SKU: HL.4005037

UPC: 888680669560. 9.0x12.0x0.114 inches.

The African-American spiritual “Down in the River to Pray” forms the basis for this creative and dramatic work for mature ensembles. Opening with a tender chorale-like statement, the piece evolves throughout with variations in mood and intensity, ultimately building to a majestic and powerful conclusion. Dur: 5:20.

SKU: CL.LDP-7167-00

Early railroad songs, gold-rush tunes and African-American spirituals molded into an exuberant, spirited musical celebration! A masterpiece! Sure to become an important part of the concert band repertoire! Movements: I. Patrick on the Railway. II. Sweet Betsy, III. Little David, Play On!

SKU: CF.CPS224F

ISBN 9781491153185. UPC: 680160910687.

Rainbow in the Clouds is based on an old traditional spiritual, possibly an African-American song from the 19th century, entitled God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds.  Composer Carol Brittin Chambers was inspired by poetic Maya Angelou to create of setting of this beautiful song. It is lush and beautiful throughout and will highlight the musicianship of your students.  This would serve as a welcome change of pace piece on your program for concert or contest.
Rainbow in the Clouds was commissioned by the Pflugerville Middle School Wind Ensemble in Pflugerville, Texas, directed by Shauna Satrom. The piece premiered in May 2017, in memory and celebration of Luis Ham, who was an Assistant Principal at Pflugerville Middle School.This piece is based on an old traditional spiritual, possibly an African-American song from the nineteenth century, entitled God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds. The first time I heard reference to this song was in a Maya Angelou video, in which she sings a portion of it: “When it looked like the sun wouldn’t shine anymore, Oh, God put a rainbow in the clouds.” In the video, Dr. Angelou honors those who have demonstrated kindness to her in the past, and she suggests that we all try to be a blessing to others. The Pflugerville community believed that Mr. Ham, with his positive outlook, was definitely a “rainbow in the clouds” for other people.The piece begins with a full ensemble introduction, followed by a woodwind treatment of the first verse with a fairly reserved tempo and straight eighth-note rhythm. When brass pick up the melody on the second phrase, we start to hear the song more like the original spiritual, with dotted-eighth, sixteenth rhythms. The middle section of the piece at m. 22 begins to move at a slightly quicker tempo, and the mood becomes lighter. This section becomes a call-and-response between a euphonium solo and upper woodwinds. The final section of the piece involves everyone playing together joyously and full, eventually winding down with two more solo statements in flute and euphonium.Note to the Conductor:Use this piece to introduce or reinforce the following musical concepts:Lyrical, expressive playing varied stylesSolo responsibilitiesKey changes, tempo changes.

SKU: AP.81-CB224483

ISBN 9781778930492. UPC: 685462030507. English.

Behold a Ladder Set Up on the Earth by Frank McKinney is a composition that touches upon both the thoughtful meditation and the emotional response to the lyrics of the African American slave spiritual We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder. There are abundant opportunities for both sensitive and robust musical moments. A variation of the well-known theme is stated in the opening Adagio trumpet solo and then repeated several times throughout the piece. A more upbeat Allegro variation then enters before the familiar tune is finally introduced calmly by the bassoon. The climactic Religioso section presents the main theme in all of its call and response glory. (3:50).

SKU: FJ.B1762

UPC: 241444398098. English.

This spirited march commemorates the U.S. Navy's first African-American officers, known as the Golden Thirteen. While traditional in form, the work cleverly incorporates fragments of Anchors Aweigh while the trio section is based on the spiritual Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen. A perfect concert or contest march that is equally appropriate for Veterans Day or Black History Month.

About FJH Young Band

Appropriate for middle school and smaller high school groups. Second clarinets usually stay below the break. Parts are written with more independence, and instrumentation increases slightly. There is still adequate doubling in the lower voices. Grades 2 - 2.5