SKU: A0.1158143

The brief but picturesque title provides ample explanation for the intended imagery. The words “awe, wonder, majesty, inspiration, and contemplation� drove the musical strains of “Rushmore Trail.� The piece begins serenely (albeit with complex counterpoint throughout the brass parts), and the percussion part is needed to enhance the melodic line. The rest of the piece is full of fun, excitement, complexity, patriotism, and a variety of emotional play as the thematic content is presented and transformed in different ways. The overall feel is fulfillment of the American patriot’s dream to finally walk the trails and experience the grandeur of Mount Rushmore in person, shared with loved ones.

SKU: A0.1393231

When I Fall in Love is a popular song, written by Victor Young (music) and Edward Heyman (lyrics). It was introduced in Howard Hughes' last film One Minute to Zero as the instrumental titled Theme from One Minute to Zero. Jeri Southern sang on the first vocal recording released in April 1952 with the song's composer, Victor Young, handling the arranging and conducting duties. The song has become a standard, with many artists recording it; the first hit version was sung by Doris Day released in July 1952.

Day's recording was made on June 5, 1952. It was released by Columbia Records as catalog number 39786 and issued with the flip side Take Me in Your Arms. The song reached number 20 on the Billboard chart.

A 1996 recording by Natalie Cole, sung as a duet with her father Nat King Cole using vocals from his 1956 version, won 1996 Grammys for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals and Best Instrumental Arrangement with Accompanying Vocal(s).

Lovely chord progressions here! Great arrangement by Jack Peberdy. The essence captured here for brass quintet. Please use brushes as indicated.  Enjoy!

SKU: CX.CM2598

1. Dodi Li 2. Arev Shel Shoshanim 3. Y'rushalayim Shel Zahav 4. A Mighty Fortress 5. We Gather Together.

SKU: A0.1489511

In 2022 the United States Air Force celebrated 75 years of air and space dominance since its creation in 1947.  The festivities and ceremonies surfaced throughout the nation all year.  This composition was crafted as one of those celebratory creations.  “Legacy of Valor” was originally composed for brass quintet and rock band, with two vocalists singing a stirring account of legacy handed down from one generation to another.  The lyrics are here:

In my youth, I knew a man
Who loved to talk about his history;
Unfolded his mystery!
He made me laugh about some things,
And we cried about some others,
And we prayed as we talked about his fallen brothers.

As I grew, I though a lot
About that man who told me stories—
His woes and his glories.
Something firm about his voice
Inspired my skill to make a choice,
To recall our defenders’ valiant sacrifice.

As I wanted to be like this man,
As I pondered and dreamed
Of becoming what I can,
I hoped to see the day, without delay,
To defend, like my friend!

When I took the oath,
I remembered that man!
How proud he would be
Of his brand new Airman!
I answered the call.
I’ll give it my all!
I will not falter!  I will not fail!
I’m a guardian of the tradition of honor!
Fly, fight, and win!

When I hold my little boy,
And think of freedoms he’ll enjoy,
I ponder his destiny.
Yes, it’s hard when I deploy!
But distance cannot destroy
What I love; what I fight so very hard to save!

Generations come and go.
I wish they all could know
How it feels to serve America.

The piece was difficult for the singers, but they practiced hard, and the USAF Heartland of America Band premiered it during an Independence Day concert tour in June and July 2022, including the grand patriotic concert at Mount Rushmore.

A casual comment from one of the singers lingered: “You write for singers like they’re horns!”  It is true that most of my compositional experience is with brass instruments.  This double brass quintet instrumental rendition of “Legacy of Valor” is indeed a much more musically gratifying composition.  It is the way it was supposed to be all along!

Released in 2023 for the 76th birthday of the Air Force, this work and its message are appropriate for any patriotic event, including joint performances between any two brass quintets, civilian or military, American or global.  Many stirring meanings can be communicated and celebrated through “Legacy of Valor”!

SKU: A0.921833

A small amuse-bouche for brass quintet, inspired by the composer rushing around an art museum to see everything he wanted to in limited time. Images flash by; emotions are recognized from across galleries, seen in a fast-moving blur through crowds of tourists, and are gone just as quickly as they took root. Paintings are seen as collections of simple strokes. This bite-sized brass quintet will whet your appetite, and is a great addition to any program!