Par WATSON SCOTT. The 14th-century carol, 'Personent hodie,' is both mysterious and powerful. On This Day Earth Shall Ring---a festive processional on the ancient melody arranged by Scott Watson---explores both aspects. Beginning quietly, the modal tune emerges over a chant drone with rustic, medieval percussion. Before long, the piece takes on the joyous character alluded to in the tune's most fa…

Par PHILLIPS BOB. A cute, pedagogically-based (get it'), first-year bass section feature, this piece will be fun and is sure to make your beginners sound fabulous. This piece is in first position for all players except basses. Basses shift up to C and D on the G string and only play pizzicato. Continuing Bob Phillips' tradition of bass section features, Dance of the Bowless Basses is sure to becom…

Par STALTER TODD. My Victory Won, by Todd Stalter, explores melodic and metaphorical aspects of the hymn, 'Be Thou My Vision.' Taking inspiration from the little-known third verse of the hymn, the bold, percussive introduction soon gives way to a contemplative section featuring unique and interesting timbres, and a passage for solo flute. The work ends in a triumphant, unabashed burst of energy an…

Par BERG KRIS. It's the annual chicken chart! No Harm / No Fowl by Kris Berg is a very accessible rock groove played around 146 BPM, and features written-out solo opportunities for all saxes and all brass, and lead trumpet range is to written G on the staff. This chart has a catchy melody, is fun to play, and will please the band and the audience---we promise! (4:30) This title is available in Sma…

Par JACOB GORDON. Of all of Gordon Jacob's major contributions to the British wind band repertoire, the William Byrd Suite (written in 1923) stands as his most-often programmed work. Though originally based on six movements from William Byrd's Fitzwilliam Virginal Book, this setting for developing band incorporates two contrasting movements including 'The Earle of Oxford's Marche' and 'Wolsey's Wi…

2nd Movement. Par BEETHOVEN LUDWIG VAN / MEYER RICHARD (Arr.) . This theme and variations from Beethoven's Seventh Symphony is one of the most famous slow movements in the entire symphonic repertoire. Because of its somber minor key and quiet rhythmic pulse, it has been likened to a procession through the catacombs. Your students will love the wide variety of emotions included here in Richard Meye…

Par MEYER RICHARD. Written to help students develop their spiccato bow stroke, this energetic piece is a joyful celebration from the very first measure. The left hand challenges are minimal, allowing the players to focus on controlling their bow on and off the string. A contrasting call-and-response 'B' section in minor mode briefly slows the pace down before the party resumes again. Over time, th…

Par ALBENIZ ISAAC. A spell-binding exploration of the music of Spain, Fantasía Española features four exciting yet contrasting sections and challenging parts for all players. Three of Spain's most famous composers are represented in this medley arranged by Bob Phillips. The piece begins with an exciting, driving excerpt from 'Asturias (Leyenda)', by Isaac Albéniz, which, though written for piano, …

Par SHELDON ROBERT. Take a journey on the Silk Road, the ancient trade route that linked the Far East with the Western world in this imaginative piece by Robert Sheldon. Exotic harmonies combine with driving rhythms and colorful percussion to create a soundscape of shifting sands and faraway lands. A solo alto saxophone references the sound of a Turkish sorna to open the piece, leading to the pers…

Par O'HARA LABRIE KATIE. Waking up on a cold winter day. Sledding. Hot chocolate. It's a snow day! Written by Katie O'Hara LaBrie, Snow Day! is craftily designed only using the notes of a D major scale. This highly accessible piece, with its bright melodies and jingle bell accompaniment will delight students and audiences. (2:10) This title is available in SmartMusic. / Date parution : 2022-10-12/…

Par WATSON SCOTT. You're cool, likeable, and confident. You don't walk, you strut. When you enter a party, a hush falls over the room and heads turn because you have a certain 'je ne sais quoi!' People say you're 'the bee's knees' and 'the cat's meow.' You're Awesome Sauce and this piece is the soundtrack of your life! With its fun, blues-like melody and cool rock beat, Awesome Sauce by Scott Wat…

Par STORY MICHAEL (Arr.). A must for any regal ceremony. The traditional 'Pomp and Circumstance' has been scored for young full orchestra or strings alone. It includes a processional and the majestic 'Rondeau' from Premiere Suite as the recessional. This arrangement would be an outstanding graduation choice for any level orchestra performing without graduating seniors. A welcome necessary arrangem…

Par GRIEG EDVARD / BERNOTAS CHRIS (Arr.). A stunning arrangement of the incredible masterwork Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Op. 46! It is perfect for string orchestra alone, or with added instruments up to a full orchestra. This setting, by Chris M. Bernotas, offers the opportunity to explore the entire suite. All four movements are presented in approachable keys and are abridged to the perfect length and…

Par LOPEZ VICTOR. Give your students the opportunity of playing a piece for beginning band that is upbeat and full of excitement! Violento is an original beginning band composition by veteran composer Victor López. This exciting work is a forceful and rhythmically driven composition that sounds more difficult than written. A mixture of the danzón---Cuba's unique genre of song and dance---and basic…