program full circle. Loosely based on opening notes of the fanfare, this thrilling and

Dramatic music leads from the base to the summit, encountering legends and history along the way. Numerous reports of Big Foot and spectacular views are envisioned in musical moments of uncertainty with

This short four-movement work is based on traditional dances that have each gone through an amazing transformation to bring them roaring into the 21st century. Playable individually or all together, the

Fear, anxiety, adrenaline, and a sheer rush of excitement all take center stage in this musical roller-coaster ride. Percussion simulates the sound of the lift hill before the ride takes off in an

This powerful work tackles the issue of bullying in schools from the perspective of a student. Making use of a quartet within the ensemble (either a standard quartet or two violins and two cellos), the

This four-movement suite is based on French folk songs and was specifically written for groups that may not be ready for St. Paul's Suite or Capriol Suite, but still want to be able to dig

This haunting, powerful, and aggressive work draws inspiration from a type of strobe light that can put an observer into a state of "threshold consciousness," or being half asleep. The music portrays

This spirited, high energy work encompasses all the attitude expressed in its title! The orchestra's true personality shines as it moves between technical off-the-string passages and soaring melodies.

This aggressive work for true beginners portrays those inherent, sometimes raw behaviors that help a species survive. All string parts move almost entirely by stepwise motion and use just half and whole

Featuring string quartet and orchestra, this tour de force follows a few straggling Irish musicians (the quartet) who find themselves in a junkyard picking up scrap instruments. As the quartet begins to

Inspired by the contrasts of uncertainty and boundless optimism, this powerful piece forges a path of faith, trust, belief and assurance amid a world of chaos. The opening lyrical section gives way to

Written as a duet for any two instruments and band, this work represents the idea of moving through a gate from one phase of life into the next. Perfect for featuring a specific section, a group of talented

Emotional and reflective, this work paints a poignant picture of the holiday season as seen through the eyes of a homeless person. The music uses Carol of the Bells and Greensleeves to

Primal in every sense, complex harmonies combine with angular melodies to elicit a visceral and primitive atmosphere. Driven by percussion and a dissonant rhythmic pulse, the music eventually gives way to a

Explore the colorful and exotic sounds of India with elements of modern Indian pop, similar to the Bollywood sound. Using a wealth of authentic instruments, including  suggestions for alternatives, the

Beginning with engaging and optimistic fanfares, the music showcases a booming economy before becoming more reflective with moments of despair. Dissonance paints a picture of uncertainty and fear before the

This sparkling work harnesses the full spectrum of a large percussion section with three different parts for bells, optional vibraphone (up to three players on one instrument), chimes, and a variety of

Written to simultaneously depict the journey of graduating seniors with the composer’s own journey to the other side of the world without his family, the music pulls at every emotional string it can

Follow in the footsteps of Olympians and experience the strength, passion and commitment of these incredible athletes. The soft, rich opening foreshadows the powerful music that follows. Aggressive rhythms

Kick off your holiday program with this powerful and festive overture that's an outstanding concert opener. Featuring a mix of original themes and snippets of holiday favorites from lyrical to emphatic,

Based on the rhythmic drive of a factory underscored with a series of musical ensemble "loops," this piece explores the combination of organic and inorganic sounds. Inventive percussive and vocal effects