Richard L. Saucedo

Drawing inspiration from the haunting beauty of the ring of mist that sometimes surrounds the moon (known as “lunar halo”) and also the legends and folklore associated with this phenomenon, Richard has created a masterful work for the concert stage. Into Moonlight’s Mist opens quietly with transparent colors, then gradually builds and evolves throughout by adding layers of tonal richness and rhythmic intensity. Dur: 4:30

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

The lush harmonies in this lyrical and emotional piece will provide your students with a wonderful learning tool to improve listening skills, while at the same time providing a spellbinding effect for the listener. Featuring a blend of soft textures, full ensemble peaks, a brief solo flute cadenza, and a sensitive orchestration throughout, the music effectively alludes to far off places. Dur: 3:50

This lyric work provides an opportunity for your band to experience the musical style of Chopin in an effective setting for second year players. Featuring legato phrases, darker sonorities, and an engaging harmonic progression, Poem Romantic No. 1 offers musical rewards for the young level. Dur: 2:40

Begin or end your next concert with this dynamic and challenging new work from Richard Saucedo! Filled with rich musical imagery, the opening section features prominent roles for alto and soprano sax soloists while the percussion section provides a pulsating ostinato accompaniment. After a beautiful lyric section, the fast pace returns with antiphonal tradeoffs, and culminating in a bombastic statement from the entire ensemble. Dur: 6:00

Some of the most rewarding moments in band can come when the players are emotionally moved by a well-constructed lyric composition. Richard Saucedo’s Silhouette of a Dream offers this type of opportunity with its flowing lines and captivating harmonies. Great for teaching tone quality, phrasing and blend. Dur: 3:40

Under orders from General George Washington at the height of the Revolutionary War, a spy ring was organized for the purpose of providing critical information on the movement of British forces in the New York area. This dynamic work for band hints at the sense of danger and intrigue at the heart of this operation. The opening strains are propelled by an underlying rhythmic layer with flashes of color from the winds and percussion. A reflective middle section features soloistic passages with lush harmonies, and offers a calming mood before the fast tempo returns for the dynamic finish. Dur: c. 7:45 (MusicWorks)

With an energetic percussion score and explosive style, this work is a perfect concert opener for young players. Careful use of mixed meters plus repetitive rhythmic figures help to give this a distinctive sound, and yet it’s easy to learn. Dur: 1:30