Utopia (Grade 4, Randall Standridge), Concert Band

[@antcorn738]

Hey Randall, I'm a tuba player at one of the schools that commissioned this piece, and since we're playing it again this year, I just wanted to thank you for writing such an incredible piece for us. Still the most fun I've ever had playing a piece.

[@randallstandridge]

Thank you, we’re actually doing the studio recording of it next week

[@Soybean_aiden]

As a fellow tuba player I agree vary fun piece

[@burgerking8272]

As a fellow tuba player I also agree

[@ravenbeetle3339]

Anoka High School student here. Was so fun playing this piece when it was commissioned to us. Thank you so much Mr Standridge for this wonderful experience.

[@aimoth9953]

this piece was so much fun to play even if i dropped my two metallic objects right before it started lol. i still go back and listen to it all the time and it gives me chills every single time. i pestered our band director so much this year to play another piece of yours and i'm very happy we're doing so.

[@N0vaWAVE]

It was quite the thrill playing this last night. Keeps you on your toes

[@gagelaw823]

Love this song. Played Alto 1 for the NWSC honor band premiere. It was fun talking with you about the song.

[@randallstandridge]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it

[@bleistift1029]

No way, it’s literally Gage law from Band class.

[@jacobbloom3281]

Gage Law from band!?

[@emailsapples9548]

never thought id see gage law from band round these parts

[@masonh8326]

What the crap, it’s mr law

[@michaelstella9817]

The message behind your music is an inspiration to all! This is an amazing composition!

[@randallstandridge]

Thank you, Michael. This is one of my favorites.

[@dolphinman8640]

I played this in my wind ensemble (I’m part of the Anoka-Heneppin school district that commissioned this piece) and let me tell you, Randall Standridge KNOWS how to write a bells part!! I am playing Dark Ride (another one of Mr. Standridge’s pieces) in a different ensemble right now, and that song also has an amazing bells part that is super fun to play.

[@gagelaw823]

6

[@NewDrum12_]

This is by far one of your best peices

[@randallstandridge]

Thank you, I agree. Onward!!!!

[@Regularlively]

I absolutely love 5:03 in this piece

[@hungarianlad9734]

The dancing section is 100/10 straight heat 🔥basically rap god in sheet music but it sounds amazing

[@cjbralph]

Love this. Might suggest it for our band, but is that 10 percussionists I see scored? Might need to find some new recruits

[@randallstandridge]

It is 10 percussion parts, and they are all essential. I've been told I write "too much damn percussion" at times, but I think it serves the piece well.

[@cjbralph]

@@randallstandridge It definitely sounds great. Considering it was a commission for multiple bands, it makes sense to have more parts. Not sure how my team of 4 will pull it off though! Do you have any slow melody pieces with "too much percussion"? Rehearsing 3 minute pieces with 2 timp hits and a cymbal roll gets boring pretty quickly!

[@joelwilson7797]

@@cjbralph try The Nine. It is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever heard.

[@cjbralph]

@@joelwilson7797 Who's that by?

[@joelwilson7797]

@@cjbralph the same person who created Utopia. Randall Standridge

[@joelwilson7797]

Such a mystery piece. I really like it. I just got the music yesterday. Now I think this piece rivals The Nine

[@johnnytheyoungmaestro]

Such an awesome way to describe the different cultures and different human beings that you can meet! Mr. Standridge, you're brilliant! This is is certainly a piece I'd love to learn how to conduct one day! :)

[@subsoar5734]

that bell part is giving me a run for my money, won’t lie to you sir lol

[@randallstandridge]

You're welcome.

[@defudgexhi9462]

Ok pal

[@why5482]

I remember playing percussion 10 and my hand ceasing to work when we started the first acceleration

[@Crispthescribe]

Playing this for the wind ensemble At my school I love it

[@AM-zn2uq]

0:13

[@BiggestB09]

I’m in an 8th grade band and I’m trying to convince the band to play this at the end of the school year

[@BiggestB09]

Btw my band loves the Santa thaw barbarian songs. I hope a 5th one comes out

[@Coolman-oe3io]

I don't know how he made 7/8 sound natural I definitely couldnt

[@ZanderTiles]

[@gman7888]

I’m asking my band director if we can play this piece this year

[@Cardboard_Cow]

4:21

[@aliciadalbey1201]

The best(and worst) show you've never seen