The ultimate in performance flexibility and a great way to add some sizzle to your next concert! Written for a professional Venezuelan-born violist this work draws inspiration from the passionate melodies and lively dance rhythms of Latin music. Ideal for young orchestras who are interested in featuring a soloist the piece comes with an advanced viola solo as well as an easier version that can b…
This vibrant work opens with a brilliant fanfare highlighted by woodwind embellishments followed by an exciting and spirited dancelike movement. In the tradition of festival-winner Summer Dances this composition evolves from a simple theme and develops throughout. A slow lyrical section provides opportunities for chamber ensemble work before the opening fanfare is reintroduced in a new and refr…
Using many effects to recreate the events at the Battle of Gettysburg this piece is perfect for discussing historical perspective (included in the notes). A slow mysterious opening leads into a depiction of the battle. A short aleatoric section simulates a huge cannon bombardment with drums and whistling. A great way to utilize percussion while providing many opportunities for the rest of the b…
This fanfare captures the spirit of Olympia the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The Games began in 776 B.C. in honor of Zeus. Since then they have become the central location for heroes and champions to compete for the highest honors in the world. This work also serves as a reminder that heroes are all around us - in teachers who stay after school to help students in parents who strive to g…
A beginning band piece limited to a 6-note range Rite of Passage will have your band playing together in very little time. Utilizing smaller chamber sections as well as the full band this is an excellent teaching piece. With no clarinets over the break and no trumpets higher than a written A this is a very easy Grade 1 concert march.
Simple aleatoric passages help recreate the effect of an erupting volcano in this powerful yet extremely playable composition. Using bass drum to suggest the groaning of the volcano the lyrical opening foreshadows the wildness of the eruption and in transition students play any notes and rhythms desired. As the lava begins to flow a cacophonous ostinato appears over a menacing theme in the tru…
Uses only 5 notes!Opening with a drone the melody begins in unison and then expands with simple harmonies in rhythmic unison. A second section includes pulsating band hits interspersed with brief section features. An easy new work for your first concert.
Exciting woodwind flourishes set the stage for the heroic main motive of the piece stated by the brass. This theme is woven throughout the piece in contrasting settings styles and colors. A beautiful lyric chamber section gives way to a stately dance presented by the full ensemble. A powerful ending caps this dynamic piece.
This serious festival work relies heavily on various elements of the tango set in a more contemporary framework. While the title mainly refers to the way various tangos come and go (through multiple transitional devices) it also references the opening and closing sections which include a 'phantom sound' through the use of mild dissonance and sudden dynamic changes that seemingly appear out of n…
Premiered at the 2005 Michigan Music Educaotrs Conference Escapades was commissioned by the Grand Valley State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble under the baton of Barry D. Martin with Arthur Campbell as clarinet soloist. Since the premiere it has been scheduled for additional performances in the United States and abroad. The piece gets its inspiration from the title which can be defined as '…
This 4-movement multicultural suite provides a wealth of teaching and performance opportunities especially at the beginning level. Each movement is based on a Smithsonian National Museum in Washington D.C. (Natural History American Indian African Art and Air and Space). These movements can easily be performed separately. In addition to cross-curriculum teaching the opening theme is slightly a…
Commissioned by the tuba-euphonium quartet Junction it premiered in 2001 at the Tuba/Euphonium Conference in Lahti Finland. It is based on a rhythmic multimeter motif that constantly propels the work forward. All parts serve as an integral element in the development of the piece.
This fantastic work conjures images of an ancient tribal gathering. The opening’s mysterious Incantation uses a soft chant-like melody with slight intrusions by the percussion foreshadowing the intense ritual to follow. As the opening builds the driving beat of the ritual takes over with great fire. Percussion infuses this work with relentless energy as the piece draws to a powerful conclusio…
This three-part fantasy opens with a brisk light style. The piece moves quickly into a lyrical treatment of Shenandoah. A restatement of the opening motif leads into a slower section in which the original theme is presented both backward and forward in a beautiful harmonic setting. A final section utilizes additional melodic variations and a chorale setting under a woodwind ostinato before coming…
This substantive single-movement work explores a view of the world through the eyes of a child. Captions appear in both the score and parts to indicate each emotional episode as this extensive and powerful work unfolds through many transformations in texture and style. Skillfully conceived and written for the mature band this is an excellent festival choice.
Open your concert with an explosion of energy! This aggressive work will immediately command your audience's attention as it combines bold and powerful lines with moments of delicacy and lyricism. Violin players are introduced to the G string and get to explore limited divisi. An outstanding concert opener!
This processional is ideal for concerts graduations or other special ceremonies. Stately fanfares in the brass and woodwinds move into a middle section with more motion and pulse while switching to a more legato style. The opening figure returns with a final brilliant fanfare in the brass.
Can't decide which holiday classic to use? They're all here each with a creative twist. This spirited crowd-pleasing medley will put a smile on every face. Challenge your audience to name every piece!
Close your concert season with this exciting new work. Based upon a simple fanfare theme Proclamation will instill confidence in the youngest of players. This stately march is written in E with no tempo changes. A good teaching tool to reinforce the dotted quarter/eighth note rhythm.
