Kevin Sluder Compositions/Arrangements

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Heath, TX
Kevin Sluder Compositions/Arrangements

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

10/18/2026

Darkest Before the Dawn is a brand new grade 1.5 available through Zicato Music.

I’ve uploaded a recording of it to all major streaming platforms so your students can easily pull it up to listen and practice!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

Address

801 Laurence Drive
Heath, TX
75032

Website

https://www.lucksmusic.com/QSResults.aspx?Search=Y&PageIndex=0&Composer=Sluder&Title&SortBy=Title&CatalogNo&PageSize=10,

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