Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Mark Williams
Grade 1.5 Duration 4.02
Trumpet melodies soar over a background of driving eighth notes in this contemporary overture by Mark Williams. The Allegro uses syncopation and full band scoring to start this one off with a bang. The Andante features a trumpet solo and rich accompaniments for a tranquil mood. The main theme returns for an exciting finish. A perfect opener for your festival or concert!
Trumpet melodies soar over a background of driving eighth notes in this contemporary overture by Mark Williams. The Allegro uses syncopation and full band scoring to start this one off with a bang. The Andante features a trumpet solo and rich accompaniments for a tranquil mood. The main theme returns for an exciting finish. A perfect opener for your festival or concert!
Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: John O'Reilly
Grade: 1.5
The opening maestoso establishes the upbeat mood of this exciting overture. Filled with the interesting rhythms and the practical writing style that distinguishes other O'Reilly compositions, this overture is sure to be a hit! (Grade 1 1/2)
Categories: BIGGIES - Grade 1.5, OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Michael Oare
Grade 1.5 Duration 4.0 Standard of Excellence Series.
Awakened Voices Resound is an overture for band written in the winter of 2001-2002. Although there is no direct correlation between this piece and the events of September 11,2001, it is difficult to imagine composing a piece during that time and ignoring the images implanted firmly in one’s memory. This piece attempts to portray some of the newfound patriotic spirit alive since that infarnous day - hence our Awakened Voices Resound!
Awakened Voices Resound follows the concert overture form. The opening statement should be played very majestically, balancing he chords to the bass. The percussion is an important element in the introductory statement, but they should be cautioned to avoid taking as they crescendo. The main theme is first stated in the woodwinds (measure 13), and then repeated with the trumpets measure 21) with a woodwind countermelody. These melodies should be played in a spirited, marcato style. A contrasting, lyrical ‘B” theme appears in measure 29, which quickly unfolds to a low brass and low woodwind return to the “A” theme. he Andante, rubato section is a slight departure from the standard overture form. The woodwind material, starting in measure 49, based on the opening chordal material, while the brass statement, beginning in measure 59, is based on the Allegro “A” theme. 3y incorparating these two contrasting motifs, the Andante, rubato serves as a psuedo-development section in the overall form. he usual recapitulation (measure 70) is followed by the coda (measure 91). The crescendos found in the coda (measures 94, 5, 98, and 99) are intended to highlight the importance of those moving lines, as opposed to simply playing louder.
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Categories: MUSIC from the CLASSICS Grade 1.5, OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Rimsky Korsakov Arranger: James Curnow
Grade 1.5
Duration 1.35
From Rimsky-Korsalov's opera Snow Maiden, “Dance of the Tumblers” is considered to be one of this composer's most well known themes. Although brief in duration, this vibrant and energetic dance contains a wealth of music, and with its light-hearted spirit, is a perfect teaching tool for young players.
Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Gary Gazlay
Grade 1.5
Duration 1:35
The title of Exhortation is taken from the word exhort, which means "giving of earnest advice or encouragement," and was inspired by I Thessalonians 5:11. It was composed for the band members of the Madison County Central school, 2008-2009.
Exhortation is dedicated to my colleague and friend Chuck Perego, who recently retired from Augusta Raa Middle school located in Tallahassee, Florida. Chuck is an outstanding teacher and for 35 years I have valued his advice and encouragement. It is my hope that Exhortation will provide students with a song that they will enjoy learning to play and provide other music educators with a teaching tool that can be used in helping to motivate and encourage their students.
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Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Michael Sweeney
Explorer – Beginning Level An important ingredient in your beginning band's first concert is a suitable march. What better choice than this gem from Michael Sweeney that guarantees success right from the start. A powerful-sounding fanfare leads to a march theme built on only quarter and half notes. Also included is a short feature for the percussion section. A winner! Dur: 1:50
Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Robert Sheldon
Grade: 1.5
Duration: 2:15
A harbinger signals the approach of something, so this piece would be a terrific way to begin your next concert! This exciting piece for young band has all the drama and intensity of a much more advanced piece, but it playable by less experienced musicians. Soaring melodies contrast rhythmic pulses to create a musical landscape that will inspire the players as well as the audience.
Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Robert Sheldon
Grade: 1.5
Duration: 2:15
A harbinger signals the approach of something, so this piece would be a terrific way to begin your next concert! This exciting piece for young band has all the drama and intensity of a much more advanced piece, but it playable by less experienced musicians. Soaring melodies contrast rhythmic pulses to create a musical landscape that will inspire the players as well as the audience. (2:15)
Fire all cylinders! Using the optional synthesizer, this piece takes off and races from start to finish. Some dissonance adds a touch of the Doppler effect as you imagine the sound of cars zooming by. The ending builds with energy as the finish line approaches and completes with a victory lap. (Correlates with Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 2, Level 2).
Categories: New & Recent Titles, OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Robert Sheldon
Grade 1.5 Duration 1.50
The grandeur and vibrancy of Vancouver’s harbor is represented in this exciting piece for developing bands. Take a musical journey under the Lion’s Gate Bridge and into the Pacific Ocean while being surrounded by majestic mountains and incredible scenery. (1:50)
As a middle school band director, Douglas Akey has developed a flair for writing appealing pieces for young players, and this solid new march is an excellent example. There is effective use of dynamics, and alternating phrases for brass and woodwinds before the full ensemble brings it to a rousing finish.
Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Robert Sheldon
Grade: 1.5
Duration: 1:55
Put down the top on the convertible and take your audience on a cruise down the highway with this irrepressible, high-energy composition for developing bands. Driving rhythms and a catchy melody combine with power chords and a rockin' percussion section to create the tune everyone will be talking about after your next concert. (1:55)
Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Robert Sheldon
Grade: 1.5
Duration: 1:55
Put down the top on the convertible and take your audience on a cruise down the highway with this irrepressible, high-energy composition for developing bands. Driving rhythms and a catchy melody combine with power chords and a rockin' percussion section to create the tune everyone will be talking about after your next concert. (1:55)
Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Randall D. Standridge
Grade: 1.5
Duration: 2:20
Gazing into the sky, one may be overcome with the infinite possibilities of our worlds and, thus, ourselves. It is this sense of wonder and hope that has been captured in "Skygazer Fanfare." This work for concert band uses syncopated rhythms, layered percussion, and a sense of forward motion to create an exciting soundscape for young musicians. Careful attention has been paid to range and scoring to create a work that is attainable by smaller ensembles while retaining a full sound for larger ensembles as well. (2:20)
Category: OPENERS - Grade 1.5 Composer: Randall D. Standridge
Grade: 1.5
Duration: 2:20
"Gazing into the sky, one may be overcome with the infinite possibilities of our worlds and, thus, ourselves. It is this sense of wonder and hope that has been captured in ""Skygazer Fanfare."" This work for concert band uses syncopated rhythms, layered percussion, and a sense of forward motion to create an exciting soundscape for young musicians. Careful attention has been paid to range and scoring to create a work that is attainable by smaller ensembles while retaining a full sound for larger ensembles as well. (2:20)"