Kevin Sluder Compositions/Arrangements

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Kevin Sluder Compositions/Arrangements This page serves as a way to update people on my compositions and arrangements for educational string orchestra music.

09/21/2026

Plenty of commission slots still available for string orchestra, concert band, and full orchestra for this year. (Discount for concert band!)

Email me for more info.

New to the PML, Part 6:Second to NoneGrade 4D major, 6/8Usually in a supporting role, the second violins now lead the wa...
09/11/2026

New to the PML, Part 6:

Second to None
Grade 4
D major, 6/8

Usually in a supporting role, the second violins now lead the way. Don’t just move your firsts over to second, though, because this piece was designed with the seconds in mind. They have a lot of healthy repetition of a main theme, while the rest of the ensemble develops the idea around them. There are great challenges for all parts.

Score/audio in the comments

New to the PML, Part 5:Loss and AcceptanceGrade 3C Major, 4/4 & 3/4This is a rich, gorgeous lyrical. Note: the notes/rh...
09/09/2026

New to the PML, Part 5:

Loss and Acceptance
Grade 3
C Major, 4/4 & 3/4

This is a rich, gorgeous lyrical.

Note: the notes/rhythms are a grade 3, but if I was programming this piece, it would be with a grade 4 ensemble.

Score/audio in the comments.

New to the PML, Part 4:A Wistful WalkGrade 3G major/E minor, 4/4A lovely lyrical in reflective mood for your contrast pi...
09/03/2026

New to the PML, Part 4:

A Wistful Walk
Grade 3
G major/E minor, 4/4

A lovely lyrical in reflective mood for your contrast piece.

Score/Audio in the comments!

New to the PML, part 3:Emperor in the CountrysideGrade 2C and G Major, 4/4 & 2/4Based on the opening of the 2nd movt of ...
09/01/2026

New to the PML, part 3:

Emperor in the Countryside
Grade 2
C and G Major, 4/4 & 2/4

Based on the opening of the 2nd movt of the Emperor piano concerto and the first movement of his 6th symphony.

This would be a great fit for a middle school varsity or a high school non-varsity that needs a mature sound.

Link/audio in the comments.

New to the PML, part 2:Fire and AshGrade 1E minor, 2/2Easy introduction to cut time. Good reinforcement of G string not...
08/31/2026

New to the PML, part 2:

Fire and Ash
Grade 1
E minor, 2/2

Easy introduction to cut time. Good reinforcement of G string notes. Accents, staccato, legato, and expressive dynamics.

Score/audio linked in the comments!

New to the Texas PML list, part 1:Black Bear BalletGrade 1A Dorian, 4/4All finger pattern 1 (plus bass 2nd finger)Good r...
08/28/2026

New to the Texas PML list, part 1:

Black Bear Ballet
Grade 1
A Dorian, 4/4
All finger pattern 1 (plus bass 2nd finger)
Good reinforcement of G string notes (Bass E&A)

Warning! Dancing black bears frequent this area! This is a bizarre (in a good way) little piece, mostly due to the dorian mode. Consider using its unique sound in your on concert/UIL program as a “contrast” piece.

Score/Audio in the comments!

Wrapping up “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased” with one of my favorite lesser-known works: The Galaxies Beyond (a se...
08/19/2026

Wrapping up “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased” with one of my favorite lesser-known works: The Galaxies Beyond (a sequel to Water on Mars).

The trilogy ends with a great introduction to odd meter (5/8). I very strategically roll out the rhythms/pulse. It is always 2+3 and rarely gets into any syncopations. Picture a grade 2.5 in D major that just happens to be in 5/8 and you’ve got this upbeat and hopeful piece.

Prequel: The Late Heavy Bombardment
The OG: Water on Mars
Sequel: The Galaxies Beyond
(Intended for a direct segue from one to the next)

Has anyone done all three at a concert? Who wants to be the first?

Score/audio preview in the comments!

08/16/2026

Looking for a different way to spend some budget/booster money this year?

I have a couple more available slots for orchestra, band, or full orchestra commissions.

Next up on “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased” is one of my favorite lesser-known pieces. Several years back, I was ...
08/16/2026

Next up on “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased” is one of my favorite lesser-known pieces. Several years back, I was on a time crunch to get a piece written (three weeks), and I had a crazy idea: what if “Water on Mars” had a prequel?

“The Late Heavy Bombardment” is a grade 3 exploration of a wild time in our solar system. You should definitely read up on it, but it was basically a ton of asteroids pummeling planets. It is believed that the ice from these asteroids is the likely cause of water reaching the red planet. Because of this, many themes from “Water on Mars” are in chaotic development throughout this piece. It is also written to have a direct segue into Water on Mars (if you so wish). You could also consider doing the full trilogy at a concert, but that’s for a later post. 🙂

While there are a handful of directors that I know have done this one, it is mostly unknown to people, and I personally feel it is way too cool to simply ride off into the Sun(set).

Score/audio in the comments.

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Heath, TX
75032

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