A spectacular dive via an extended chromatic scale immediately submerges us in a charged and somewhat archaic-feeling atmosphere. Trumpets horns and trombones resound in rhythmic patterns buttressed by restless motifs in the percussion. A second theme in the woodwinds begins much calmer but is quickly pushed aside by that same brass offensive. This introduction is the musical expression of the sometimes tumultuous early history of the town of Peer in Belgium. It closes with a D scale played over two octaves and repeated three times symbolizing the church steeples that dominate the townscape. Peer has the credentials of a town and people should know about it.There followsa rhythmic turbulent passage: in the course of history Peer has not been spared the ravages of war arson occupation epidemic and other evils. In contrast a slow pastoral lyrical part expresses the periods of peace and prosperity the town has known as well as the serene geographic setting that still characterizes the place. Various instruments in groups are developed in solo style while the accompaniment displays vast painterly images of sound. Now and then an exotic intonation is heard: a variety of peoples and cultures have left their mark on the town.This episode of tranquility and peacefulness comes to a sudden end when via a surprising almost chaotic transitional passage we are in effect transported back to our own time. A hopeful festive march expresses the confidence in the future that the Royal Concert Band of Peer exudes. This confidence is wholly justified: under the direction of conductor Willy Fransen the 95 members of the concert band have experienced an extended period of good fortune and the 75 musicians of the youth band - and the 45 little musicians of the mini-band - are involved in thriving operations.

Children for a New World was written at a time when many children worldwide skipped school and took to the streets to campaign for better climate control. This youth movement ‘Fridays for Future’ was inspired by the Swedish student Greta Thunberg and helps everybody to think about the future for us and our children. Young people are important for the future of our music bands too. Wind bands can play a significant part in children’s social and musical lives and are an ideal way to initiate cooperation between primary schools and the local community. Children for a New World is a good way to integrate class bands into local wind bands and provides a unique opportunity to perform in a larger ensemble. Accompanied by a youth or adult band or even both the class band will be at the centre of the performance.In Children for a New World you may recognise fragments from Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’. The conclusion of the piece also includes the famous Ode to Joy a theme composed by Beethoven for his ninth symphony a melody that has become synonymous for friendship and peace all over the world.Children for a New World was written at a time when many children worldwide skipped school and took to the streets to campaign for better climate control. This youth movement ‘Fridays for Future’ was inspired by the Swedish student Greta Thunberg and helps everybody to think about the future for us and our children. Young people are important for the future of our music bands too. Wind bands can play a significant part in children’s social and musical lives and are an ideal way to initiate cooperation between primary schools and the local community. Children for a New World is a good way to integrate class bands into local wind bands and provides a unique opportunity to perform in a larger ensemble. Accompanied by a youth or adult band or even both the class band will be at the centre of the performance.In Children for a New World you may recognise fragments from Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’. The conclusion of the piece also includes the famous Ode to Joy a theme composed by Beethoven for his ninth symphony a melody that has become synonymous for friendship and peace all over the world.

The young have the future. This is the statement made at the beginning of ‘Like a Child’ by Andreas Ludwig Schulte. The opening radiates strength and ambition but one is also made to wonder which direction will be chosen which choices will have to be made.After the introduction the first steps on the path of life are taken still somewhat unsteadily (the 3/4th time used illustrates this uncertainty). However the child has now set off and will meet the future with an open mind unafraid even though experience will teach it how easily it can be hurt.Fortunately it is sometimes allowed to be vulnerable and it discovers there will always be someone to offer shelter support and love. (Adagio) The last part breathes a far greater independence. Youth is able to face the future it can even take on the whole world!

An Astrological Composition. Astrology is based on the principle that each sort of time has its own quality. In order to determine the quality of a particular moment an astrologer looks at the position of the planets in the solar sustemat that moment. Each planet has specific types of energies and its location provides unique information for a certain moment on Earth. Thus: its position in the sky tells something about what happens on Earth. In this composition the typesof energies of four planets are musically translated. The four planet were not randomly chosen. There are two pairs whose influence and energy are opposite. Venus and Mars. Venus represents the feminine principle: harmony beauty art and the ability to make relationships and to keep the peace. Venus connects and communicates in order to maintain the balance. Mars represent the masculine principle: winning impulsiveness enthusiasm and sexual energy for procreation.He creates war enabling the strongest to triumph. Mars is musically depicted in a stirring march in which enthusiasm characterises the masculine character. Saturn and Jupiter. Saturn represents concentration and withdrawal: the strongnotion of responsibility seriousness self-discipline and melancholy. Saturn is the hermit who will conquer his fears and worries in minimal conditions and by self-chastisement. This contemplative character is depicted in the music as if it isalmost standing still which also reflects the given character of this planet. Jupiter represents growth and expansion: the positive self-confidence the good Samaritan the healer. Jupiter is the philosopher who will make the world a betterplace sees future possibilities and searches for eternal values. He is the prophet who sometimes rants and raves his doctrine and proclamations resulting musically in a whirling and upbeat finale. not looking back at what has been but searchingfor new challenges. 'Heaven and Earth' was commisioned by the Music Lending and Information Centre (MUI) a department of the library for the province of Gelderland in Arnhem The Netherlands.Een astrologische compositie. Astrologie is gebaseerd op het principe dat elke tijd zijn eigen kwaliteit heeft. ''Tijd voor koffie'' of ''het was je tijd nog niet'' als bijvoorbeeld een baan aan je neus voorbij is gegaan. Om de kwaliteit van een moment te lezen kijkt deastroloog naar de stand van de planeten in ons zonnestelsel op dat tijdstip. Elke planeet heeft specifieke energieën en de plaats aan de hemel geeft unieke informatie over een bepaald moment op aarde. Oftewel: de stand aan de hemel (Ouranos) verteltiets over wat er op aarde (Gaia) gebeurt. In deze compositie worden de energieën van vier planeten muzikaal vertaald. De vier planeten zijn niet lukraak gekozen. Het zijn twee paren die qua invloed en energie tegenovergesteldzijn. Venus en Mars.

(Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)-Composed in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the title of this dramatic setting is taken from a biblical passage and quoted by Dr. King in his celebrated I Have a Dream speech in 1963. After a fanfare-like introduction the piece is comprised of three sections. The Dream relects on Dr. King's famous speech. This is followed by Strife which recalls the violence of the civil rights movement and finally Hope which looks to a brighter future and is a setting of the hymn We Shall Overcome. Performed with or without the narration this is a stirring work for young bands. Dur: 5:20