Category: New & Recent Titles Composer: Philip Sparke
Grade 2.5 Duration 4.00
The Irish folk tune, which appears towards the end of the piece, is Slane, a hymn tune version of the much older folk melody The Banks of the Bann. In Prelude on an Irish Folk Tune, fragments of the folk tune hint at what is to come later in the piece, but another folk-like tune is predominant. This later acts as a descant to Slane when it finally appears. Add a little Sparke sparkle to any concert with this lovely interlude.
Category: New & Recent Titles Composer: Paul Gilson Arranger: Juri Briat
for Alto Saxophone and Concert Band
Grade 4
Duration 16m25s
Paul Gilson’s Premier Concerto from 1902 is one of the first compositions for saxophone. The Belgian composer used all the typical characteristics of the instrument, such as its powerful tone, suppleness, virtuosity and warm sound. Tom de Haes has created a reconstruction based on the partly missing original version for concert band, the piano score and the version for symphony orchestra.
Categories: New & Recent Titles, MARCHES - Grade 3.0, HERALD MUSIC Composer: Chris Siegal
March Card A5 Size music
Please note that there is no full score published with this work. Traditionally, conductors have used a cued Solo Cornet part to rehearse and perform with.
Categories: New & Recent Titles, MusicWorks Grade 3, MusicWorks Grade 4 Composer: Michael Oare
Grade 3.5 Duration 5:30
Commissioned by the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association to commemorate its 75th anniversary, Presidential Suite recognizes the rich historical heritage of Virginia, particularly as the birthplace of eight United States presidents. Using a suite format, the work focuses on three of the founding fathers. The first movement, Mount Vernon, is a serene musical impression of the home of George Washington. Monticello is the second movement and portrays the stately style of music typical of Thomas Jefferson's time. The suite concludes with Montpelier, the home of James Madison, and uses bold and majestic motifs to portray the broad and magnificent landscape of Madison's estate.
Categories: New & Recent Titles, BIGGIES - Grade 3.0 Composer: Brian Balmages
Grade 3.0 Duration 6.45
Primal in every sense of the word, this work infuses complex harmonies with angular melodies to elicit a primitive atmosphere full of anticipation. Driven by percussion and the dissonant rhythmic pulse in the lower voices, the music eventually gives way to a slower, mystical section. As the music’s primal nature begins once again, everything ultimately leads to the adrenaline-packed ending punctuated by racing woodwind ostinatos and extraordinary brass chords. Intense! (6:45)
Category: New & Recent Titles Composer: Gareth Wood
One of the three atmospheric little pieces inspired by the magic of historic Pembroke, the pageantry, romance and grandeur of its imposing 12th Century Castle (birthplace of Henry VII) and surrounding countryside. Together they form a delightful suite but movements may be performed individually or in pairs. AB grade 1.5 - 2
Categories: New & Recent Titles, LIGHT CONCERT - Grade 3.0 Composer: George Gershwin Arranger: Derek Bourgeois
Solo for Clarinet
Walking The Dog is one of Gershwin’s lighter numers. It is a clarinet showpiece that is just as much fun as the title suggests.Taken from the movie Shall We Dance, staring none other than the great Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Walking The Dog catches George Gershwin at the very height of his powers. Rather than the bustling, complex symphonic scores he was by-now accustomed to knocking out, it's a simple, elegant little stroll, as the title suggests. In fact, in the 1937 film, it accompanies a scene of dog-walking, aboard the luxury deck of an ocean liner. Since its use in the film, though, the song has taken on a life of its own and become a popular showing-off piece for clarinettists everywhere. Interestingly, it's also the only section of score from the whole of Shall We Dance that remains - the rest of the movie's music remains sadly unpublished.
Category: New & Recent Titles Arranger: Brian Balmages
Grade 3
A Setting of Our National Anthem
Snare drum solo and muted trumpets set the tone as the endearing melody of our National Anthem is first introduced. Each new entrance is a textural gem as the work harmonically unfolds, and builds to a moving and grandiose conclusion.
This fast and rhythmically driving work gives the illusion of alternating meters while remaining in 3/4 throughout. Melodic and harmonic ideas layer on top of one another to create an almost hypnotic pulsating effect. Easy ranges, active percussion, and solid scoring make this a great choice for concert festivals, honor band clinics, or simply a great teaching piece for your students.
Categories: New & Recent Titles, BIGGIES - Grade 2.5 Composer: Robert Sheldon
Grade 2.0 Duration 2.25
Centaurs are mythological creatures that are half horse and half human. They have been depicted in art and literature for centuries as wild beasts, and also as wise and noble beings. This piece is a musical representation of a journey to find one of these remarkable creatures in a land and time that are long past. (2:25)
Category: New & Recent Titles Material: Queen Arranger: Peter Kleine Schaars
Featuring a wealth of familiar melodies and a driving pulse throughout, this powerful medley for mature bands showcases the music of megagroup Queen at their best! Includes: Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites the Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Will Rock You and We Are the Champions.
Categories: New & Recent Titles, POP & ROCK TUNES - Grade 4.0 Composer: Queen Arranger: Philip Sparke
Level of Difficulty = 4.5 Duration 8.15
The British rock band Queen, formed in 1970, are one of the most popular bands of all time. The music of Queen already exists in numerous instrumental arrangements at all kinds of levels. However, arranger Philip Sparke has taken a unique approach: he has created an exceptional medley in a challenging, symphonic style from four of their greatest hits:
Category: New & Recent Titles Composer: Clark McAlister
Four Diversions on American Folk Songs for Double Wind Quintet
Written for the Cochran Commissioning Project to “introduce and inspire young musicians to the joys of chamber music through shared music making”, this affectionate take on four traditional American songs is true chamber music. One of McAlister’s most personable scores; the warmth of Barber and the bright-eyed clarity of Copland with his own brand of wind wizardry. 11 minutes
Categories: New & Recent Titles, BIGGIES - Grade 5.0 Composer: Brian Balmages
Grade 5.0 Duration 6.30
While not specifically programmatic, this aggressive work paints a picture of mechanical rage in a rollercoaster of sound. From the opening dissonant chords to the exuberant themes and wildly aggressive harmonies, this work is certain not to disappoint! A large battery of percussion helps recreate the sound of clanging metal as the work drives forward in a whirlwind of fury. Captivating and relentless!
Category: New & Recent Titles Composer: Bert Appermont
Ragnarök – The Final Destiny of the Gods re-tells parts of the Götterdämmerung from Norse mythology. The work is not a literal musical presentation of the myth, but the end of the world and its subsequent renewal are illuminated over the course of the two movements. More importantly, the music suggests compelling images of an ancient magical world ruled by violence, that collapses under its own weight and is then, much like the mythical phoenix, reborn from its own ashes. The score contains parts for choir which can be sung, omitted or played on a synthesizer. Two of the passages quote texts from the requiem: the Dies Irae in the first movement and the Libera me in the second.