Richard L. Saucedo

Each of the five movements of this innovative work is designed to invoke a particular type of emotion associated with leadership. Courage is stately in nature and written in a marcato style. Vision is playful in character and focuses on mixed meters as well as mixed emotions. The lyrical and sensitive Compassion is meant to stir the soul, while the contrasting Selflessness offers some of the most intense and demanding music of the set. The energetic final movement Heroes will bring to mind your own favorite superhero! Educator and speaker Scott Lang helped develop the concept for this unique work, and has made available supplemental curricula centered around leadership and character development. This material is tied to the Common Core Standards relating to reading, writing, music, art, and critical thinking. Each movement and its accompanying curriculum can stand on its own, allowing the director the flexibility of using as much or as little as desired. A tremendous resource for today’s teacher! Dur: 9:20

Accompanying curricula and materials available at www.scottlang.net

On a Sunday afternoon in May of 2011 tornados devastated the city of Joplin, Missouri. In Perfect Silence, I Often Gaze at the New Stars is intended as a musical tribute to those who lost their lives that day and to those heroes who gave everything they could to help others. The music is a beautiful blending of sounds and moods, and carries with it a full range of emotions from reflective quiet moments to the massive outpouring from the entire ensemble. An evocative and moving work for band that will resonate with both performers and listeners. Dur: 3:50

Though written with the young band in mind, this exciting composition packs plenty of drama and intensity in less than 2 minutes! Featuring active percussion writing, powerful brass statements and woodwind flourishes, this is a perfect program opener for any occasion or festival. (Grade 2.5) Dur: 1:50