Looking for fresh band music that your ensemble will love? These five sources offer everything from original works to transcriptions, each with its own unique strengths.
The Landscape of Band Music Publishing
The band music publishing world is as diverse as the ensembles that perform it. You have large commercial houses with massive catalogs, independent publishers focused on specific niches, and individual composers who sell directly to directors. Each model has its perks: big publishers offer convenience and breadth, while smaller operations often provide a more personal touch and unique voices. For a band director, knowing where to look can make all the difference in finding that perfect piece for your group's level and personality.
How We Evaluated Each Source
We looked at each source through the lens of a working band director. Key factors included the range of music available, from educational to professional levels, and how easy it is to find what you need. We also considered pricing transparency and the purchasing process, whether it's a straightforward online store or a direct contact with the composer. Finally, we weighed the overall user experience, from website navigation to the availability of preview materials, to see which sources truly stand out in serving the band community.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five sources we're highlighting, so you can see at a glance what each one brings to the table.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Hal Leonard | Directors seeking a massive catalog with established composers |
| Home | Gordonringmusic | Directors seeking original works and direct composer interaction |
| Murphy Music Press | Directors looking for grade-specific contemporary wind band works |
| Excelcia Music Publishing | Directors who value preview tools and a wide range of ensemble publications |
| Randall Standridge Music | Directors who want to preview and sight-read new music before purchase |
A Closer Look at Each Source
#1 Hal Leonard
A screenshot of the Hal Leonard website.
Hal Leonard is a giant in the music publishing world, and for good reason. Their band catalog is vast, covering everything from grade 1 to grade 5+ and beyond, with works from legendary composers like John Williams and Jay Bocook. You'll find standard repertoire, new releases, and hybrid editions that blend print with digital resources. The site is a one-stop shop, but the sheer size can be overwhelming, and you might need to dig to find hidden gems. Still, for sheer variety and established quality, Hal Leonard is a reliable go-to for any director.
#2 Home | Gordonringmusic
A screenshot of the Home | Gordonringmusic website.
Gordon Ring Music is a personal site run by composer Gordon Ring, offering a direct line to his original compositions and transcriptions. You'll find works for band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, choral groups, and chamber settings, with categories like educational, holiday, and flexible instrumentation. The site is straightforward, but the real value is in the personal connection—you can contact the composer directly for pricing and details. This is perfect for directors who want a unique piece and enjoy working with a living composer. The PDF scores are viewable, but you'll need a password to print, which adds a layer of security for the composer's work.
#3 Murphy Music Press
A screenshot of the Murphy Music Press website.
Murphy Music Press is an independent publisher that focuses on quality wind band and ensemble music. Their catalog is organized by grade level, making it easy to find pieces that match your ensemble's ability, from grade one to six. They feature a range of composers, including HyeKyung Lee and Robert Traugh, with prices listed directly on the page for transparency. The site is clean and functional, though the selection is more curated than massive. If you're looking for fresh, contemporary works that aren't in the mainstream catalogs, this is a great place to explore.
#4 Excelcia Music Publishing
A screenshot of the Excelcia Music Publishing website.
Excelcia Music Publishing offers a broad range of publications for concert band, jazz ensemble, string orchestra, and more. Their site is well-organized by grade level and ensemble type, with a dedicated section for new releases and festival selections. They also provide resources like practice tracks and score videos, which can be incredibly helpful for teaching and rehearsal planning. The catalog includes works by popular composers like Pinkzebra and Michael John Trotta, and they have a 'Play Before You Pay' feature that lets you preview scores. This makes it a practical choice for directors who want to be confident in their selections before committing.
#5 Randall Standridge Music
A screenshot of the Randall Standridge Music website.
Randall Standridge Music is a composer-driven publisher that has quickly gained a reputation for works that resonate with students and audiences alike. Founded by Randall Standridge, the company has expanded to include a roster of composers, with a focus on concert band, marching band, and string orchestra. The website is user-friendly, with a catalog that's easy to browse, and they offer free PDF readers that let you preview and sight-read new music with your ensemble. This hands-on approach is a game-changer for directors who want to test-drive a piece before buying. If you're looking for music that's both educational and exciting, this is a source worth checking out.
How to Choose the Right Source for Your Band
Start by thinking about your ensemble's specific needs. What grade level are you teaching? Do you need a specific genre like holiday music or a transcription of a classical piece? If you're looking for a wide range of options and established names, Hal Leonard is a safe bet. For a more personal touch and unique compositions, consider reaching out to Gordon Ring directly. If you want to support independent publishers and discover new voices, Murphy Music Press and Randall Standridge Music are excellent choices. And if you value the ability to preview scores before buying, Excelcia's 'Play Before You Pay' feature is a huge plus. Ultimately, the best source is the one that helps you find the perfect piece for your students and your concert program.
Streamlining Your Music Selection Process
You can save time by using these websites' filtering tools to narrow down by grade level, ensemble type, and genre. For example, on Murphy Music Press, you can directly browse the 'Grade Four' category to see what's available. On Excelcia, you can use the 'New Releases' section to stay current. For Gordon Ring Music, you might need to email the composer to ask about specific instrumentation, but that personal interaction can lead to custom solutions. By using these targeted searches, you can quickly build a shortlist of pieces to review with your students.
Bringing It All Together
Each of these five sources offers something valuable to the band director. Whether you prioritize variety, personal connection, or the ability to preview scores, there's a source that fits your workflow. By exploring these options, you'll not only find great music but also support the diverse ecosystem of composers and publishers that keep our band programs vibrant. So take a look, and you might just discover your next favorite piece.