Grade 1.5
00-50390H
Galaxy Hunter
An imaginative sci-fi quest for young band.
★ Editor’s Spotlight: Cinematic excitement with accessible rhythms.
Back-to-School Editor's Picks: Band & Orchestra Favorites
August 28, 2026|
Alfred Music Official
As the new school year kicks off, music educators everywhere are searching for the perfect repertoire to inspire their ensembles. To help you plan your upcoming concerts, editors Chris Bernotas and Brian Balmages have handpicked some of their favorite new releases on alfred.com, perfect for the school year ahead:
Chris’ Top Picks from Alfred, Belwin, and Highland/Etling catalogs
Alfred Concert Band
Grade 3
00-50416H
The Heist
Cool 60s spy vibes and a high-stakes chase.
★ Editor’s Spotlight: A fun, sneaky way to teach dynamic contrast.
Grade 1
00-50394H
Abundant Joy
Vibrant and joyful music filled with sunshine.
Grade 2
00-50399H
War Dance of the Seven Serpents
Powerful showcase in a unique 7/4 meter.
Grade 2.5
00-50409H
Fury of the Storm
A dynamic boat ride through a tropical storm.
Belwin Concert Band
Grade 1
00-50430H
New Voyage
A mature, soaring sound for beginning band.
★ Editor’s Spotlight: A majestic concert opener to highlight full ensemble tone.
Grade 2.5
00-50442H
Swing for the Fences
Fast-paced, energetic fanfare for openers.
★ Editor’s Spotlight: Infectious swing rhythms that will get everyone tapping.
Grade 1.5
00-50433H
Chasing Sunshine
Buoyant melodies celebrating the arrival of spring.
Grade 2
00-50436H
Tambourin
Vibrant French dance with a driving rhythm.
Grade 2.5
00-50499H
Creep
Emotional Radiohead anthem with raw power.
Highland/Etling String Orchestra
Grade 1.5
00-50361H
Playlist
Whirlwind smartphone tour of nine iconic themes.
★ Editor’s Spotlight: The ultimate fast-paced technique builder.
Grade 2
00-50364H
Captain Hook
Nautical fun designed to teach hooked bowing.
Grade 2
00-50371H
Mission Sixteenths
Fiery theme designed to master sixteenth notes.
Grade 2
00-50375H
A Crystal Snowfall
Relaxing winter mood, ideal for 3/4 practice.
Grade 3
00-50377H
The Beloved
Poignant Celtic-inspired Scots love song.
Belwin String Orchestra
Grade 3
00-50339H
Celestial Collisions
Epic space opera overture with heroic themes.
★ Editor’s Spotlight: Dramatic cosmic energy with active, driving bowings.
Grade 2
00-50345H
Furioso
High-energy theme with explosive character shifts.
★ Editor’s Spotlight: Heavy accents, low-string power, and relentless drive.
Grade 2.5
00-50342H
Dance of the Garden Gnomes
Humorous, energetic dance of garden gnomes.
Grade 2
00-50346H
Soaring Meadows
Lighthearted nature trip with hooked bowings.
Grade 1
00-50351H
Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)
Creative, stylish take on the ancient folk song.
Brian’s Top Picks from MakeMusic Publications catalogs
MakeMusic Publications Band
Grade 1.5
00-51995H
Imagination Factory
Magical factory fun with playful, eccentric motifs.
Grade 2
00-52092H
Born to Rise
High-octane brass energy to ignite your stage.
Grade 5
00-52004H
Contents May Be Hot!
Fiery salsa rhythms and supercharged percussion.
Grade 3
00-52002H
Gravitas
Powerful, cinematic celebration of strength.
Grade 4
00-52000H
Go Time!
High-energy rock, funk, and jazz fusion.
MakeMusic Publications Strings
Grade 1
00-52130H
Searching for Seville
Clever Rossini themes to explore basic skills.
Grade 2–4
00-52127H
A Hundred Horizons
Versatile festival work for mixed grade levels.
Grade 4
00-52121H
The Mile-Tall River Wall
Energetic, Copland-esque American landscapes.
Grade 2
00-52120H
Queen Anne's Revenge
High-seas pirate adventure in D minor.
Grade 3
00-52131H
Beyond the Serpent's Gate
Thrilling voyage of discovery and string color.
At-a-Glance Featured Picks
| Editor | Catalog | Featured Title | Grade | Key Highlight | Item Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris | Alfred Concert Band | Galaxy Hunter | 1.5 | Cinematic excitement & accessible rhythms | 00-50390H |
| Chris | Belwin Concert Band | New Voyage | 1 | Majestic concert opener; highlights full ensemble tone | 00-50430H |
| Chris | Highland/Etling | Playlist | 1.5 | Clever classical medley & fast technique builder | 00-50361H |
| Chris | Belwin String Orchestra | Celestial Collisions | 3 | Dramatic cosmic energy & active bowings | 00-50339H |
| Brian | MakeMusic Band | Imagination Factory | 1.5 | Whimsical factory sounds & creative melodies | 00-51995H |
| Brian | MakeMusic Strings | Searching for Seville | 1 | Fun Figaro-inspired classical arrangement | 00-52130H |
Planning for your fall concert?
Explore full score previews, recordings, and ordering options by following the links above or searching on alfred.com.
What pieces will be on your music stands this fall? Let us know in the comments below!