During the eighteenth century a person called 'the Dance Master' made his appearance in Ireland. He was a travelling dance-teacher who moved from one village to another to teach the people there how to dance. They were often flamboyant personalities gorgeously dressed and holding a staff in one hand. In order to teach their pupils the difference between their right and left leg the dance master used to tie a small bunch of straw or hay to their leg and then would order them to either lift their 'hay-leg' or their 'straw-leg'. The dancing masters used to stay in one particular village for about six weeks (if they were not claimed by a neighbouringvillage) after which they continued their journey. Having a famous dance master gave a village a certain distinction and did not seldom lead to boasting and pride. Also on account of the popularity of Celtic music in general at the moment William Vean was inspired to writing 'The Irish Dance Master'. He 'teaches' you two dances the Reel and the Jig. In between these two dances there is a short breathing space during which a traditional Irish rhythm can be enjoyed.

Score and Parts-Bernhard Heiden was a German and American composer and music teacher who studied under and was heavily influenced by Paul Hindemith. Heiden's music is described by Nicolas Slonimsky another composer as 'neoclassical in its formal structure and strongly polyphonic in texture; it is distinguished also by its impeccable formal balance and effective instrumentation'. Much of Heiden's music is for either Wind or String chamber groups or solo instruments with Piano though he also wrote two symphonies an opera ('The Darkened City') a ballet ('Dreamers on a Slack Wire') and vocal and incidental music for poetry and severalof Shakespeare's plays.Variations is scored for solo Tuba and nine French Horns.

The Four Noble Truths are the most basic expression of the teaching of Buddha and therefore still form the guidelines for Buddhists to this day. The four truths are Dukkha which describes times of major stress in our lives - birth aging desire and death; Samudaya which describes those parts of our life that induce stress feeling craving desire; Nirodha which tells us how to eliminate those aspects of our lives which induce stress and Magga which describes the eight didciplines which can help us eliminate the origins of stress from our lives. It can be seen from these over-simplified definitions that the Four Noble Truths fall into two pairs the first two describingthe origins of stress and the second two describing how we can reduce stress. To reflect this the four movements of this work are also combined into two pairs - two quick movements and two slow movements. A fascinating work from this great English composer.

60 Progressive Duets for Trombones or Euphoniums BC-The early stages of learning any instrument are undoubtedly the most important. A good teacher is of course essential but it is also vital to have stimulating pieces to play which complement your choice of teaching method and are carefully tailored to introduce learning and playing skills in a structured manner. As in the book of Starter Studies the duets in Starter Duets introduce new musical elements in a logical order to facilitate the speedy growth of the ?complete musician? with the obvious benefit of allowing teacher and student (or two students) to play together and therefore experience the benefits of ensemble playing in the learning process.

60 Progressive Duets for Trumpets Cornets or Flugel Horns-Award-winning composer Philip Sparke presents Starter Duets a collection of his delightful original compositions. This title aims to introduce new musical elements in a logical order to help facilitate the speedy growth of the “complete musician.” Teacher and student – or two students – can perform together and experience the benefits of ensemble playing early in the learning process. Arranged for the Trumpet Cornet and Flugelhorn.