Categories: FINISHERS, Entertainment - Light Concert Works Composer: Frank Ticheli
Grade 3.0 Duration 4.30
A great piece full of magical, mischievous fun with images of Halloween with its costumes and jack-o-lanterns. As the piece nears its conclusion, the music rushes toward what seems to be an explosive finish. But the woodwinds interrupt, fanning out to a questioning whole tone cluster. They are answered by a puff of sound - the final disappearing act !
Just one of the best/ most entertaining finishers ever. Fast and furious from start to finish - click on MORE DETAILS to view the 1st. Clarinet part.
APPLAU5E
This work was composed as an encore piece commissioned by the Japan Central Air Defense Force Band. This piece was first performed by Japan Central Air Defense Force Band, conducted by Kenji Kikuchi, at Act City Hamamatsu on March 5, 2004.
This piece was inspired by a variety of music such as Broadway musicals, French cancan, and circus marches. A special rhythm pattern called “lpponjime” (or “Sanbonjime”) is played by the percussion (3 + 3 + 3 + 1) in the first four measures. This is how people simultaneously clap their hands when ceremonies or parties duly end in Japan. This custom of clapping hands reflects Japanese people’s spirit to readily move on to the next step. This tradition is refreshing for the participants.
The middle section features solos by xylophone and piccolo, which will be cheered by your audience. The instruments may be changed on certain occasions. You may also showcase the solo players’ technique improvising with more difficult passages.
After the solo part, the first theme returns and builds up to the exciting conclusion where every player shouts “yeah !” at the end. If you add some performance or your band’s own stage direction to the shout, your audience will applaud even harder.
Categories: OPENERS, FINISHERS Composer: Charles Strouse Arranger: Douglas Richard
Grade 4.0
From highly successful Broadway composer Charles Strouse (Annie, Bye Bye Birdie), here is a sparkling version for wind band of his rousing march theme from the musical All American. Perfect as an opener or encore!
Categories: OPENERS, FINISHERS Composer: Bruce Broughton
Grade 4.0+
duration 3.00
Harlequin is the most popular of the comic servant characters from the Italian commedia dell'art who, although a slow thinker, was acrobatic and nimble - he would never perform a simple action when the addition of a cartwheel or backflip would spice up the movement.
These characteristics are aptly portrayed in Bruce Broughton's mini concert overture. Originally published for Brass Band in 1984, this revised version for Wind Band conveys all the hustle, bustle, and agility of the character in a finely crafted musical structure.
Ideal as a concert opener or encore it is sure to delight audiences and provide players with an exciting new addition to their repertory.
Click on “MORE DETAILS” to view the Solo Cornet part.
Categories: Entertainment - Light Concert Works, FINISHERS Arranger: James Christensen
Symphonic Band – Grade 4
Here is a delightful concert setting that pays tribute to the hometown community band. Original themes are skillfully woven into a suite format depicting images of Americana such as Fanfare, The River, The Churches, Here Comes the Band, and Polka Time. A rousing crowd pleaser! (4:50)
Categories: OPENERS, FINISHERS Composer: Michael Ball
Don’t be deceived by the title, it’s actually an immensely enjoyable, high-spirited single-movement that would make an ideal concert opener or a rousing finale. Selective cross-cuing makes it available to a wide range of bands, and while it is designed to be emminently practicable for even fairly average players, no harm would come to it in the hands of rather good ones.
8 minutes
Categories: OPENERS, FINISHERS Composer: Sergei Prokofiev Material: Paul Yoder
Grade 4.5
Originally composed for band by Prokofiev, this is the well-known version adapted and arranged by Paul Yoder. Although not written in the traditional “march” style, this impressive work is solidly scored and offers an impressive programming choice.
[Marsch oder ‘die Versuchung’ Grade 3.5 In reality the first movement of a major, extended wind score by Luxembourg’s most important composer, this notorious March has firmly established itself in the affections of bands and audiences on both sides of the Atlantic as a brilliant, independent concert work. Outrageous stuff! 4 minutes
Categories: Entertainment - Light Concert Works, FINISHERS, Eric Whitacre Concert Band Composer: Steven Bryant
Grade 4.0
Duration 4.00
In this third installment of a series of pieces that quote and rework familiar band themes (after Chester Leaps In and ImPercynations), composer Steven Bryant uses the classic march themes Americans We, Liberty Bell March and National Emblem as the basis of this humorous and unexpected take on the traditional march. Slightly warped, but unmistakably entertaining, this well-constructed novelty is sure to bring a smile.
Categories: FINISHERS, MUSIC from the MOVIES Material: Michael Brown
Grade 3.0
In a quirky retelling of Homer's The Odyssey, this recent movie from Joel and Ethan Coen is set in Mississippi in 1937. The musical style is early country/folk/bluegrass, and Michael Brown's concert band setting is unique and inviting. Includes: Down to the River to Pray, I Am A Man of Constant Sorrow, Keep on the Sunny Side, and I'll Fly Away. For added flavor, use the optional guitar/banjo parts.
Highly recommended - great concert finisher - with encore possibilities !
Here is a Russian classic that never ceases to stir the emotions of the audience and band alike. Paul uses a combination of tempos and styles to convey the excitement and drama of the original in his outstanding adaptation for young players. There is plenty of variety including melody for the low voices, flourishes for the woodwinds, and an exciting finish for the entire ensemble. (2:05)
Category: FINISHERS Composer: Reinhold Gliere Arranger: Johnny Vinson
Grade 4.0
This master work in orchestral literature has been expertly adapted for standard concert band instrumentation by Johnnie Vinson. This edition offers skillful cuts and simplifications while maintaining the integrity and exciting character of the original.
Commissioned for the 1988 All Japan Band Contest, this celebration of wind colour and textures packs an astonishing wealth of invention and masterly scoring into its four glittering minutes. Every instrumental section has its moment of glory. Band writing at its brilliant best and a real musical imagination evident in every bar. A little stunner.
4 minutes
Categories: OPENERS, FINISHERS Composer: Dana Wilson
Windependence – Master Level (Grade 4)
Shortcut Home is a rousing fanfare that features each section of the ensemble. With exciting drive and jazz-based interludes, the piece cascades towards its “home” of C-major. Shortcut Home is a perfect attention-grabber for the opening or close of a concert. (2:55)
Categories: OPENERS, FINISHERS Composers: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin Arranger: Jack Bullock
Grade 3.0
Duration 2.33
Gershwin’s tune especially for band is from the l927 musical of the same name. Everyone’s familiar with the traditional melody, stated first, but Jack Bullock has included the seldom-heard verse which enhances the variety contained in this classic pop tune. Building to a rousing conclusion, this is one not to miss!
Windependence – Master Level (Grade 4)
Originally intended as a homage to Percy Grainger, The Jig is Up combines an Irish folk theme with interjections from other ethnic elements. Flowing invitingly from an Irish jig into a worldly percussion jam and then a full-bodied chorale, your band will be introduced to many musical styles within this one witty work. (5:00)
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