This is the third in a series of articles evaluating literature for band. Grade two music is intended for advanced elementary and junior high bands. Certainly, difficulty is subjective. However, these works limit technical demands.

The GIA books (see below) are excellent resources for music of grade two and above. Many of the titles are recorded in their series. Most all of these titles have been recorded by either the Rutgers Wind Ensemble or Symphony Band as part of Mark's Distinguished Music for the Developing Band.

Like television and movie critics (and like my previous Tempo article on grade one music), I have assigned a rating for each work. While I consider each work listed to be interesting, I do recognize that some are better than others. My very subjective rating system is as follows:

1 baton = good
2 batons = excellent
3 batons = superb
4 batons = don't pass this one up.

Kenya Contrasts by William Himes
Berz rating = 4 batons (Blocker Volume 3)
Kenya Contrasts is based on two songs associated with children's games: Wakarathe (from the Kikuyu tribe) and Abot Tangewuo (from the Kipsigis tribe). There is wonderful contrast in this relatively simple arrangement. The percussion writing is particularly creative. The work is listed as grade 3 in the Blocker book.

Legend of Knife River by Stephen Bulla
Berz rating = 4 batons (Blocker Volume 3)
This piece follows the formal construction of so many educational pieces for band: a slow beginning followed by a fast second section. Luckily, this is where the predictability ends. For example, the percussion writing is very creative. An opening ostinato is played by a combination of a shaken (but not stirred) maraca, claves, and bongos. This would require the three players to carefully coordinate their efforts in order to play their parts successfully. The wind parts are also well scored. There is a fine mix of thinly and fully scored sections. Each part looks to be challenging but not unreasonable given the grade two level of difficulty. The work does require low instruments, hopefully tubas and bass clarinets. The work would suffer if the only bass instrument in the band would be a baritone saxophone. Trombones would also seem to be a necessity. Although not an easy grade two, Legend of Knife River would make a wonderful addition to any program.

Portrait of a Clown by Frank Ticheli
Berz rating = 3 batons (Blocker Volume 1)
Frank Ticheli has become a very well known composer of music for the high school and college band. Many of his works have quickly become standards. Portrait of a Clown is his contribution to the grade two repertoire. As is the case with Ticheli's more advanced compositions, the work features very creative tonal resources (use of modes for example) and clearly understood formal structure (ABA in this case). Ticheli clearly understands how to write for winds and is deeply committed to providing musical value in his educational works. Portrait of a Clown is certainly a valuable contribution to the repertoire.

Peace Song by Timothy Broege
Berz rating = 3 batons (Blocker Volume 1)
New Jersey's own Timothy Broege has composed many true gems for the young band. His music is exceptionally fresh, not filled with those elements often associated with band music. Musical structure too is often unconventional. His music offers tremendous potential for music teacher. Peace Song is his own version of the third movement of his Three Pieces for Clavichord. The overall tempo is slow and features beautiful timbral contrasts. Broege lists the difficulty as 2+. New Jersey band directors especially should champion his music.

The Charmer by Lyall McDermott
Berz rating = 2 batons
The Charmer by Australian Lyall McDermott might be one of the least technically advanced works on this list. The music attempts to invoke an Eastern flavor, bringing to mind snake charmers - hence the title. The illusion to the Eastern is very clear - actually too obvious. Given the difficulty and ease of preparation, this accessible work should prove educationally beneficial, especially in teaching accidentals and articulation.

Gamelan by Walter Cummings
Berz rating = 4 batons
Gamelan was inspired by the unique music played by the gamelan orchestra of Bali and Java. Just this cultural illusion alone would make this work of considerable benefit to the grade 2 band. Setting this cultural objective aside, the work is very engaging in its own rite. It is in three large sections: slow-fast-slow. The composition is not like most educational pieces. It should prove to be exceptional valuable for the middle school/junior high band for both musical and broader cultural reasons. Cummings is a fine composer who deserves more attention.

David's Lyre by Leroy Osmon
Berz rating = 3 batons
Leroy Osmon has composed a number of pieces for school band. Very popular in Texas, his music has not attracted significant attention in New Jersey. David's Lyre exploits a number of special instrumental colors, especially in percussion. Unlike much of the repertoire of this difficulty, the work is thinly scored. Good instrumentation is a must. For those bands with horn and trombone players, this piece should be a great experience.

Balladair by Frank Erickson
Berz rating = 3 batons (Blocker Volume 3)
Frank Erickson was one of the master composers for the school band. Balladair, although not as well known as Air for Band, is non-the-less quite similar. One of the older works on this list, it was published in 1958. Band conductors and their students would benefit from re-visiting this neglected classic.

Overturus Interruptus by Steven Bryant
Berz rating = 4 batons
Overturus Interruptus was commissioned and written for the Bartle School Band in Highland Park, NJ when former Rutgers colleague Bill Kellerman was the Director. Bryant visited the school several times working with this advanced elementary school ensemble. Bryant describes the piece. The music can loosely be described as the musical inverse of Chester Leaps In: the piece begins with a rather straight-ahead theme in Bb major, which is interrupted abruptly by dissonant chords. The theme resumes, but is repeatedly interrupted at various surprising moments by both dissonance and some simple aleatory. These techniques are intended to serve as educational tools in addition to their musical function, exposing younger musicians to a broader musical palette. It is a most unusual piece and is very accessible. Although not an easy grade 2, it should prove to be very educationally enjoyable to perform.