Julius Fucik was born in Prague, Bohemia in 1872 and died in Berlin, Prussia in 1913. A bassoonist and composer, he later became the most renowned bandmaster on the Continent. This masterful march creates a vivid display of musical imagery as it begins in 6/8 time depicting the majestic galloping rhythm of horses associated with the cavalry. The march then continues in alla breve meter featuring bold and profound counterlines in the baritone voices and gallant regimental trumpeting. A real march gem that shines with proud ceremonial splendor.
This delightful stop-time two-step dance was first published in 1902, and its appeal is as widespread today as it was then. A new sense of vibrancy and optimism is reflected in this early 20th century dance that features the wild "new" rhythms of ragtime which substantially changed the nature of dance. Lively and rhythmic, this work displays all the features that made the style so popular and shows the composer to be a true master of the genre, earning him the title "The King of Ragtime." Syncopated, bright, and energetic, it's an entertaining addition to concert programs. Members of the band become a part of the act by rhythmically stomping along with the music.
Pursuing his interest in the Turkish peoples, the composer created this work for orchestra in 1930. It is a richly melodic suite notable for its characteristically oriental turns of phrase. This work is presented in four movements: Caravan, which depicts a steady journey over rolling sand dunes; At Rest, alternately tranquil and spirited; Night, serene in nature with a slight touch of mystery; and Festival, a dance-like finale with unyielding exuberance. All the movements use material from folk music of the region combined with a wonderful pallet of wind-instrumental colors. An exotic and colorful Turkish fabric in music.
Reward your students while taking the audience on a thrilling sonic journey. Part fanfare and part overture, this work pays homage to the great festival works students have experienced for generations. It opens with a majestic brass fanfare complemented by colorful woodwinds and percussion. A variety of textural and stylistic presentations leads to the closing flourish that rises from the bottom of the sound canvas to the top for a final resplendent fanfare restatement.
This spirited seasonal setting will provide a sparkling addition to holiday programs for the young band. Based on the traditional carols Joy to the World; Deck the Halls; Angels We Have Heard on High and O Come, All Ye Faithful, this work showcases crisp brass fanfares, gentle woodwind lines, and colorful percussion to create a real musical treat for the holiday season.
A short and powerful percussion statement sets up a celebratory fanfare to open this vibrant salute to the career of an outstanding band director. Following the opening display is a stately ceremonial march-like section that recognizes that it is the teacher that is "graduating" this time. The reverent atmosphere continues with a more solemn and respectful mood before the opening returns for a grand finale and a brilliant display of musical fireworks.
A stunningly beautiful Scottish folk song that tells a tale of longing, loss, and redemption. This arrangement starts in the style of an intriguing folk dance that evolves into a mournful, lyrical moment. Then taking on a more familiar character, the music pays homage to the sound of classic British folk song settings by generations of composers, helping to preserve great music from our world's history.
A work of unrelenting energy that will encourage, uplift, and inspire. The enthusiastic spirit is unmistakable in the jubilantly syncopated rhythms and expressive melodies. Conveying a strong positive message, this piece fills everyone with an unbridled sense of joy that will radiate throughout the concert hall and touch everyone through the universal language of music.
The powerful writing of this majestic work will allow young students to express their energy and enthusiasm through strong full band passages. The emphatic and unrelenting rhythms create an ominous atmosphere as the commanding image of this mighty warship slowly comes into view. Unyielding and incessant, it draws ever closer, bringing a full array of musical weaponry to bear.
Legend has it that a book has been passed down from the presidents of the United States, starting with George Washington, that contains secrets collected over the years that only the presidents can access. The emphatic music reflects on the important information that is speculated to be in this mysterious and fascinating text.
Roughly translated as "seize the day," Carpe Diem is a celebratory message of inspiration. It is easy to get caught up in the daily business of life, trapped in memories of the past while waiting anxiously for what is to come. This spirited work challenges the listener to cherish the present, take advantage of what "now" has to offer, and recognize all the gifts that today brings.
A brisk and lively selection that welcomes the holidays in a grand and festive style. The familiar holiday melodies of Joy to the World; Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella; The First Noel; I Saw Three Ships and hints of others are skillfully overlapped to create an enthralling and energetic seasonal presentation. It's completely delightful and is sure to get everyone's Christmas season off to a bright and joyous start.
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth..." Inspired by the poem High Flight, this work takes musical flight with sweeping woodwinds and mallets soaring above the cinematic melodic statement by brass. The highly rhythmic melody soars upward to the middle, lyrical section which seems to float effortlessly through the upper reaches of the sky. As the sustained expressive melody reaches its musical apex, it reunites with the opening material for a swift and breathtaking finish.
A spirited holiday opener or closer where the composer's love for percussion is proudly evident. Three traditional Christmas tunes are featured, including I Saw Three Ships; Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella and We Three Kings of Orient Are. Each carol is introduced and then combined and overlapped for a rousing effect complete with a crisp percussion transition. An unexpected and lively 7/8 ending brings the work to a thrilling finish that is energetic and intense.
This intense and volatile piece lights the fuse with a one-bar introduction that leads to and ignites the impact of the full band. A unifying four-note motif makes several expanded appearances. A brief period of calm is underpinned by a series of pulsating ostinati which maintain a constant state of agitation. In the explosive conclusion, the percussion section provides the last word with one final detonation.
The concept of program music is presented in this delightful and fascinating work for young band. A musical narrative tells of an automaton engineered to have human-like traits. Robotic themes and a mechanical melody brings the android's story to life through the imaginative music. This piece presents cross-curricular opportunities and meets literacy standards for education at state and national levels.
Beginners will be able to perform this holiday setting at their very first concert. Based on the popular carol Angels We Have Heard on High, it makes a great concert opener for elementary bands. Repeated eighth-note rhythms and full scoring will make this energetic setting easy to rehearse and perform and will have young players feeling and sounding confident and proud.
Here is a musical homage to all the tales of otherworldly apparitions that gave everyone goosebumps as a child. The evocative music takes the listener on an eerie journey through a series of musical vignettes, each representing a spooky story that might be told around a campfire or when the power goes out. Come listen as we summon ghosts and conjure up spirits; but listeners beware... leave the lights on!
The story of a hero on a quest is one that goes back through centuries of mythology, repeated in almost every culture. This descriptive music mirrors these legends, establishing a heroic theme that is subjected to several variations of trials and tribulations. Ultimately the piece returns to a full and transformed version of the hero theme for an uplifting and triumphant conclusion.
In moments of great loss and sadness, joy can seem unimaginable and far away. This expressive piece takes the listener on an emotional journey through feelings of sadness, struggle, and hope, ultimately emerging in triumph. In the aftermath of great adversity there is always renewal - this inspired writing reminds us that we must continue on and never give up, no matter how hard things may seem.
Energetic and percussive, this dynamic fanfare is exciting for both listeners and performers. The memorable theme, high intensity, and fast tempo are the perfect elements needed to grab everyone's attention and announce that the performance has begun. Aptly titled, this fiery selection is certain to make a lasting impact at your next performance.
Expansive in nature, this sweeping tribute features passages that are full and richly orchestrated as well as contrasting sections that highlight smaller groups of instruments and expressive solo features. As the work swells to the end, the entire ensemble builds to a climax before subsiding to a serene ending of quiet contemplation and reflection.
For years, the transcription of this famous overture has been a mainstay of accomplished concert bands. The well-known main theme of this classic has been adapted for young band in this very playable setting that will enhance and lend substance to any program. The memorable melody creates a perfect opportunity to teach 6/8 time to young players and gives them and their audiences the opportunity to experience one of the great standards of orchestral literature.
This original work has a distinctive and appealing Celtic flavor that is unmistakable. It has all the lively flair and vigor of a thrilling Irish reel - it's hard to believe it didn't originate in the Emerald Isle! Optional string parts are available that can be performed with the band to make an absolutely spectacular presentation that will bring down the house.