A New Concert Piece Celebrating the Power of Music Education
Critical Impact is a brand-new Grade 2 concert piece by acclaimed composer Brian Balmages, created as a salute to music education for Make Music Day 2026. Free sheet music and digital resources are provided to every participating band.
How It Works
- Register your band through the Make Music Vermont team
- Receive free sheet music for all parts and MakeMusic Cloud access
- Rehearse the 2:30-minute piece with your ensemble
- Perform on June 21 at a school, public space, or community event — or submit a video if the date doesn't work
The $15,000 Opportunity
Teachers and students can submit a short video about how music education has made a difference in their lives for a chance to win a portion of $15,000 in new music from Alfred Music!
Why Get Involved?
- 🎼 Free, professional-quality sheet music from Brian Balmages
- 🎓 A meaningful salute to music education your students will remember
- 💰 Chance at $15,000 in music for your program
- 📱 MakeMusic Cloud access included for digital practice
- 🎻 Flexibly written for Concert Band, Full Orchestra, or a mix
Who Can Participate?
- Middle school bands — Grade 2 is a perfect fit
- High school concert bands — great for sight-reading or spring concerts
- Community bands — accessible for mixed-level groups
- Youth orchestras — the flexible scoring means strings can join
- Homeschool ensembles
Partners
A collaboration between NFHS, Alfred Music, the NAMM Foundation, and MakeMusic Inc.
Want free music for your band? Contact the Make Music Vermont team at info@makemusicvt.org to register your ensemble.