Fanfare Celebration

A fanfare is typically used as an introduction or announcement for something grand or important that is about to happen. Your recorder players get to be a part of the announcement with this majestic sounding fanfare, and the triumphant orchestral accompaniment will most definitely get everyone's attention.

This piece could be used in a variety of ways. In a classroom setting, you could generally study what a fanfare is. Perhaps take time to listen to a few different fanfares to compare and contrast. "Fanfare For The Common Man" by Aaron Copland or Paul Dukas' opening fanfare from La Péri are great places to start. A quick YouTubeTM search for "fanfares" will bring up many options (though be sure to preview all videos before viewing in your classroom). What elements are commonly heard? What rhythms (dotted; triplets; pickups)? Which instruments are used (brass)? How about tempo? Dynamics?

In a performance setting, this piece would be a wonderful start to a concert. Or it could introduce a guest speaker or someone important who may be visiting your school. Maybe someone has a birthday and they could be serenaded by their classmates as the birthday person enters the classroom. It could even kick off an all-school event or pep rally. If you are able to coordinate it, wait until measure 21 for the actual entrance or "big reveal" for the greatest effect.

Measures 5-16 will likely be the most challenging section for your players. Focus on steady counting throughout (1 2 3 4, 1 2 3 4). Internalizing the quarter note pulse will help your players navigate this section. Before they play it, practice by listening to the full version and ask your students to count the beats out loud while they follow along with their music.

There are two soprano recorder parts. Both work well together, but if you prefer to use only one or the other, that will work, too. The recorder 1 part uses only GAB. Recorder 2 uses DABCD'. You will find the individual parts on pages 58 and 59 of this issue, but you can also download them as well as a piano/recorder score from our web site.