Band BFFs

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.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Whispers in the Wind by Robert Sheldon, a gorgeous Grade 1 lyrical piece in concert B♭ (about 2 minutes) that’s perfect for teaching phrasing, balance, and mature tone. They highlight its simple scoring (no split parts, limited percussion) and share rehearsal tips like shaping “4 leads to 1,” training staggered breathing, and listening for the moving line to keep sustained parts musical.

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Union March by Mekel Rogers, a bite-size (about 1:15) concert E♭ march in 2/4 that’s perfect for teaching classic march roles—melody, countermelody, and motor—without split parts or heavy percussion. They share quick rehearsal wins like keeping notes resonant (not too short), using “tau” for clean accents, and watching tuning/articulation in the brief “dogfight” and a few accidental moments, making it an easy, catchy programming pick for young bands.

This week's episode is a first for the "Band BFFs"! We were honored to record a crossover podcast episode with Kyle Smith of "The Growing Band Director"! We had great conversation about how and why we choose pieces and even literature for our own bands. We spoke about some of our favorite pieces and Kyle gave great insight to us as well! Check out this informative and fun Crossover episode with "The Growing Band Director"!

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Destiny Fanfare by Mekel Rogers, exploring its energetic march-like character, approachable range, and percussion-driven fanfare style. They share practical insights for balancing parts, shaping phrasing, and programming it as a concert fanfare or a march, or even for an All Region band!

In this Band BFFs episode, the hosts break down Randall Standridge’s Choose Joy, which is a brisk, high-energy showpiece with lots of percussion, a calm middle section, and an “Ode to Joy” moment—ideal year-round (especially winter concerts). They highlight practical rehearsal tips (clean articulation, balance), range demands for first trumpet, and all the cool percussion moments!

In this Band BFFs episode, the hosts break down JaRod Hall’s You Better Sleigh!—a funk-style, cut-time crowd-pleaser in concert B♭, which is packed with call-and-response lines, sax and low-brass features, and fun claps that make it a standout for winter concerts and elementary demo visits! They stress clean, independent counting for the syncopation, ample percussion coverage, and smart layering to keep the groove tight and the showmanship high!

In this episode of Band BFFs, we explore Excitation March by Rob Grice — a perfect introduction to march style for beginning and sub–non-varsity bands. This short, 90-second piece uses only the first six notes of the B♭ scale and stays in 2/4 throughout, making it a great teaching tool for articulation, dynamics, march form, and phrasing. With limited percussion, unison rhythms, and clear part functions (melody, harmony, bass line), it offers a successful and accessible first march experience for young players.

In this episode of Band BFFs, we highlight Christmas Around the Band Room by Lisa Galvin — a festive, beginner-friendly medley that includes Up on the Housetop, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, and Jingle Bells. With accessible ranges, full ensemble scoring, and balanced moments for every section, this joyful arrangement gives all players a chance to shine while reinforcing key ensemble skills like balance, phrasing, and articulation. A crowd-pleasing, flexible winter concert option that’s as fun to teach as it is to perform!

In this episode of Band BFFs, we break down Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, arranged by Michael Story — a festive, recognizable favorite adapted for beginner and sub–non-varsity bands. With optional simplifications, flexible percussion scoring, and a strong teaching focus on phrasing, articulation, and form (including multiple first and second endings), this charming winter piece provides both challenge and joy. Your students will love the classic sleigh bells, slapstick, and optional trumpet horse whinny — all while learning ensemble skills they'll use for years.

In this episode of Band BFFs, we explore 6-Note Santa arranged by Joseph Compello, a short, cheerful grade 0.5 holiday piece perfect for first-year beginners. With unison writing, limited range, and familiar melodies like “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” this tune is easy to teach and fun to play. We highlight how it introduces phrasing, balance, and ensemble skills while letting every section shine.

In this episode of Band BFFs, we break down Two British Folk Songs by Elliot Del Borgo — a staple grade 2 piece known for its beautiful contrast between lyrical and energetic styles. We share what makes this piece rewarding and challenging: exposed woodwind features, complex ensemble balance, and detailed phrasing across both movements. It’s a rich learning experience for bands with developing musicianship and a love for expressive storytelling through music.

In this episode of Band BFFs, we dive into Danza Zanzare by JaRod Hall — a witty and engaging grade 2 piece that captures the energy of a mosquito swarm through vibrant percussion, playful woodwind lines, and clever effects like mouthpiece buzzing and clapping. With rich opportunities for articulation, style, and creative interpretation, this short, programmatic work is a guaranteed student and audience favorite.

In this episode of Band BFFs, we explore Mighty Mite March by Ted Mesang, arranged by Sean O’Loughlin — a bold, traditional-style march full of challenge and character. With high brass ranges, technical woodwind lines, and complex scoring, this piece is perfect for bands ready to feature a strong trumpet section, confident low brass, and crisp march style.