In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Upbeat by Randall Standridge, a fast, high-energy Grade 1.5 rock-style piece in concert E♭ built around repeated syncopated rhythms and lots of percussion color. They highlight its strong teaching value for syncopation, layering, and style, plus its catchy grooves and repeated unison patterns that make it feel harder than it is.

This episode covers Fandango by Carol Brittin Chambers — a fast, high-energy Grade 3.5 piece with frequent switches between 3/4 and 4/4. It’s rhythmically challenging, highly stylized, and requires a strong ensemble with solid counting and articulation.

The piece features layered melodies, exposed transitions, and a lyrical trumpet/trombone solo section, along with lots of percussion color. Range (especially brass and clarinet) and balance are key challenges.

This is a re-release of an earlier episode as it is timely for band directors! Looking for fresh, engaging music for your beginner or non-varsity band? In this episode of Band BFFs, we review two standout concert pieces—Mama Paquita and The Dragon Lord—that bring energy, variety, and valuable teaching moments to your next performance. Tune in for practical insights on rhythm challenges, instrumentation tips, and how to make each piece a student favorite.

This is a re-release of an earlier episode as it is timely for band directors! Looking for the perfect spring concert piece for your beginner band? In this episode of Band BFFs, we review two crowd-pleasers—Tambora by William Owens and Alpha Squadron by Greg Hillis—that are fun, accessible, and sound impressive on stage. Tune in to hear why your students will love them and how to make the most of each piece.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into March of the Hobgoblins by Randall Standridge, a fun, march-like Grade 1.5 in 6/8 that they love as an introductory compound-meter piece. They highlight its strong teaching value for 6/8 feel, accents, chromaticism, and form, plus its energetic writing, important timpani part, and mischievous character that makes kids want to play it.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Skedaddle by Timothy Loest, a fast, high-energy Grade 2 piece in concert E♭ that’s full of ostinatos, sharp dynamic contrasts, and layered textures kids will love. They highlight its fun percussion writing, strong teaching value for rhythm and balance, and how quickly it comes together once students lock in the main ostinato pattern.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Cumbia by Jorge Vargas, a colorful Grade 1.5 Latin chart in concert B♭ where style and groove matter more than difficulty. They stress percussion depth, clean articulation, and rhythmic independence.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Above and Beyond by James Swearingen, a short concert E♭ fanfare that sounds impressive without extreme demands. They focus on phrasing, quick dynamic contrasts, and its accessibility for younger or non-varsity bands.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Squirrel Chase by Carol Brittin Chambers, a playful concert B♭ gallop packed with sound effects, driving percussion, and crisp dotted-eighth/sixteenth style. They highlight storytelling, style, and why it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Triumphs by Joshua Hinkel, a fast concert B♭ fanfare with bold brass, a lyrical middle section, and strong opener/closer potential. They emphasize articulation, balance, and shaping long phrases.