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5s that should be 4s

Posted by New to 6A on 9/4/2024, 4:00 pm

New job this year, my first year in 6A. The school just moved up to 6A in the most recent alignment. We are not really ready for 6a competition, but I don't have a choice. Admin will not allow me to go non-varsity.

What are the easiest grade 5s I should be listening to?

I know it's really early to pick UIL music, but what I plan for UIL will influence what I play at the December concert.

Re: 5s that should be 4s

Posted by Middle School & Dance on 9/30/2024, 11:59 pm, in reply to "5s that should be 4s"

Roughly a half dozen-ish middle school varsity groups attempt a Grade 5 at UIL each year. At least one of those groups almost always plays "Incantation & Dance" each and every year . It's been performed at least 65 times by middle school groups since 1985 and received a 1st division by my count, which is an average of 1.6 times per year.

For comparison, "Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann" has been played 15 times, the Holst 2nd Suite has been played 9 times, Molly on the Shore 7 times, and English Folk Song Suite 6 times by MS groups during that same timespan. If there's one single piece that probably deserves to move down, it's I&D.

Other Grade 5 pieces that have been done multiple times by MS bands (and gotten a 1) include Festivo (6 times), Roumanian Folk Dances (7 times) and Vesuvius (6 times).

Interestingly, the Holst 1st Suite has only been done twice in its entirety and received a 1; William Adams JH in 1988, and Frank Seale MS in 2009.

Re: 5s that should be 4s

Posted by Truly on 9/5/2024, 4:40 pm, in reply to "5s that should be 4s"

To be honest, there is no such thing as an easy 5. All of them have challenges, but there are some that are playable, but will provide challenge. I have always been partial to Holst, Vaughn Williams, or SOME Grainger works that are not easy, but playable. I have found that if you just take it slow and teach EVERY single little thing it can be done, but you have to leave no stone unturned.

I have had success with Molly on the Shore with weaker bands that did work hard. Holst in Eb is tough, but I feel is a little easier than Holst in F, but that is all debatable. I would avoid Suite Divertimento by Gilbert. You want MUSIC, not random sounds that are easy to follow.

Re: 5s that should be 4s

Posted by *eye roll* on 9/6/2024, 12:33 pm, in reply to "Re: 5s that should be 4s"

When someone is asking for advice, why not let that person make their own judgement on a piece? I have used Suite Divertimento a few times and have never issues with the musicality of it.

The OP can make the determination him/herself.

Re: 5s that should be 4s

Posted by LBD on 9/5/2024, 2:16 pm, in reply to "5s that should be 4s"

Here are my thoughts about this!

Suite Divertimento
Vaughan Williams Set
Festal Scenes
Romanian Folk Dances
Incantation and Dance
Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair

Re: 5s that should be 4s

Posted by band on 9/5/2024, 1:39 pm, in reply to "5s that should be 4s"

Incantation and Dance
Noisy Wheels of Joy
Angels in the Architecture
La Procession Du Rocio
Vesuvius

Theses are the first to come to mind. Obviously not easy by any means but I've heard some strong NV bands play these over the years and I know they are slightly more "achievable" than the rest of the grade 5 list.

Re: 5s that should be 4s

Posted by beentheredonethat on 9/5/2024, 12:49 pm, in reply to "5s that should be 4s"

Hazo’s Ride is pretty accessible imo. You do have to have a solid alto player and the double tonguing can be tough for younger players but it’s so early you can start incorporating it into your daily routines. Percussion parts are meaty. Kids looooove this piece so they’ll most likely take more ownership of it and practice it.

Gilbert’s Suite Divertimento is also pretty accessible but it’s longer so endurance can be an issue. Again, you have to have a solid alto player for the 2nd movement. 2nd movement has its challenges but it’s doable. It’s a grade 5 if you do all movements, but can qualify as a 4 if you do only two movements (double check that).

This past spring was our first time since Covid going to UIL as a 6A Varsity so we programmed Suite Divertimento as our 5 and Oracle as our 4.

Oracle is also a very attainable grade 4, not that you asked about that. You do have to have a meaty percussion section and a clarinet soloist but it’s another one kids love to play so they take more ownership in their learning.

Re: 5s that should be 4s

Posted by some guy on 9/5/2024, 9:30 am, in reply to "5s that should be 4s"

Well...I don't think there's anything on the Grade 5 list that should be a 4, but here are some of the historically more playable 5's:

Suite Divertimento - Gilbert

The Vaughan-Williams "Suite":
- Flourish for Wind Band
- Rhosymedre
- Sea Songs

Festivo - Gregson

Balkanya - Van der Roost

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