'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.
Elegy for the U.S.S. Arizona is a tribute to the lasting legacy of the members of Navy Band No. 22, the band on the U.S.S. Arizona, entombed with over 1,100 other sailors in the sunken wreckage of the Arizona at Pearl Harbor. A solemn snare drum begins and ends the piece, and the familiar strains of Eternal Father Strong to Save are used to create a moving tribute to all veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Leave a lasting impression on your audience with this lovely work of tranquil solitude. Beginning quietly, the ensemble gradually builds to a dramatic climax, followed by a touching flute solo that provides a gentle closing statement. Especially effective as a tribute or memorial, it is a great example of how music can affect one's emotions.
A garden is a magical place. In addition to the vegetables, fruits, herbs and flowers, there are also numerous species of wildlife attracted by the plants; buzzing insects and a variety of birds add their musical songs. To spend time in a garden is to experience a wide variety of entrancing sounds, and the effect is quite musical. Experience a relaxing journey into that world as the band takes you aurally into The Garden of Magical Sound.
In this emotional work, a melancholy flute solo, supported and enhanced by changing instrumental colors and textures, leads the way. Lyric and colorful, this moving musical tribute provides developing bands the means to improve and grow. An excellent choice for contest or festival performances.
Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming and Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring are blended together in this lyric work for concert band. The simple and moving beauty of each hymn complements the other as motifs are traded back and forth before arriving at a triumphant climax. Appropriate for winter or holiday concerts, contests and festivals, or any occasion that calls for a lush ballad, it's sure to add a memorable touch of elegance to your next concert.
This superb setting of a popular hymn features delicate sonorities combined with shimmering metallic percussion that provides an excellent opportunity for young bands to perform lyrically and expressively. Artistic percussion performance is really on display, featuring wonderful sustained sounds of metal percussion instruments that glisten throughout. These resonant sounds blend perfectly with the long vibrant tones of the wind instruments for an overwhelming musical effect.
Music of the Water is a lyric piece that skillfully intertwines the melodies of Shenandoh and The Water Is Wide to create a piece that reflects the flowing beauty and majesty of a great river. The melodies float gracefully together and apart with moves and turns, just as rivers ebb and flow as they drift through the landscape. Wonderfully arranged, it presents a tremendous opportunity for teaching musicality and melodic style.
Seldom do works at this grade level achieve such levels of expression and lyricism. As suggested by the title, this moving work takes a reflective look at wonderful, positive memories and recalls the feelings that accompany them. With maturity and great care, the composer creates a peaceful atmosphere of warmth that won't soon be forgotten by anyone in your concert hall.
Middle school and small high school bands will find a touch of elegance in this accessible and entertaining work. The colorful percussion effects and layers of sound produced by the winds create the peaceful atmosphere of the beach, complete with ocean waves and instrumental sounds of sea and sky. A true gem of concert band programming.
Your audience is always receptive to a fresh setting of this beloved Christmas carol during the holiday season. Franz Grüber's familiar melody is surrounded with new and contemporary harmonies in this beautiful, flowing arrangement for developing bands. After building to a glorious climax, the music subsides into a quiet, soothing ending. The limited technical demands allow for a successful performance with a minimum of rehearsal time.