Union Hymn Variants
This stunning setting by Robert Sheldon of the hymn God of Our Fathers" is presented as a chorale prelude beginning with a mournful and powerful opening. The piece moves through several major and minor keys before its first full presentation in a traditional and quiet rendition. A development section follows, bringing the work to its final iteration featuring fanfares, flourishes, and a stirring conclusion. (5:50)"
Janosa: Circles in a Square World - 24 Preludes and Nocturnes for Piano
Exuberant Awakening
Exuberant Awakening by Jack Wilds is a flashy opener that brims with elation. Soaring melodies and propulsive ostinatos combine with orchestrational flourishes to create a piece that exudes feelings of joy and excitement while being distinctly accessible to developing musicians. (2:45)
On a Tear
Packed with frenetic energy contrasted with a deeply moving lyrical section, On a Tear, by Todd Stalter, gives young musicians the opportunity to explore wide ranges of expression as all parts of the ensemble have featured areas and moments to shine. An ideal concert opener or closer, the work's title has a dual meaning, which deepens the musical connection between performers and audiences alike.
Celebrate This Day!
Full of excitement and energy, Celebrate This Day, by Jon Bubbett, will make an exciting opener for your next concert! Capturing the euphoria of the celebration of new life, this spirited and energetic opener is a great way to start your next concert. It winds through many emotions, from exhilaration to hopefulness and playfulness to robust excitement. This piece is exciting, captivating, and full of interesting harmonic surprises from the beginning. It will make your students and audiences feel lighter than air! (3:25)
Solidarity!
This fresh, contemporary concert march by William Owens will quickly become a favorite with your students! With memorable melodies and lively rhythms, the music is masterfully voiced to help your ensemble sound its richest and fullest. Have fun with this one as you rehearse and perform in Solidarity! (2:15)
Tirelessly Through the Night...
William Owens' powerful, programmatic work, Tirelessly through the Night..., is a musical depiction of the explosion that ravaged a small Texas community. Beginning softly and hauntingly, the Foreboding" gradually intensifies as the destructive "Crisis" chaos ensues. The "Aftermath" and "Regenesis" segments offer hope and reassurance in the wake of tragedy. Serious music for serious ensembles! (4:00)"
The Red-Haired Girl
In The Red-Haired Girl, by Bob Phillips, the influences of Bach's Cello Suite No. 1, Irish folk music, and a traditional Irish hymn have been incorporated into this dramatic piece. The cello and first violin sections have features, and all sections have challenging and fun-to-play parts with unusual and gorgeous harmonies. (4:15)
Mountain Celebration
Composer/arranger Carl Strommen skillfully captures the essence of a lively, bluesy, hand-clapping, and up-tempo celebratory gathering. With a toe-tapping beginning, a broad chorale-like setting, and a knee-slapping finale, Mountain Celebration is a down-home romp that epitomizes the Americana sound. (2:25)
Radiance
Written with the beginner in mind, Radiance is a delightful string orchestra piece that is fun for everyone! All parts have basic rhythms and use notes only in the D major scale, with cello and bass limited to the first six. 2nd violin and viola are doubled, as are the cello and bass. Despite its apparent simplicity, players will enjoy melodies in all parts, written in the uplifting Lydian mode. Let your orchestra shine with this scintillating work! (2:10)
Daybreak
Written in a friendly D major, Daybreak, by Daniel Keeler, begins lyrical and tranquil, like the dawning of a new day. Throughout the opening, the focus can be on larger group phrasing and dynamic contrast. Moving on to an upbeat, articulate, and jovial section, focus moves to hooked bowings and rhythmic triplets that span all strings and give cellos and violas more time on the C string. Sections throughout provide moments of part independence. This is a great piece to practice multiple musical styles, bowings, dynamic contrast, and overall ensemble. (3:10)
Nimrod
This stunning arrangement of Elgar's well-known ninth variation from the Enigma Variations has been expertly scored by Brant Karrick for the intermediate level. It retains all of the emotion and integrity of the original while keeping the instruments in their most comfortable and sweet-sounding registers. (2:15)
Songs of the British Isles
Based on the folk songs Down by the Salley Gardens" and "I Know Where I'm Going," Songs of the British Isles, by Patrick Roszell, is a lush and lyrical setting that is perfect for teaching lyrical playing to your younger players. This setting provides numerous teaching opportunities for slurring, legato bowing, phrasing, intonation, and dynamic shaping. A welcome addition to your program."
Honor the Brave
Honor the Brave, by Victor L籀pez, is an original composition dedicated to all veterans who have served honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces. It celebrates those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and who have courageously played an essential role in shaping our country and ensuring the freedom that we enjoy. (1:35)
Spiders!
Spiders have taken over the house! Tiptoe across the floor (pizzicato) so that you don't disturb the skittering spiders (collegno). But watch out for that big one descending from the ceiling (glissando)! Spiders!, by Christopher Alan Schmitz, will provide a frightening touch to your fall concert. (2:30)
The Gates of Janus
Explore the duality of music with The Gates of Janus, by Richard Meyer, which was inspired by Janus, the Greek god of opposites. Featuring contrasting melodies---one slow and soft, the other fast and loud---students will uncover six musical opposites and enhance their skills and expressive performance. Perfect for sparking discussions on how music conveys emotions. (3:20)
Irish Fantasy
Irish Fantasy draws inspiration from an Irish folk melody (The Road to Lisdoonvarna"), which Davide Pedrazzini freely transforms and elaborates. The result is a fantasy that is very characteristic and surprising, just as the landscapes of Ireland are surprising. The majestic opening theme, which brings the Dorian mode to your ear, is common in Celtic music. Performers will also experience rich counterpoint that includes a fugue section where all the instruments chase each other. A final accelerando will lead to a recapitulation of the majestic opening. The composer created this piece while recalling his holiday in Ireland. Let yourself be carried away on this surprising journey!"
Hisaishi: Studio Ghibli Recital Repertoire for Advanced Piano Duet 4-Hand
Songs of the British Isles
Based on the folk songs Down by the Salley Gardens" and "I Know Where I'm Going," Songs of the British Isles, by Patrick Roszell, is a lush and lyrical setting that is perfect for teaching lyrical playing to your younger players. This setting provides numerous teaching opportunities for slurring, legato bowing, phrasing, intonation, and dynamic shaping. A welcome addition to your program. (2:40)"
Honor the Brave
Honor the Brave, by Victor L籀pez, is an original composition dedicated to all veterans who have served honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces. It celebrates those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and who have courageously played an essential role in shaping our country and ensuring the freedom that we enjoy. (1:35)
String Quartet in F Major, Op. 18/1
A group of resourceful kids start "solution-seekers.com," a website where "cybervisitors" can get answers to questions that trouble them. But when one questioner asks the true meaning of Christmas, the kids seek to unravel the mystery by journeying back through the prophecies of the Old Testament. What they find is a series of "S" words that reveal a "spectacular story!" With creative characters, humorous dialogue and great music, The "S" Files is a children's Christmas musical your kids will love performing.
Balatro
Winner of the 2024 NBA Young Band Composition Contest, Balatro, by Minoo Dixon, is a bold and eccentric work that invites students and listeners into the mind of a balatro" -- the Latin word for joker. This imaginative piece introduces young musicians to the intriguing octatonic scale in a way that's both thoughtful and accessible, providing a fast-paced, captivating journey through fluid tonal shifts. Despite its tonal playfulness, the piece remains anchored to the familiar comfort of concert Bb, offering an ideal blend of exploration and stability. Balatro is a fresh, innovative addition to the concert band repertoire -- one that's sure to surprise and delight all."
Castle Bartizan
Travel back in time to the Middle Ages with this intensely energetic work, Castle Bartizan, by Sarah Siegler. The bartizan" is a turret of a castle, built along the defensive wall, containing the castle guard. The stonework could be quite ornate while the function was to protect the guard from invaders. The accented minor melody describes the stonework and the importance of the guard standing "at the ready" in the castle bartizan. The lyrical, contrasting sections depict the beauty and timelessness of ancient castles. The percussion, utilizing low tom-tom and tambourine combined with modal harmonies, gives the piece a medieval flare that will keep your students engaged and excited about the power of making music together."
Escapade!
Escapade!, by Raymond Sifuentes, sets the scene for a classic spy thriller. Our favorite secret agent protagonist finds himself embarking on his biggest mission yet! The job is simple: get in, collect the intel, and escape without being caught. Characterized by a central theme that accompanies our main character, humorous chromatic motifs symbolic of his blunders, and alarm sounds representing triggered booby traps, Escapade! provides clear story-telling opportunities and teachable moments, including chromatics and enharmonic spellings. Will our protagonist successfully complete his mission? Or will the enemy bodyguards get to him first?
Colossus
Drama and excitement: right from the start, Colossus, by Brian Beck, paints a scene of gladiators preparing and entering the ring for battle. Fanfares alert the masses when a new challenger is arriving, while other, more lyrical themes serve as processionals for warriors to enter. Though for young band, challenges are present with dynamic changes, rhythmic intensity, and some independent playing. Well worth the effort! Colossus was commissioned by and dedicated to the Louisiana Music Education Association District IV Honor Band for their performance in 2025. (3:00) Correlates to Sound Innovations, Book 2, Level 3.
Recharge
Recharge, by Adrian B. Sims, begins with an initial burst of energy that charges back up over time. After a short, softer section, brass fanfares and intense rhythms bring us to ultimate intensity, where the music concludes with one final swell to the end. (1:45)
The Raven
Edgar Allan Poe's most famous poem is the basis for this original piece by Michael Story. Written for students at the end of their first year in band, The Raven, with its haunting melody and colorful scoring, evokes the sense of sadness and loss that pervades Poe's timeless work. This unique piece would be a welcome addition to any beginning band library. (1:50)
Red River Valley
Bring the drama and drive of the Wild West to your beginning band students with this new setting of Red River Valley, by Michael Kamuf, of this great folk song. Rich harmonies, driving syncopated rhythms, and varying textures make this the perfect opening or closing selection for your next performance! (1:45)
Trolls
In Norse mythology, trolls were creatures that lived in the forests, mountains, or caves, away from human settlements. They were seen as antagonistic towards humans, brutish-looking, and were to be avoided. Various folk legends claimed they were as big as giants or as small as gnomes and had shapeshifting abilities. No doubt, many curious people must have ventured out to see a troll for themselves. Trolls, by Todd Stalter, vividly explores sneaking around in dark and unfamiliar places, a sense of confident adventure, and---quite possibly---the surprise of spotting a troll! This will come together very well in rehearsal and with its unique sound, will intrigue your students. (2:00)
Echoes of Iron
Echoes of Iron, by Jordan Sterk, utilizes the first six notes of the B-flat concert scale for all instruments, plus a seventh note for the saxophones and French horn. Students will love the bold and powerful nature as well as the industrial sounds of the piece. Echoes of Iron is an excellent vehicle to teach and reinforce eighth-note rhythms, dynamics, and articulation. There are plentiful opportunities to create dynamic contrast, and each section of the band gets a chance to shine through with melody, including the percussion section with a brief soli. Perfect for one of your students' first concerts! (1:20)
A Castle in the Woods
In the days of castles and kings, one would find a castle tucked away in the woods, maybe not even known to anyone outside the area. In the Middle Ages, communication and travel were limited. Many people never traveled more than a few miles from home. A Castle in the Woods, by Randy Navarre, is an ideal composition for students to perform on their first concert. It is easy and sounds great. The notes are in the first few pitches of the diatonic scale, and the chords of that scale are played with no accidentals. Your young musicians will be proud to perform this! (2:20)
La Serpiente
Open your next concert with this energetic Spanish-flavored piece from composer Michael Story. Featuring bold melodies and colorful harmonies, La Serpiente (The Snake) will evoke images of Flamenco dancers and bullfights. With a variety of instrumental colors and dynamic contrasts, the piece will also serve as a worthy introduction to the Spanish Phrygian scale. (1:30)
Knights of the Realm
Knights of the Realm, by Scott Watson, harkens back to the days of castles, dragons, courage, and valor, when protectors of the kingdom in suits of armor embarked on noble quests. The music's captivating melody and strong rhythms pay homage to these knights of old, whose heroic deeds have been immortalized in legend. Written carefully to the abilities of beginning band students, Knights of the Realm transports musicians and audience to an enchanted time of medieval lore when bravery and chivalry reigned supreme! (1:50)
Groovy Tuesday
Groovy Tuesday, by Robert Sheldon, is a rock piece that features a catchy bass line riff that your low brass and low woodwind players will be revisiting long after each rehearsal and performance. The melody is written in a current pop-music style that will have the players and audience tapping their feet. This very playable composition is perfect for younger players on any concert, even those NOT held on a Tuesday! (1:30) Correlates to Sound Innovations, Book 1, Level 3.
Honor the Brave
Honor the Brave, by Victor L籀pez, is an original composition dedicated to all veterans who have served honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces. It celebrates those men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and who have courageously played an essential role in shaping our country and ensuring the freedom that we enjoy. (1:50)
An American Celebration
Combining Taps," "America (My Country 'Tis of Thee)," and "America, the Beautiful," An American Celebration, by Patrick Roszell, is a wonderful and cinematically scored tribute to our beloved country. A welcome addition to your Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, Fourth of July, or spring concert program. (2:55)"
Heavy Hitters
Heavy Hitters, by Chris M. Bernotas, is a spectacular low winds and low brass feature that is sure to become a staple in beginning band literature. This very appreciated section of the band is featured throughout, and the rest of the band has fun and engaging parts as well. Driven by a rock beat, great opportunities for teaching rhythm, phrasing, dynamics, and even call and response are included. Perfect for recruiting and highlighting the lows! (1:50) Correlates to Sound Innovations Book 1, Level 3.
Climbing Quandary
Climbing Quandary, by Robert Sheldon, is meant to elicit the feelings one might have while spending the day hiking in the Rocky Mountains. One of the most popular hikes is a climb up to Quandary Peak in Colorado. This mountain was so named because of the mineral outcroppings that confused the prospectors while searching for silver in the 1860s. While being one of the 58 14-ers in Colorado (mountain peaks above 14,000 feet in elevation), it is cited as being one of the easier climbs and is consequently very popular. This would be a great time to enlist your art department to have students display pictures of their mountain artwork or to project images of Quandary Peak, many of which can be found online and royalty-free, during the performance. (1:50) Correlates to Sound Innovations, Book 2, Level 2.
