"Virginia" by Jacob de Haan is a landmark composition in modern concert band literature. Commissioned by the Band of the Information Department of the Dutch Army, this piece has become a staple for concert bands worldwide. Finding, studying, and performing the complete score and parts requires an understanding of its musical structure, instrumentation requirements, and legitimate sourcing options.
Alto Saxophones (1 and 2), Tenor Saxophone, and Baritone Saxophone Bb Trumpets / Cornets (3 distinct parts) F and Eb Horns (rich harmonic padding) Trombones (1, 2, and Bass Trombone)
Representing the melancholy, struggles, and cultural contributions of the African American population, particularly through the lens of slavery and the birth of the blues.
Thankfully, the piece is readily available for purchase from a wide network of authorized music dealers. Below is a list of trusted sources where you can legally acquire the official score and parts. The prices listed are estimates and may vary between retailers. virginia jacob de haan concert band score and partspdf
Commissioned by the Band of the Protestant Church in Gelderland, Netherlands, this expressive work blends rich historical themes with powerful orchestration. It is a staple for competitive festivals, school concerts, and community band repertoire worldwide.
The piece functions as a tone poem, blending historical gravity with cinematic grandeur. It transitions through three distinct thematic eras:
The piece is a single-movement work, lasting approximately 9 minutes and 10 seconds, and is structured as three connected vignettes: "Virginia" by Jacob de Haan is a landmark
Perhaps the most memorable part of the composition is the expressive, slow section. Influenced by spirituals and early blues, it features lyrical solos and rich, warm harmonies. This segment challenges the band to play with deep emotional maturity, requiring sustained breath support, expressive phrasing, and careful balance so that the countermelodies are heard. 4. The Finale
It shifts between driving, energetic sections and slower, more reflective moments, offering a complete musical experience. 2. Instrumentation and Grade Level
No. IMSLP is for public domain music only. Virginia is under full copyright by De Haske/Hal Leonard. Alto Saxophones (1 and 2), Tenor Saxophone, and
The good news is that you can get a digital PDF legally! Major publishers now offer "Print on Demand" or official ePrint options.
Official editions, typically published by De Haske Publications, ensure that every note, dynamic marking, and articulation is exactly as the composer intended.
"Virginia" is a programmatic work that takes listeners on a musical journey through the history of the American state of Virginia. The piece is divided into three distinct, continuous movements, each requiring specific technical and stylistic approaches from the ensemble.
often host independent uploads of specific solo parts or reference scores uploaded by community members. Reference Recordings:
While full PDF versions of the score and parts are primarily managed through commercial publishers, various resources exist for purchase or preview: Full Sets (Score & Parts) : Available for purchase as physical or digital editions at Sheet Music Plus All-Sheetmusic Digital Previews : Document-sharing platforms like Slideshare