An exciting and fun novelty piece with a spooky flair, this piece is perfect for the first concert of the year. It is a concert rondo that gives each section a shot at the melody.
Written especially for young bands, this vivid concert work will bring a dynamic and exuberant flourish to any concert setting. The term "accolade" is defined as an expression of praise, and this powerful musical presentation was written with just that in mind, a tribute to young students everywhere. The uplifting sounds of the spirited celebration reflect their energy and enthusiasm and relay a positive message for the promise of tomorrow.
This creative work is one more addition to a series of band pieces that musically describe the fictional saga of an alien invasion. In this installment, the mysterious and persistent visitors from outer space are continuing their quest for world domination with a new and formidable weapon, a giant robotic android. Massive and ominous, it clanks along seemingly unstoppable as the alien troops march forward, bent on total conquest. Effective as a standalone piece, you can also combine it with the other works Aliens Landing (In Your Backyard!), Alien Invasion, and Aliens Among Us for a complete musical sci-fi mini series.
The beauty and strength of the American spirit resonate in this inspiring original musical portrait. It was written to recognize and honor American educators and the important difference they make in the lives of their students every day. The spirited and enthusiastic music serves to inspire students to take a glimpse into their own potential to become the best that they can be. They are the future of America!
This exuberant concert work provides a thrilling way to open or close any performance in a grand manner. Cleverly written, this original piece includes melodic fragments of The Star-Spangled Banner that emerge throughout, constantly hinting at the famous anthem before being absorbed into the swirling melodic lines that resonate throughout the piece. A marvelous setting that will enhance and energize any concert performance or patriotic ceremony.
Being part of a band, orchestra, or choir is about being part of something bigger than yourself, like being a part of a family. This uplifting work celebrates this bond and presents the positive message that by working together, our dreams and achievements are boundless. The brilliant music will surely resonate with audiences and musicians as a celebration of what great accomplishments are possible ahead.
"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 memorable old Irish jig called Road to Lisdoonvarna is the basis of this piece for young bands. Beginning lyrically with a simple statement, it gradually adds more instruments as it builds to the sprightly middle section. With the full ensemble playing the tuneful melody and the driving Irish rhythms in the percussion section, you hear all the color and flair that's characteristic of great Irish folk music.
Centrifuge was written for the 2015 Southeastern Louisiana Middle School Band Camp and its director, Paul Frechou. This piece portrays a centrifuge vigorously spinning with no sign of slowing down or stopping. An allegro tempo is used to fuel the drive and impetus throughout this energetic musical depiction of a whirling perpetual motion dynamo. The opening theme is first presented by clarinets playing in their lowest register as the machine starts up and begins to build up speed. Underlying the entire work is a pulsating percussion section which provides the thrust and forward motion along with various syncopated rhythms contributed by the winds.
Commissioned by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, this distinctive work for developing band is highlighted by two contrasting sections. A quiet opening is flavored with percussion sounds reminiscent of Native American music, while lyric woodwinds float above, weaving expressively hypnotic melodic lines. This spellbinding effect is then broken by a joyous and spirited celebration that unfolds in a delightfully uplifting manner, closing the work in a grand and joyous fashion.
A musical adventure that takes the listener on a wild chase through history as it tells the exciting tale of this legendary Robin Hood-like bandit from the Old West. The colorful and high-energy writing incorporates extensive percussion effects that will have you experience the all the thrill of the chase, complete with the sound of a rattlesnake and the crack of the gunshot that ended this chapter of California lore.
This programmatic work depicts a dark and intense conflict and conquest of a fierce enemy force. Emphatic brass lines, running woodwind lines and unrelenting percussive parts create the intense atmosphere of the impending clash. The mysterious introduction is given an ominous tone by the dampened pulse of the bass drum, resembling the timbre of a persistent heartbeat. The forces then collide, followed by the defeat of the enemy and a triumphant finish that ends on an assertive and victorious flourish.
A great way to introduce some of the best-known themes from classical literature in a fun and spooky package! Four of the most haunting classical themes: In the Hall of the Mountain King; The Sorcerer's Apprentice; Danse Macabre and A Night on Bald Mountain conjure up images of ghosts, witches, sorcerers and all manner of creepy, spooky creatures. It's especially suitable for Halloween concerts, but your students will want to program this all year 'round!
A composition for intermediate bands that are ready to make some intense and passionate music. Driving and relentless, students will enjoy the intense nature of the piece as well as the occasional time signature changes that will keep them on their toes and keep listeners fully engaged. You'll find this striking work anything but predictable.
Curse of the Pharaohs is an exotic-sounding piece with a distinctive style and infectious melody. Students will be immediately captivated by the mysterious-sounding introduction that will lead their imaginations to ancient Egypt. Fast driving rhythms, exotic harmonies and colorful percussion all contribute to the air of mystery and drama that lingers throughout this exceedingly appealing work.
Dark Prophecy begins in an intense, agitated manner that projects ominous portents of danger. It then transforms into an urgent dance, this time with the original melody played in a savage manner, before settling into a calm, more reflective mood. At this point, long soaring melodies take over, dominating throughout and leading to a moment of triumph at the conclusion of the section. This feeling is short-lived - the music takes a violent turn with the reappearance of the original thematic material. The piece then pushes to a fearsome conclusion that seems to pose the question, "Has the prophecy been fulfilled?"
'E' for Eternity was composed in memory of Nathan Luke Ray, a tubaist who had always dreamed of playing in the Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band. Nathan died in a car accidenton on his way home from realizing that dream - performing at his first game as a Fresno State student, a game nationally televised on ESPN. This piece was written by his teacher; the title came from his classmates, in memory of this vibrant young musician.