Starfire Alpha
Starfire Alpha - Randall Standridge
Randall Standridge launches young musicians into his Starfire Series with Starfire Alpha, an exciting and accessible introduction to compound meter. Set in 6/8 and in C minor, this Grade .5 work uses only four distinct rhythmic patterns and the first six notes typically taught in beginning band, making it ideal for early success while sounding bold and dramatic.
Named for the homeworld of the Galactic Empire, Starfire Alpha combines active percussion, driving energy, and melodic moments for every section. A strong teaching piece and engaging performance selection, it serves as a confident first step into the world of 6/8—and into the expanding Starfire universe.
---
Why Starfire Alpha?
One of the challenges with writing beginning band music is doing something that hasn’t been done before. This is difficult because you are limited to very few rhythms and very few notes, along with an entire culture of publishers and directors who think, “THIS is the way beginning band music should sound.”
With this in mind, I was recently chatting with a director at a convention, and we were discussing my Starfire series (Starfire Fanfare and Starfire March). The main educational goal of these works is to introduce 6/8 time to young players, and both are around a Grade 1.
“Yeah,” they said, “but it’s too bad you can’t do that with beginning band.”
Never tell a Standridge they can’t do something.
Starfire Alpha is a “prelude” to the Starfire series and is intended to serve as an approachable introduction to 6/8 time for beginning band. It uses the first six notes typically taught to young musicians, and the rhythmic vocabulary is limited to five permutations of 6/8 rhythm. To assist in this learning, a rhythm sheet is available as a free download from our website.
Peace, Love, and Music - Randall
Program Notes
Starfire Alpha is the homeworld of the Galactic Empire. From space, it appears as a glowing red orb, illuminated by the lights of vast megametropolises that span its surface. It is from this planet that the Empire begins its expansion across the galaxy.
The music draws inspiration from the sound worlds of science fiction and space opera film scores, capturing a sense of scale, mystery, and adventure.