Composer Timothy Johnson spent many years as a school band director. His teaching experience qualifies him to approach the development of this new entry into the CMP Essentials of Musicianship Series with reality-based confidence. Ever so gradually this product takes the band from the simplest forms of syncopation to more and more complex notation. Your students can build their reading skills at a pace they can handle. The astute teacher will also notice that there is plenty of concept reinforcement as the group steps from easy to more challenging rhythms.A great teaching tool!

Variants on a Shaped Note Tune was commissioned by the Homewood Middle School Band (Homewood AL) and was premiered at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference in January 2006. The title refers to a traditionalearly American singing style based on reading a system of shapes rather than musical notes. Based on the Scottish tune “Pisgah” from the shape note songbook The Sacred Harp the Variants begin simply with astatement by unison clarinets. From there begins a series of distinctive variations featuring an ingenious mix of styles tempos and instrumentation. Destined to become a staple on required contest lists for years to come thiswork provides an exceptional complement for any program or festival. Dur: 5:00 (Includes Full Performance CD)