A Song For Friends

Score Study Sheet
Kasey Brylski
A Song for Friends
Larry Daehn
Daehn Publications Grade 1/2:31 minutes
Broad Description
A Song for Friends is a concert band piece written for Middle School band. On the cover of the piece, Daehn writes that it is a
good piece for introducing and discussing melody, accompaniment, musical phrase, slur, dynamics, breath support, and ABA
form. The piece begins with the melody in the clarinet, tenor saxophone, and French horn and is immediately repeated a
second time. The countermelody is introduced by the flutes trumpets and another reinstatement of the melody leads into the
climax of the piece, where the piece changes key from Eb to Bb. It is a simple song that demonstrates a beautiful melodic line
that creates a loving and moving atmosphere of the piece.
Composer Biography
Larry Daehn was born in 1939 in Rosendale, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with his
Bachelors degree and earned his Masters degree at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. He taught choir and band in
elementary, middle, and high school classrooms for 35 years in different schools throughout Wisconsin. In 1988, he won that
award of Outstanding Bandmaster from Phi Beta Mu, in which he is a member of along with other organizations such as the
Percy Grainger Society and American School Band Directors. He directed the high school band in New Glarus, Wisconsin for 27
years and also earned many awards throughout those years. In 1988, he created the Daehn Publications company that he still
operates today.
Background Information
Daehn wrote this piece specifically for Middle school band students to play to learn key components of music such as melody,
tone quality, and phrasing. As the name suggests, Daehn wrote this piece to demonstrate the beauty of friendship. The details
of its commission and premiere are nowhere to be found.
Elements of Music
Measure Meter and Form Melody Rhythm Harmony Timbre Texture Expression
Tempo
Clarinets, tenor sax, Long notes, 4 bar Eb M Warm, light Homophonic. Melody Tender and
1-16 3/4, 72 A
French horn phrases and pedal notes sweet, lifting
Trumpets, flute, bells Quarter notes, Ab M Focused, warm Polyphonic. Fl/cor Flowing,
17-24 3/4, 72 B
moving notes against clarinet lovingly
Clarinets, tenor sax, Long notes, 4 bar Eb M Warm, mellow Homophonic. Melody Tender,
25-32 3/4, 72 A
French horn phrases and pedal notes lifting
Flute, trumpet Moving notes, Bb M Full, resonant, Polyphonic. Melody Passionately,
33-48 3/4, 72 A cont.
less long notes strong with moving note acc. singing
Trumpet, alto sax Long notes, Bb M Thin, warm Homophonic. Melody Tender,
49-end 3/4, rit. ending
fermatas and pedal notes relaxed
Recommended Recordings (Include Ensemble, Conductor, and WHY you recommend the
recording)
Rutgers Wind Ensemble conducted by William Berz This is a good recording because it is a high-quality professional-level
recording that demonstrates impressive balance, tone quality, and precision throughout the entirety of the piece. Although
middle school students will not be able to reach the level of performance, it is a perfect recording to hear and understand how
the piece sounds.
All-District Honor Band of Alexandria, Virginia conducted unknown This is a good recording because it is performed by
talented seventh and eighth graders. This recording can be a good performance goal for middle school students as it is
performed by students at the same age and music level. It demonstrates strong players and an even tempo, although lacks
good dynamic contrast.
2
Other Works by the Composer
As Summer Was Just Beginning, Country Wildflowers, Flight of the Hebrides, Old Irish Tune, Pioneer Songs, With Quiet Courage.
References
Larry Daehn. Literature for Small Bands, 2017. Web. 10 September 2017.
<https://smallbandlit.wikispaces.com/Larry+Daehn>.
Larry Daehn. C.L. Barnhouse Company. Web. 10 September 2017. <http://www.barnhouse.com/composers.php?id=501>
Glossary of Terms
Ritardando e diminuendo gradually slow down and get quiet
Sang through, studied, and marked parts (check off as completed)
x Piccolo x Cornets/Trumpets x 1st Violins

x Flutes x Horns x 2nd Violins
x Oboes x Trombones x Violas
x English Horn x Euphoniums x Celli
x Bassoons x Tubas x String Bass
x Eb Clarinet x Harp
x Clarinets x Timpani
x Alto Clarinets x Snare Drum x Sopranos
x Bass Clarinets x Mallet Percussion x Altos
x Contra Bass/Alto Clarinet x Remaining Percussion x Tenors
x Saxophones x Piano x Basses

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Score Study Sheet

Sang through, studied, and marked parts (check off as completed)

x Piccolo x Cornets/Trumpets x 1st Violins

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