WINGERT-JONES PUBLICATIONS

Rage was written to explore the musical representation of fury, anger, and destructive forces. It is also a piece of music that allows musicians to explore their own emotions and to experience the artistic side of performance, playing with emotion and not just technically playing a piece. An outstanding composition.

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.

Relentless is an aggressive and hard-charging piece for concert band that was inspired by the belief that we all, in our own way, have the ability to be unstoppable if we choose to be. Inside everyone there is a pool of positive energy, determination, and drive that, when utilized, can overcome any obstacle or hardship. We must all call on this inner strength and resolve to be relentless in the pursuit of our dreams and convictions.

Throughout history, in both legend and real life, images of mysterious figures on horseback thundering through the night have provoked feelings of suspense, intrigue, and mystery.  All these images will come to life again through the colorful and creative writing found in this playable work for concert band.

This intriguing piece takes audiences on a lively excursion through the ups and downs and peaks and valleys of everyday life. While exploring the different musical moods, the music never loses the rhythmic drive and optimistic nature that makes it so unique and appealing. A spirited musical journey, bursting with rhythmic energy and optimism. Uplifting and inspiring!

This tone poem evokes an imaginary saga of the rise to power of a medieval realm led by a valiant young knight against tyrannical forces. A dramatic and bold opening sets the stage as these warriors set out to deliver the peasants from despair and oppression. The action intensifies until the warriors bring the battle to a victorious conclusion with the land and people they fought for emerging to become The Rising Kingdom.

The new musical chapter in the series of musical selections pertaining to the kingdom of Lochria. The mysterious and brooding music reflects the sense of uncertainty and adventure, spurring the imagination of those who perform this music.

Rock Creek Station was a main stopping point on the Pony Express and this picturesque work evokes the images of expansive landscapes and the sense of adventure on the Great Plains.  It opens with a rollicking jaunt over the open country, followed by a graceful waltz that reflects the stunningly beautiful sunsets at the end of the day. Finally, a robust, dance-like theme brings this colorful work to a vivid, delightful conclusion.

This famous march has long been a showcase for upper-level bands, and now, with this carefully written arrangement, young groups can add this thrilling work to their concert programs. It contains all the excitement and flash of the original in a setting that is both accessible and entertaining. An outstanding selection for developing groups, honor bands and as a super encore curtain-closer.

Romp! was inspired by and dedicated to the composer's very cute tabby who decided that his computer table (where he composes) was his spot to be... also when coming up with ideas for this piece, it seemed to fit him very well. The piece represents how he tends to wake up instantly and spring into action... running and darting here and there. The solo breaks and legato section represents how he can shift gears, stopping quickly, then springing right back to his romping around. There is optional "cat meowing" at the end that can be done by one person, if your group has someone who does a good cat meow, or electronically if you have the equipment. Or you can leave it out, though it does add a nice touch.

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.

The beautiful music of J.S. Bach's Prelude No. 1 in C is used in forming this outstanding work for developing bands. The imagery created by the music suggests a day at the sea shore, with the peaceful rise and fall of the surf providing a soothing background. A beautiful setting that introduces the music of a master in an attractive and musical concert setting.

With the roar of wind and thunder, the soothsayer appears; his mesmerizing presence further enhanced with wind chimes, triangles and other metallic sounds.  Tell the timeless story of these mysterious men and women who possessed the supernatural ability to predict the future.  This is indeed a truly magical work that will hold your audience spellbound!

The United States Air Force maintains a special and mysterious base in Nevada known as Area 51. There is much speculation that the wreckage of alien spacecraft and perhaps even captured or recovered aliens are secretly housed there. This selection allows the listener to take an imaginary look into that top-secret facility through music with a strong military theme and otherworldly sounds provided by special effects.

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.

Opening with the traditional Red River Valley, this selection offers experiences in legato phrasing with dynamic nuances. The Mexican Clapping Song follows, reinforcing the understanding of 6/8 meter. Every wind instrument has the melody at some time.

Spirit of Olympus was commissioned by director Elaine Wersky and the Olympus Music Program on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Olympus Junior High School. Wersky asked that the celebratory work also provide a middle section that could serve as an alma mater for the school. The true spirit of the student body is reflected in the great opening fanfare in the high brass with strong support from the percussion section. The alma mater is first presented by the full woodwind choir supported with glistening metallic percussion as accompaniment. A lush full-band treatment follows, emphasizing the majestic import of the meaningful melody. An energetic finale brings the work to a fittingly proud and regal close.

Commissioned by the 2004 Harford All-County Middle School Band, Maryland. A strong sense of suspense is established at the very outset, permeating the musical fabric throughout the entire piece to create a very effective, attention-grabbing concert opener. An unsettled and relentless rhythmic pulse drives the work forward, provided at various times by woodwinds, brass, and percussion, keeping the listener on edge until they all come together for the intense and emphatic finish.

Unpredictable and foreboding, the opening sounds reflect dark and ominous skies, full of mystery and suspense as a gathering storm approaches. Soon you hear the front hit, with the wild and furious wind howling through the trees which in turn is followed with the soft "pitter-patter" of gentle raindrops. Full of unexpected twists and turns that can happen at any time, Storm Front is a work that musically captures the ebb and flow, as well as the fury and bluster, of a powerful storm.

American pop culture is full of examples of the merging and melding of different artistic styles that end up with surprising and entertaining results. This work for young band is no exception as the timeless music of Tchaikovsky often heard at the holidays trades in ballet shoes for guiros and timbales. Many of the original rhythms of the ballet music have been altered to convey an authentic-sounding samba dance style. Holding true to the form of the original work, this setting of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy presents a decidedly different twist on a holiday classic, allowing students to learn to play a wonderful Latin dance style.

Based on an actual Native American melody, Sunrise Song is an imaginative, adventuresome composition that explores a wide variety of sounds and textures. While clearly within technical abilities of young players, this work presents a level of sophistication rarely heard in music at this level. All serious young percussionists will appreciate the well-written and effective percussion parts.

Inspired by surf rock bands of the 1960s, the musical characteristics of the style are all showcased here: a fast-paced driving rhythm combined with an agile melody and frequent use of blues scale elements. Steady rhythms in the winds and percussion imitate the chugging of a Fender Stratocaster guitar, while dynamics ebb and flow until an energetic coda delivers a tsunami of sound that fills the concert hall.   

Here's an arrangement that offers a new twist on an old Christmas favorite!  Featuring your percussion section and/or drum set player, this fun, swing-style selection for young bands will make young players sound great and add a touch of pizzazz to your winter program!

Reflecting the grandeur of the Ozark Mountains, this work is named for the Missouri county. The rolling melodies are broken by periodic outcroppings of jagged syncopation, painting both the forest-covered hills and the rocks and waterfalls that typify the Branson area.