Beginner concert band piece
River Trip
What Is This Book?
River Trip is a beginner-level concert band arrangement designed for young musicians in their first years of band. It provides an accessible, confidence-building piece that works both in rehearsal and on stage. The included accompaniment online audio track supports solid rhythm, pitch, and ensemble playing for developing players.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for elementary school band students and beginning middle school band students.
It works well for school band programs, group rehearsals, and concert performances.
Private lesson teachers and home learners can also use it as a first ensemble-style piece to build ensemble awareness.
What Makes This Book Easy for Kids to Learn?
The music is written at a true beginner level, with simple rhythms and comfortable ranges for all standard band instruments.
Parts are carefully scored so young players are never overwhelmed, helping them focus on steady tone and basic reading.
Clear, uncluttered notation and straightforward phrasing make it easy for kids to follow their part from start to finish.
What Music Does the Book Include?
This book centers on a single concert band arrangement that captures the flowing, gentle motion of a river.
The piece uses simple melodic patterns, repeated figures, and supportive harmonies so beginners can sound successful quickly in rehearsal and performance.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
The arrangement includes an accompaniment track that can be used for both practice and performance, adding excitement and support for young players.
What’s Inside the Book?
Complete beginner concert band score
Individual beginner-level band parts for all instruments
An engaging river-themed piece suitable for first concerts
Carefully balanced scoring for young ensembles
Practice and performance accompaniment track
Predictable form and repeated sections to build confidence
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Playing in a concert band setting
Reading basic rhythms and pitches
Following a conductor and staying together
Listening and blending with an ensemble
Developing steady tone and airflow
Building performance confidence on stage
Counting measures and recognizing repeated sections
How to Use This Book
Directors can introduce River Trip early in the school year as a first full-band concert piece.
Use the accompaniment track in rehearsal to help students internalize tempo, pulse, and balance.
Assign home practice with the track so players can rehearse their parts in a musical context.
Private teachers can use the piece to teach ensemble skills, counting, and steady playing.
For concerts, play with or without the accompaniment track depending on your group’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is River Trip suitable for first-year band students?
Yes. It is written specifically for beginning concert band players in elementary or early middle school.
Can we use the accompaniment track in performance?
Yes. The track is designed for both practice sessions and live concert use to support the ensemble.
What instruments are included in the arrangement?
Standard concert band instruments are covered, including woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
How long does it take to learn this piece?
Most beginner bands can prepare River Trip comfortably within a few weeks of regular rehearsals, depending on rehearsal frequency.
Can small or incomplete bands still play this piece?
Yes. The scoring is flexible enough that it still works musically even if some parts are missing.
Is there a play-a-long track?
Yes, The arrangement includes an online audio track for practice and performance.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.