Kevin Sluder Compositions/Arrangements

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

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.

Do you have a middle school varsity or high school non-varsity orchestra with harp (or piano)? This next edition of “Pi...
08/14/2026

Do you have a middle school varsity or high school non-varsity orchestra with harp (or piano)? This next edition of “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased” is about a gorgeous lyrical that was commissioned for the Shadow Ridge MS varsity orchestra in Flower Mound, TX.

“Enduring Echoes” is a reflection
on the ways our lives are shaped by those we’ve loved and lost; an invitation to remember and feel the lasting resonance of connection that binds us all.

Score video linked in the comments!

❤️
08/11/2026

❤️

Continuing a social media series that I’m calling “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased”Part 2:Midway WaltzGrade 2.5 Str...
08/10/2026

Continuing a social media series that I’m calling “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased”

Part 2:

Midway Waltz
Grade 2.5 String Orchestra

Be one of the very first! 😂. (I’m not sure, but I think this one may have only sold one copy in several years)

A new social media series that I’m calling “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased”Part 1:Sudden HeroGrade 2 String Orches...
08/09/2026

A new social media series that I’m calling “Pieces (Almost) No One Has Purchased”

Part 1:

Sudden Hero
Grade 2 String Orchestra

Be one of the first! 😂

Composer copies day! ❤️
08/06/2026

Composer copies day! ❤️

Oooof. I’m so honored to be mentioned so many times in the orchestra (and band) digital Pepper catalog. I hope you’ll ...
07/26/2026

Oooof. I’m so honored to be mentioned so many times in the orchestra (and band) digital Pepper catalog. I hope you’ll consider some of these for your program this year!

Planning to do full orchestra this year? Water on Mars (full orchestra edition) is now available for your grade 3 ensem...
07/26/2026

Planning to do full orchestra this year? Water on Mars (full orchestra edition) is now available for your grade 3 ensemble. Link to score video in the comments! 🚀

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Heath, TX
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