Ideal for the concert programmer these arrangements are of two much-loved classics and yet offer flexibility of instrumental line-up. After the first volume of Centrestage featuring Dvorak's Largo ('From New World' Symphony) and Mussorgski's Parade (Pictures at an Exhibition) now the most popular piece from Weill's 'Threepenny Opera' and from Bizet's 'Carmen' can be performed by chamber groups or equally well enlarged with more players to each part.These straightforward arrangements allow the soloist a chance to shine and come with a helpful but optional piano accompaniment for rehearsal or for supporting the performance. Tailor-made as concert items thesepieces will familiarize young instrumentalists with standard musical repertoire and additionally encourage them to listen attentively. Most importantly they will experience the pleasure of music making with others.

Here's a cooking swing-style chart from the same cat that wrote last year's festival winner Socrates The Amazing Mississippi Map Turtle which made the Midwest Clinic program. This chart features lots of solid ensemble writing throughout especially in the bone section.

Southwestern native Craig Biondi crosses the boarder for inspiration on this medium-easy samba. The G's and A's at the top of the Trumpet 1 staff are all approached scalewise making this an accessible piece for most bands. Trumpet and tenor are featured on the head and both have changes to blow solos.