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the red balloon
anne mcginty - Grade 2

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About the music

The Red Balloon is an original composition based on a painting the composer saw just once. the painting showed a small child and a grandfather, facing away. The two people and the background were done in white on white. The only color in the painting was the red balloon, held by the child. The music depicts the balloon floating in air.

Key Signature

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Time Signature

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articulations

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Accidentals

Many

Tempo & style 

(QN=)

Ranges

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Flute
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2
Trumpet
Trombone

instrumentation

WOODWIND
Flute
Oboe (opt.)
Clarinet 1-2
Bass Clarinet*

Bassoon*
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax (opt.)
Baritone Sax*

BRASS
Trumpet 1-2
French Horn (opt.)
Trombone*
Euphonium*
Tuba*



*One or more will provide an adequate bass part.
PERCUSSION
Bells
Snare Drum
Bass Drum
Triangle
Suspended Cymbal
Claves
Tambourine

teaching concept categories

Legato Style
Tone Quality
Phrasing
Technique
Modes
Programmatic Music

teaching considerations

This programmatic piece is a great teaching tool for young musicians. There is extensive use of chromatic notes, all of which of written in the part (no sharps and flats in the key signature). The piece encourages students to develop their ability to play in a gentle, floating style, never breaking the phrase, and never letting the "balloon drop" as the melody gets passed from one instrument group to the next. 

Resources

Available on SmartMusic
JW Pepper - The Red Balloon
Teaching Music Through Performance in Band, Volume 1
Best Music for
Beginning Band 
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