SKU: CF.CPS216

ISBN 9781491152423. UPC: 680160909926.

Cosmic Expedition takes performers on a musical journey far across the galaxy via three main sections.  This fanfare composition would be perfect for opening a concert. It has bold brass fanfare figures over textural woodwinds to start and then takes the listener on a sonic journey through a variation of harmonic colors, tambural and textural shifts.
Cosmic Expedition takes performers on a musical journey far across the galaxy via three main sections. The first, a rather celebratory and triumphant fanfare in Bb major begins with the upper woodwinds and percussion creating a sound-screen, that is a busy texture consisting of a flurry of repeated notes over which the horns and alto saxophones present the opening theme. The sound-screen should be carefully balanced and give way to the melody at m. 5, which should be played extremely marcato. The timpani solo beginning in m. 11 must not be understated. A brief percussion interlude separates a restatement of the opening theme, this time with the addition of the trumpet, tenor saxophone, and euphonium, and a counter melody by the low winds. The percussion interlude is playful, light, but full of vigor and energy. An Ab in the low winds pulls the harmony towards G minor in m. 40 to start the second section, a more serious fanfare. Here, the marimba repeats an ostinato that is complemented by the bass drum and woodblock. The upper woodwinds with the xylophone and snare drum dance over the stern secondary fanfare. A longing call lead by the trombones, interrupted by a subtle snare drum beckons to the clarinets and horn who begin the third section of the piece at m. 68. This haunting melody in C minor is legato, and starkly contrasts all which came before it. A relentless concert tom-tom played with hard mallets keeps the momentum persistent, and a heartbeat-like pulse is felt from the tuba and baritone saxophone. The melody rises towards m. 84 when the brass harken back to the fanfare style before fading back into another lush woodwind strain.A recapitulation of the low winds’ call is heard at m. 100 which in this occasion intensifies into an emphatic statement by the battery percussion instruments. Now in Eb major, the opening fanfare theme is heard again once more before fading into the beginning of the piece’s conclusion.To end, the counter melody from the opening section duels with chromatic tension above before swelling to an arrival in the original key of Bb major. The full ensemble celebrates the piece’s resolution, and after a few crunchy power chords the journey is completed.

SKU: CF.BPS127

ISBN 9781491156209. UPC: 680160914746. 9 x 12 inches.

Program Notes Elephant is, of course, inspired by the incredible mammals of the same name. Their column-like legs, long trunks, and massive presence will never cease to amaze; however, it's their trumpeting that makes them stand out as the instrumentalists of the animal kingdom! In this selection, an elephant's slow gate and general demeanor are represented by a methodical tempo and lumbering texture. Woodwinds will enjoy the opportunity to perform grace notes while Elephant also offers exposure to flams for young percussionists.   At m. 33 the trumpets and horns recreate an elephant call after slipping brown paper bags, or lunch-bag mutes, over their bells (in their bells for horn players). For the trumpet players, the mutes can be enhanced with an additional balled-up piece of paper placed at the bottom of the bag prior to slipping it over the bell. Horns should ball up the bag itself and experiment with placement to create the most realistic tones without stopping the instrument. While specific pitches are noted, making the best elephant sounds should prioritized. Young students always look forward to experimenting with mutes, and this selection offers an inexpensive and creative way to do so at a young age. Note to the Conductor This piece can be used to introduce or reinforce the finer points of staccato playing. While many students know to play these notes short in length, they may need reminding that they should also be played lightly. This also may allow for opportunities in emphasizing contrasting articulation styles that are in this piece. Younger students will likely need a reasonable amount of practice in successfully using the lunch-bag mutes. Allowing additional rehearsal time for this is recommended.
Program Notes Elephant is, of course, inspired by the incredible mammals of the same name. Their column-like legs, long trunks, and massive presence will never cease to amaze; however, it's their trumpeting that makes them stand out as the instrumentalists of the animal kingdom! In this selection, an elephant's slow gait and general demeanor are represented by a methodical tempo and lumbering texture. Woodwinds will enjoy the opportunity to perform grace notes while Elephant also offers exposure to flams for young percussionists.   At m. 33 the trumpets and horns recreate an elephant call after slipping brown paper bags, or lunch-bag mutes, over their bells (in their bells for horn players). For the trumpet players, the mutes can be enhanced with an additional balled-up piece of paper placed at the bottom of the bag prior to slipping it over the bell. Horns should ball up the bag itself and experiment with placement to create the most realistic tones without stopping the instrument. While specific pitches are noted, making the best elephant sounds should prioritized. Young students always look forward to experimenting with mutes, and this selection offers an inexpensive and creative way to do so at a young age. Note to the Conductor This piece can be used to introduce or reinforce the finer points of staccato playing. While many students know to play these notes short in length, they may need reminding that they should also be played lightly. This also may allow for opportunities in emphasizing contrasting articulation styles that are in this piece. Younger students will likely need a reasonable amount of practice in successfully using the lunch-bag mutes. Allowing additional rehearsal time for this is recommended.
Program NotesElephant is, of course, inspired by the incredible mammals of the same name. Their column-like legs, long trunks, and massive presence will never cease to amaze; however, it’s their trumpeting that makes them stand out as the instrumentalists of the animal kingdom! In this selection, an elephant’s slow gait and general demeanor are represented by a methodical tempo and lumbering texture. Woodwinds will enjoy the opportunity to perform grace notes while Elephant also offers exposure to flams for young percussionists. At m. 33 the trumpets and horns recreate an elephant call after slipping brown paper bags, or “lunch-bag mutes,” over their bells (in their bells for horn players). For the trumpet players, the mutes can be enhanced with an additional balled-up piece of paper placed at the bottom of the bag prior to slipping it over the bell. Horns should ball up the bag itself and experiment with placement to create the most realistic tones without stopping the instrument. While specific pitches are noted, making the best elephant sounds should prioritized. Young students always look forward to experimenting with mutes, and this selection offers an inexpensive and creative way to do so at a young age.Note to the ConductorThis piece can be used to introduce or reinforce the finer points of staccato playing. While many students know to play these notes short in length, they may need reminding that they should also be played lightly. This also may allow for opportunities in emphasizing contrasting articulation styles that are in this piece.Younger students will likely need a reasonable amount of practice in successfully using the “lunch-bag mutes.” Allowing additional rehearsal time for this is recommended.

SKU: CN.R10202

Warlike, then noble, Now is the Day is based on the great figure in Scottish history - William Wallace, often called Braveheart. Opening with the woodwinds playing drums along with the percussion section against brass fanfares, this piece will create an air of excitement. An alto saxophone solo provides a brief moment of solace between the battle scenes.

This work is based on a great figure in Scottish history - William Wallace, often called Braveheart. The song Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled, which is Scotland's unofficial national anthem contains the line Now is the day and how is the hour, and this is the source of the title. The opening section is warlike in sound with woodwinds playing tambours of some sort - tom-toms, tambours, even old drum skins will make the kind of noise required to simulate a battle. Noisy brass fanfares are melodic fragments of Scots wha hae melody. Eventually, woodwinds join in and the music slows down to an alto saxophone solo, again based on fragments of Scots wha hae. The battle tempo resumes and percussion then lead the band noisily into an eventual full statement of the theme creating a noble sound against the continuing drum patterns, leading to a triumphant ending.