Choral Choir,Choral (SATB) - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1364283 Composed by John Dowland. Arranged by Stanley M Hoffman. 21st Century,Classical,Renaissance. 24 pages. Stanleymhoffman.com #948553. Published by stanleymhoffman.com (A0.1364283). One of the saddest and most remarkable love songs of all time, From Silent Night by John Dowland is newly arranged here with Alto, Tenor, and Bass choral parts added. Some of the lowest octave passages in the Lute (Guitar) part are transposed up an octave to better match the new arrangement. The Treble and Bass Viol parts may be played by Violin and Violoncello, respectively.---NotePerformer 4 audio and scrolling score seeking live performances.Music and Words: Public DomainArrangement: © Copyright 2024 by Stanley M. Hoffman.   www.stanleymhoffman.com  All rights reserved.

Piano Solo - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1357673 By Suzanne Herman. By Suzanne Herman. Classical,Contemporary,Contest,Festival,New Age. Score. 5 pages. Suzanne Herman Music #942208. Published by Suzanne Herman Music (A0.1357673). Along the Florida westcoast shoreline, storms can suddenly erupt. Inlets often offer shelter and safety until the storm passes. We all need to feel and be safe. This is the inspiration for Safety of an Inlet.In the key of C# minor and Marked espressivo, Safety of an Inlet offers lightly syncopated rhythms and left-hand skips. With a wide dynamic range and tempo variations, this piece is captivating for pianists and audiences alike. Safety of an Inlet, from the solo piano album and songbook A Seaside View, can be found worldwide on all major listening platforms including Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, SoundCloud, etc.Suzanne Herman Links:WebsiteFacebookInstagramRegister for NewsletterYouTube Channel

Full Orchestra - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1023992 Composed by Kyle Wernke. Contemporary,Folk,Holiday,Patriotic. Score and parts. 109 pages. Kyle Wernke Publishing #2121501. Published by Kyle Wernke Publishing (A0.1023992). Commissioned by the Fort Smith Symphony - John Jeter, Conductor John Trumbull (June 6, 1756 - November 10, 1843) is perhaps the most overlooked of the Founding Fathers of The United States. Born and raised in Connecticut, John Trumbull was the son of Jonathan Trumbull (October 12, 1710 - August 17, 1785), Governor of Connecticut from 1769 to 1784, the only Royal Governor to side with the Americans during the Revolutionary War. Trumbull fought in the revolution, witnessing Bunker Hill and using his artistic abilities to sketch the British Works at Boston. Later, he was appointed second personal aide to General Washington, and in June 1776 he served as deputy adjutant-general to General Horatio Gates. Trumbull resigned from the army in 1777 over a dispute about the dating of his commission. In 1780 Trumbull traveled to London to study under Benjamin West: It was West who urged Trumbull to paint small pictures of the War of Independence, the works which would make him famous (he painted around 250 during his lifetime). In September of 1780, Continental troops captured British agent Major John Andre, after news of this reached Great Britain, Trumbull was arrested in retaliation. He was imprisoned for seven months. After the War, Trumbull again traveled to London, and then to Paris. It was here that Trumbull began work on two of the works depicted in this piece. He made sketches for the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and, with the help of Thomas Jefferson, the US minister to France, he began working on The Declaration of Independence. In addition to paintings depicting the revolution, Trumbull painted numerous portraits, including those of George Washington, George Clinton (Governor of New York), Alexander Hamilton (the source of the $10 bill), and John Adams. I was tasked with composing a piece which would be educational for the students in attendance. I ended up writing a piece that would have educational material both in its musical construction and its subject matter. Trumbull's use of color, especially darker hues, and the structure of his paintings informed the construction of the piece. Three specific paintings influenced the work: The Capture of the Hessisans at the Battle of Trenton, The Declaration of Independence, and The Surrender of Lord Cornwallis. A recurring theme in the work of Trumbull is how the central act is always depicted at the center, with opposing groups on either side. The piece derives its form from this trait, casting the two large battle sections on the outsides, with the central act of the Revolutionary War in the center (The Declaration of Independence). The only percussion in the piece are drums, lending a certain militaristic feeling to the work, and evoking images of marching armies. Extended techniques are used repeatedly, casting a shade of uncertainty around the military campaigns (Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware and the seige at Yorktown), while The Declaration of Independence is scored in strict time and with more traditional harmonies, solidifying the event as the central moment of American history.

Brass Quintet - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.1489490 Composed by Dr. Daniel N. Thrower. Chamber,Classical,Historic,Patriotic. 38 pages. Https://gildedmusicpress.com/ #1066354. Published by https://gildedmusicpress.com/ (A0.1489490). Three of these seven short pieces are worthy to open any brass quintet concert or recital.  Two fanfares are too short for a concert feature but work extremely well in a ceremony or celebratory setting.  The last two short pieces aptly serve contrasting special purposes, as explained below.“Fort Pierre Fanfare” is about 40 seconds in duration, and was composed to open the feature concert at the South Dakota Bandmasters Association convention in 2022.  Offutt Brass, from the US Air Force Heartland of America Band, was invited to perform that concert.  Before the final piece of the concert, when gifts were exchanged between the sponsor and performers, beautiful presentation copies of the sheet music were presented to the sponsor.  In performance, staging directions on the music can be extremely effective or cringy, depending on how they are conveyed.  If there is any inkling that there may be a cringe factor, ignore them, and play the fanfare already on stage.“Enduring Freedom Fanfare” is nearly a minute of music.  It was composed as a gift for the outgoing Commander of the US Air Force Heritage of America Band, Major Rafael Toro-Quiñones.  His leadership was strong and inspiring, and he held a place of high esteem among many of the fine military musicians that he led.  The Change of Command ceremony was toward the end of the Covid-19 shut-downs, so the work was not performed at the ceremony.  Chief Remley, from the command’s satellite location in Nebraska, hand-delivered some finely printed presentation copies to Major Toro-Quiñones.“Noble Eagle Fanfare” is slightly over a minute in length, and, like “Enduring Freedom Fanfare,” was composed as a gift for another outgoing Commander of the US Air Force Heritage of America Band, Captain David Neil Regner.“Pilgrims’ Fanfare” was composed on what many Americans acknowledge as “Pioneer Day,” 24 July 2023.  Not only honoring the thousands of pioneers that settled the western United States, but also the pilgrims that voyaged across the ocean to settle in the new continent.  It is about 15 seconds in duration and is effective for any occasion in need of a magnificent fanfare.“Flightline Fanfare,” as its title implies, was composed for the ribbon cutting ceremony of the dedication of the newly renovated flightline at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.  Unfortunately, the ceremony itself was altered last-minute, and the 15-second fanfare was not used.  However, like “Pilgrims’ Fanfare,” it is very handy for any event demanding a splash of pomp.“American Interlude” is a soft 75-second underscore for an MC’s moving speech or dedication.  It was originally composed as a smooth segue between two moving patriotic pieces of different keys in a concert setting, but can be used in any similar appropriate situation.“Troop 184” is dedicated to my childhood BSA Scoutmaster, Gerry Nielson, who molded me in significant ways into the man I am decades later.  It is functional music, akin to a fight song, and can be easily marched to.  Words may be crafted as a customized hiking ditty, or it can be featured before or after ceremonies as prelude or processional music.  The duration can also be customized, as there is a written optional repeat, lengthening the tune from 45 seconds to a minute and a half.

String Quartet Cello,String Quartet,Viola,Violin - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.515078 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Kenneth Abeling. Religious,Sacred. 12 pages. LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS #4758455. Published by LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS (A0.515078). Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound, Lyrics by John Newton set to the hymn tune New Britain for String Quartet. This is perhaps the most well-known Hymn of all time reflecting Newton’s path to Christianity and prayer for forgiveness as a former Slave trader. This more contemporary and moderately easy level arrangement is appropriate for a variety of religious events. Playing time 3:15. To view and listen to this piece in its entirety as well hundreds of other arrangement and transcriptions by Kenneth Abeling at the lowest prices available please visit: www.lincolnmusicpublications.com.

Woodwind Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.515076 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Kenneth Abeling. Religious,Sacred. 12 pages. LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS #4758445. Published by LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS (A0.515076). Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound, Lyrics by John Newton set to the hymn tune New Britain for Clarinet Quartet. This is perhaps the most well-known Hymn of all time reflecting Newton’s path to Christianity and prayer for forgiveness as a former Slave trader. This more contemporary and moderately easy level arrangement is appropriate for a variety of religious events. Playing time 3:15. To view and listen to this piece in its entirety as well hundreds of other arrangement and transcriptions by Kenneth Abeling at the lowest prices available please visit: www.lincolnmusicpublications.com.

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quintet Bassoon,Clarinet,Flute,Horn,Oboe - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.515080 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Kenneth Abeling. Religious,Sacred. 15 pages. LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS #4758461. Published by LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS (A0.515080). Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound, Lyrics by John Newton set to the hymn tune New Britain for Woodwind Quintet. This is perhaps the most well-known Hymn of all time reflecting Newton’s path to Christianity and prayer for forgiveness as a former Slave trader. This more contemporary and moderately easy level arrangement is appropriate for a variety of religious events. Playing time 3:15. To view and listen to this piece in its entirety as well hundreds of other arrangement and transcriptions by Kenneth Abeling at the lowest prices available please visit: www.lincolnmusicpublications.com.

Saxophone Quartet,Woodwind Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.515077 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Kenneth Abeling. Religious,Sacred. 16 pages. LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS #4758449. Published by LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS (A0.515077). Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound, Lyrics by John Newton set to the hymn tune New Britain for Saxophone Quartet. This is perhaps the most well-known Hymn of all time reflecting Newton’s path to Christianity and prayer for forgiveness as a former Slave trader. This more contemporary and moderately easy level arrangement is appropriate for a variety of religious events. Playing time 3:15. To view and listen to this piece in its entirety as well hundreds of other arrangement and transcriptions by Kenneth Abeling at the lowest prices available please visit: www.lincolnmusicpublications.com.

Horn,Trombone,Trumpet,Tuba - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.515081 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Kenneth Abeling. Religious,Sacred. 16 pages. LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS #4758463. Published by LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS (A0.515081). Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound, Lyrics by John Newton set to the hymn tune New Britain for Brass Quintet. This is perhaps the most well-known Hymn of all time reflecting Newton’s path to Christianity and prayer for forgiveness as a former Slave trader. This more contemporary and moderately easy level arrangement is appropriate for a variety of religious events. Playing time 3:15. To view and listen to this piece in its entirety as well hundreds of other arrangement and transcriptions by Kenneth Abeling at the lowest prices available please visit: www.lincolnmusicpublications.com.

Woodwind Ensemble,Woodwind Quartet Bassoon,Clarinet,Flute,Oboe - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.515079 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Kenneth Abeling. Religious,Sacred. 12 pages. LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS #4758457. Published by LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS (A0.515079). Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound, Lyrics by John Newton set to the hymn tune New Britain for Woodwind Quartet. This is perhaps the most well-known Hymn of all time reflecting Newton’s path to Christianity and prayer for forgiveness as a former Slave trader. This more contemporary and moderately easy level arrangement is appropriate for a variety of religious events. Playing time 3:15. To view and listen to this piece in its entirety as well hundreds of other arrangement and transcriptions by Kenneth Abeling at the lowest prices available please visit: www.lincolnmusicpublications.com.

Saxophone Quintet,Woodwind Ensemble - Level 2 - Digital Download SKU: A0.515082 Composed by Traditional. Arranged by Kenneth Abeling. Religious,Sacred. 18 pages. LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS #4758465. Published by LINCOLN MUSIC PUBLICATIONS (A0.515082). Amazing Grace! How Sweet the Sound, Lyrics by John Newton set to the hymn tune New Britain for Saxophone Quintet. This is perhaps the most well-known Hymn of all time reflecting Newton’s path to Christianity and prayer for forgiveness as a former Slave trader. This more contemporary and moderately easy level arrangement is appropriate for a variety of religious events. Playing time 3:15. To view and listen to this piece in its entirety as well hundreds of other arrangement and transcriptions by Kenneth Abeling at the lowest prices available please visit: www.lincolnmusicpublications.com.

Large Ensemble Choir,Voice - Digital Download SKU: A0.799662 Composed by D. M. Gardner. Contemporary. Score and parts. 109 pages. D. M. Gardner Music #3370297. Published by D. M. Gardner Music (A0.799662). INSTRUMENTAL PARTS***SCORE and CHORAL SCORE SOLD SEPARATELY***Nebraska, My Heartland was written to not only celebrate 150 years of Nebraskan history, but to express my own gratitude for all that the Midwestern way of life has to offer. It celebrates the natural beauty of the Sandhills, prairies, forests, and bluffs, along with the strength of its people, its flourishing family friendly communities, and its deep and rich traditions in the arts. I have lived near mountains, near oceans, and visited some of the most beautiful places in the world, but none of those places have ever felt as much like home as Nebraska. Nebraska, My Heartland incorporates the poetry of both Willa Cather, the famous Nebraskan poet and writer who helped the rest of America gain an appreciation for the pioneer life, and Veronica Torraca-Bragdon, a contemporary poet and friend whose heart will always belong to Nebraska. Cather’s poem, Prairie Spring was chosen because it vividly portrays the struggles of the pioneers who originally settled here, yet juxtaposes this struggle with youthful determination, and the optimism and enthusiasm brought about by hope.  Veronica’s poem, titled Nebraska, is the centerpiece for the fanfare and celebration of a state that abounds with success in all of the ways that make Nebraska a great place to live. The music begins as the sun is about to rise and burst forth with the promise of a new day. It speaks of Nebraska’s natural beauty and landscapes while the sweet song of the Western Meadowlark, our state bird, drifts on the wind.  Next, the changing seasons and thriving spirit of Nebraska’s people are portrayed with an energetic, youthful melody leading into a celebratory sesquicentennial fanfare. But as the seasons change, the listener is reminded that to thrive is also to persevere, and soon a storm begins to loom. First the rolling thunder, then the rain, and finally the full devastation of nature’s fury are realized by the combined forces of both ensembles. Yet, as hope springs eternal, we are reminded again of the strength of the pioneer and the roots that keep us anchored against the storm. Out of this resilience bursts forth a brilliant light signifying the future that is before us for this generation and the next, ending with words that summarize so eloquently how Nebraskans feel about their home: With loving beauty, you’ll forever shine!INSTRUMENTATION1 Piccolo2 Flute 12 Flute 22 Flute 31 Oboe 11 Oboe 21 Bassoon 11 Bassoon 24 Bb Clarinet 14 Bb Clarinet 24 Bb Clarinet 32 Bb Bass Clarinet1 Eb Alto Saxophone 11 Eb Alto Saxophone 21 Bb Tenor Saxophone1 Eb Baritone Saxophone 3 Bb Trumpet 1 3 Bb Trumpet 2 3 Bb Trumpet 3 3 Bb Trumpet 4 1 F Horn 1 1 F Horn 2 1 F Horn 3 1 F Horn 42 Trombone 12 Trombone 22 Bass trombone3 Euphonium B.C. / Baritone T.C. 6 Tuba 1 Timpani (4 drums) 5 PERCUSSIONSuspended CymbalCrash Cymbal,Wind Chimes,Orchestral Chimes,Snare Drum (3 if available), Bass Drum, *Wind Machine (optional),*Suspended Thundersheet (as available), *Large Timpani Drumhead 1 PITCHED PERCUSSION Glockenspiel,Marimba SATB & Rehearsal PianoTo learn more about the composer, please visit https://www.dmgardner.com

Choral Choir (4-Part) - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.799663 Composed by D. M. Gardner. Contemporary. Octavo. 34 pages. D. M. Gardner Music #3370301. Published by D. M. Gardner Music (A0.799663). CHORAL SCORE***FULL SCORE and INSTRUMENTAL PARTS SOLD SEPARATELY***Nebraska, My Heartland was written to not only celebrate 150 years of Nebraskan history, but to express my own gratitude for all that the Midwestern way of life has to offer. It celebrates the natural beauty of the Sandhills, prairies, forests, and bluffs, along with the strength of its people, its flourishing family friendly communities, and its deep and rich traditions in the arts. I have lived near mountains, near oceans, and visited some of the most beautiful places in the world, but none of those places have ever felt as much like home as Nebraska. Nebraska, My Heartland incorporates the poetry of both Willa Cather, the famous Nebraskan poet and writer who helped the rest of America gain an appreciation for the pioneer life, and Veronica Torraca-Bragdon, a contemporary poet and friend whose heart will always belong to Nebraska. Cather’s poem, Prairie Spring was chosen because it vividly portrays the struggles of the pioneers who originally settled here, yet juxtaposes this struggle with youthful determination, and the optimism and enthusiasm brought about by hope.  Veronica’s poem, titled Nebraska, is the centerpiece for the fanfare and celebration of a state that abounds with success in all of the ways that make Nebraska a great place to live. The music begins as the sun is about to rise and burst forth with the promise of a new day. It speaks of Nebraska’s natural beauty and landscapes while the sweet song of the Western Meadowlark, our state bird, drifts on the wind.  Next, the changing seasons and thriving spirit of Nebraska’s people are portrayed with an energetic, youthful melody leading into a celebratory sesquicentennial fanfare. But as the seasons change, the listener is reminded that to thrive is also to persevere, and soon a storm begins to loom. First the rolling thunder, then the rain, and finally the full devastation of nature’s fury are realized by the combined forces of both ensembles. Yet, as hope springs eternal, we are reminded again of the strength of the pioneer and the roots that keep us anchored against the storm. Out of this resilience bursts forth a brilliant light signifying the future that is before us for this generation and the next, ending with words that summarize so eloquently how Nebraskans feel about their home: With loving beauty, you’ll forever shine!INSTRUMENTATION1 Piccolo2 Flute 12 Flute 22 Flute 31 Oboe 11 Oboe 21 Bassoon 11 Bassoon 24 Bb Clarinet 14 Bb Clarinet 24 Bb Clarinet 32 Bb Bass Clarinet1 Eb Alto Saxophone 11 Eb Alto Saxophone 21 Bb Tenor Saxophone1 Eb Baritone Saxophone 3 Bb Trumpet 1 3 Bb Trumpet 2 3 Bb Trumpet 3 3 Bb Trumpet 4 1 F Horn 1 1 F Horn 2 1 F Horn 3 1 F Horn 42 Trombone 12 Trombone 22 Bass trombone3 Euphonium B.C. / Baritone T.C. 6 Tuba 1 Timpani (4 drums) 5 PERCUSSIONSuspended CymbalCrash Cymbal,Wind Chimes,Orchestral Chimes,Snare Drum (3 if available), Bass Drum, *Wind Machine (optional),*Suspended Thundersheet (as available), *Large Timpani Drumhead 1 PITCHED PERCUSSION Glockenspiel,Marimba SATB & Rehearsal PianoTo learn more about the composer, please visit https://www.dmgardner.com

Large Ensemble Choir,Voice - Level 4 - Digital Download SKU: A0.799660 Composed by D. M. Gardner. Contemporary. Score and parts. 40 pages. D. M. Gardner Music #3370295. Published by D. M. Gardner Music (A0.799660). FULL SCORE***PARTS & CHORAL SCORE SOLD SEPARATELY*** Nebraska, My Heartland was written to not only celebrate 150 years of Nebraskan history, but to express my own gratitude for all that the Midwestern way of life has to offer. It celebrates the natural beauty of the Sandhills, prairies, forests, and bluffs, along with the strength of its people, its flourishing family friendly communities, and its deep and rich traditions in the arts. I have lived near mountains, near oceans, and visited some of the most beautiful places in the world, but none of those places have ever felt as much like home as Nebraska. Nebraska, My Heartland incorporates the poetry of both Willa Cather, the famous Nebraskan poet and writer who helped the rest of America gain an appreciation for the pioneer life, and Veronica Torraca-Bragdon, a contemporary poet and friend whose heart will always belong to Nebraska. Cather’s poem, Prairie Spring was chosen because it vividly portrays the struggles of the pioneers who originally settled here, yet juxtaposes this struggle with youthful determination, and the optimism and enthusiasm brought about by hope.  Veronica’s poem, titled Nebraska, is the centerpiece for the fanfare and celebration of a state that abounds with success in all of the ways that make Nebraska a great place to live. The music begins as the sun is about to rise and burst forth with the promise of a new day. It speaks of Nebraska’s natural beauty and landscapes while the sweet song of the Western Meadowlark, our state bird, drifts on the wind.  Next, the changing seasons and thriving spirit of Nebraska’s people are portrayed with an energetic, youthful melody leading into a celebratory sesquicentennial fanfare. But as the seasons change, the listener is reminded that to thrive is also to persevere, and soon a storm begins to loom. First the rolling thunder, then the rain, and finally the full devastation of nature’s fury are realized by the combined forces of both ensembles. Yet, as hope springs eternal, we are reminded again of the strength of the pioneer and the roots that keep us anchored against the storm. Out of this resilience bursts forth a brilliant light signifying the future that is before us for this generation and the next, ending with words that summarize so eloquently how Nebraskans feel about their home: With loving beauty, you’ll forever shine! INSTRUMENTATION 1 Piccolo 2 Flute 1 2 Flute 2 2 Flute 3 1 Oboe 1 1 Oboe 2 1 Bassoon 1 1 Bassoon 2 4 Bb Clarinet 1 4 Bb Clarinet 2 4 Bb Clarinet 3 2 Bb Bass Clarinet 1 Eb Alto Saxophone 1 1 Eb Alto Saxophone 2 1 Bb Tenor Saxophone 1 Eb Baritone Saxophone 3 Bb Trumpet 1 3 Bb Trumpet 2 3 Bb Trumpet 3 3 Bb Trumpet 4 1 F Horn 1 1 F Horn 2 1 F Horn 3 1 F Horn 4 2 Trombone 1 2 Trombone 2 2 Bass trombone 3 Euphonium B.C. / Baritone T.C. 6 Tuba 1 Timpani (4 drums) 5 PERCUSSION Suspended Cymbal Crash Cymbal,Wind Chimes,Orchestral Chimes,Snare Drum (3 if available), Bass Drum, *Wind Machine (optional), *Suspended Thundersheet (as available), *Large Timpani Drumhead 1 PITCHED PERCUSSION Glockenspiel,Marimba SATB & Rehearsal PianoTo learn more about the composer, please visit https://www.dmgardner.com

Brass Ensemble - Level 3 - Digital Download SKU: A0.817619 Composed by James Bland. Arranged by F. Leslie Smith. Folk,Spiritual,Traditional. Score and parts. 28 pages. Sweetwater Brass Press #424503. Published by Sweetwater Brass Press (A0.817619).      James Alan Bland, composer of “In the Evening by the Moonlight,” was a prolific song writer.  He is said to have created the words and music for more than 600 compositions.  Born in 1854 to a free African American family in Flushing, New York, he made a name for himself as musician, composer and minstrel performer.  Among his compositions were “Oh, Dem Golden Slippers,” “In the Morning in the Bright Light” and “De Golden Wedding.”  His most famous song by far was “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,” which the State of Virginia used as its official anthem for over 50 years.      Bland, in keeping with his persona as a minstrel, wrote the lyrics to “In the Evening by the Moonlight” in dialect.  Years passed and sensitivities changed, but the song’s poignant melody and basic sentiment survived.  Latter day recordings, such as those by Bing Crosby and the Ray Charles Singers, dropped the dialect and objectionable terms.  One of the most notable versions was by singer, pianist and civil rights activist Nina Simone, released in 1960 on the album Nina at Newport.      This brass quintet version begins with the group instrumentally humming along under an eight-measure Horn in F introduction.   The first statement of the melody initially takes the form of a partial call-and-response between a Trombone/Horn duo and Trumpet 1, then switches to an exchange between Trumpet 1 and Tuba.  Next, the melody is repeated but in a rhythmic pattern reminiscent of the 1880 tune “Here Dem Bells”; Tuba plays counterpoint.  Third time around, the melody is presented almost exactly as Bland wrote it and as Hitchcock’s Music Store published it in 1880.  Finally, the tempo slows and the melody is presented as so many have sung it around campfires at YMCA, 4-H and other youth camps all over the country:  softly and tenderly.  The arrangement ends with a brief recapitulation of the introduction.      There are no really difficult or tricky rhythms in this arrangement.  Trumpet 1’s highest note, which occurs in Section D, is A above its staff; Tuba’s lowest, G below the staff.  Otherwise, there are no exceptionally high or low notes.  The piece opens in the key of F major then, about halfway through, changes to G major.  Tempo opens with a suggested MM of 104, speeds up to 120, slows to 66, increases again to 122 and finally slows to 66.      Completed in 2022, performance time runs about 4 minutes, 22 seconds. The arranger, Les Smith, will be happy to provide substitute parts (for example, treble clef baritone for trombone) at no charge.  He would also like to receive your suggestions, comments, corrections and criticisms.  Contact him directly at lessmith61@bellsouth.net.  For more arrangements by Les, enter "Sweetwater Brass Press" (without the quotation marks) in the SheetMusicPlus or Sheet Music Direct search box.  (Also, purchase of this piece entitles you to your choice of another of his arrangements at no charge; send a copy of your purchase receipt directly to him at lessmith61@bellsouth.net.)