In the Shoals region of northwest Alabama the Tennessee River is often referred to as ?the singing river ? a term originating with the Yuchi tribe of Native Americans. Commissioned by the Shoals Area Band Directors Association Johnnie Vinson has created an effective work for band that focuses on the river's relationship to life in this area both past and present. A primary ?river theme? is stated from which a series of variants creates a fascinating and appealing musical tapestry.

Vulcan for Concert Band is Grammy award winning composer Michael Daughertys first work for the high school and intermediate level college band. The work is a colorful homage to Gene Roddenberrys interstellar universe as depicted in the classicAmerican television series Star Trek (1966-69). The title refers to the fiery planet Vulcan home world of half-human half-Vulcan Mr. Spock. As the rational-minded science officer aboard the starship Enterprise (commanded by the hot-bloodedCaptain James T. Kirk) Mr. Spock grapples with the ?fascinating? predicament of making decisions predicated on human emotion versus Vulcan logic. Daugherty has composed stirring yet highly structured music that alludes to the Vulcan ?Pon Farr?ritual Vulcan telepathic mind-melds and the volcanic planet itself. At the the Ann Arbor Michigan world premiere (utilizing the combined forces of the Pioneer Huron and Skyline High School bands) Vulcan was an immediate hit and willsurely become one of Daughertys most performed works.

MusicWorks ? Grade 3Milhaud who was originally commissioned to write this work for American concert bands in war-torn 1945 employed folk tunes from the French provinces in hopes of sharing some of the rich culturewith the Americans who so valiantly defended his native land from the Nazis. This edition for young bands includes three of the original five movements: Normandie Alsace-Lorraine and Provence. (6:40)

Based on the African-American spiritual ?Ev?ry Time I Feel the Spirit? Feel the Spirit captures the essence of the traditional spiritual. These songs were created by African-Americans oppressed by slavery. A deeply religious people the slaves would use singing as an expression of both their enthusiastic joy and profound sadness. Feel the Spirit enables you to play a great gospel song with your band

With the recent anniversary of the end of World War II Americans have reflected on that special era in our history a time when popular music played such an important role in the national consciousness. This outstanding showcasefor band spotlights some of the fabulous songs of that era including: Thanks for the Memory Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree I'll Be Seeing You It's Been a Long Long Time Bell-Bottom Trousers White Clifs of Dover and Praisethe Lord And Pass the Ammunition.

The Music of BCM InternationalIn this third installment of a series of pieces that quote and rework familiar band themes (after Chester Leaps In and ImPercynations) composer Steven Bryant uses the classicmarch themes Americans We Liberty Bell March and National Emblem as the basis of this humorous and unexpected take on the traditional march. Slightly warped but unmistakably entertaining this well-constructednovelty is sure to bring a smile. (4:00)

Inspired by the Arikara (uh-RIK-a-RAH) tribe of Native Americans based in North Dakota this work by James Meredith is an evocative piece without portraying any specific event or story. Opening with a plaintive flute solo supported by an exoticpercussion backdrop the piece features a chorale-like statement in the winds before moving to the faster and more rhythmic main section. Mixing early American imagery with striking dissonances this is an effective and unique offering with limitedtechnical demands.

FANFARE PRELUDE: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST is based on the hymn-tune ?St. Anne ? which was used by G.F.Handel in the Chandos anthem ?O Praise the Lord ? and by J.S.Bach in his triple fugue in E-flat ?The St. Anne Fugue.? James Curnow?s FANFARE PRELUDE: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST captures the thoughts of this magnificent hymn which speaks of our country?s reliance upon God. The unusual 4/4 meter setting with artfully crafted re-harmonizations and lush counterpoint gives each listener cause to reflect on the importance and meaning of this melody to patriotic Americans everywhere.Inspired!

In Powhatan County and Song of the James-Powhatan County Virginia was named after the great Native-American Chief Powhatan whose confederacy of tribes once dominated the costal Virginia plain. He is most remembered for being the father of Pocahontas. His people are best known as the Native Americans who helped the Jamestown colonists survive. Several of these original tribes still exist today. The composer was inspired by the essence of this region and the James River which borders the northern portion of the county.

Commissioned by Prattville (Alabama) High School this work in three movements pays tribute to that city's founder Daniel Pratt who was one of the leading industrialists of the early 1800s. Including movements entitled“Fanfare for a New Era ” “Ode: The Southern Landscape ” and “Perpetual Motion: Machines ” composer Johnnie Vinson uses creative scoring and intriguing sounds to recreate this period of Americanhistory in an impressive work for band. Dur: 7:30 (Grade 4)

Samuel Barber Op. 17-Composed in 1942 Barber's Second Essay is a masterwork of concentrated musical drama with a richness of texture comprised of highly charged and succinctly organized musical modules. The opening theme has a definiteAmerican flavor. This is followed by a fugal section evolving from simple tonal patterns to polytonality. After an intensely rhythmic third section all elements are combined in a huge climax and coda which rounds off the work.Expertly transcribed by Dr. George Schneider this is certain to find its place in the standard repertoire for mature ensembles. Dur: 11:00 (Grade 5)

with Opt. Choir-Here is an inspiring medley of patriotic favorites specially written for band and choir. Although ideal as a combined concert number for your entire music department (opt. string parts are also available) it has been carefullyarranged to work with band alone. Includes: This Land Is Your Land You're a Grand Old Flag Yankee Doodle Boy and God Bless the U.S.A. (4:00) Also available: 08551843/3-part mixed; 08551844/2-part; 04490488/String Pak;08551845/VoiceTrax