Ray of light was composed for the 75th anniversary of the Royal Wind Band (De Heidegalm Berkenbos). The mining environment of Berkenbos (Heusden-Zolder, B) is a proof of what used to be one of the most flourishing industries inLimburg viz. the Mining Industry. Going down the shaft in the elevator for the first time was a sensational experience for every miner: the noise of the closing doors, the shock experienced when the lift cage started moving tofall down whizzingly into the deep at a speed of 30 km an hour. The opening theme of Ray of Light doesn?t only reflect the bravery of the descending miners but also their anxiety, their doubt and insecurity. In the solo passage,the anxiety during the long walk in the dark through the mine corridors with only headlamps and mine lamps is clearly audible. Working in the mines wasn?t without any danger. The very flammable and at times explosive mine gasesalways posed a hidden threat. Apart from that there was always the continuous danger of collapse. The beautiful choral movements are therefore an ode to the miners that left their lives in the mine. The eastern scale refers tothe multicultural character of the mining environment of Berkenbos with its many commercial shops and different types of housing inherent in mining architecture. The mining profession is still a very dangerous job, but at the endof the dark corridor the miners still see a beam of light as a sign of hope.ay of Light

Compiled and Arranged by Franco Cesarini. During his experience as a band conductor and teacher of wind orchestra conducting at university, Franco Cesarini has dealt with the topic of warm-ups very frequently. Throughout these long years of conducting he has had the opportunity to try many existing methods, evaluating their advantages and disadvantages. After a long time, he has decided to compile a collection of chorales for warm-ups, which are organized according to the criteria that he considers most effective. While working on his60 Warm-up Chorales for Concert Band, Franco Cesarini has always borne in mind that amateur musicians play for pleasure. He feels that it is extremely important that they have satisfaction at every moment of the rehearsal and not to start the rehearsal with needless "punishing" exercises. Nobody is really motivated to start playing with scales, long notes, or tricky rhythmical exercises. There is often a distinguished absentee in band rehearsals, namely music itself! Although this publication does not foresee a specific tempo for the chorales, they should often be performed rather slowly but without dragging. Dynamics are not indicated, so that the conductor has the opportunity to draw the attention of the musicians to his gestures and to make them react according to his indications. Timpani and bell parts have been added with the aim of not leaving the percussionists completely inactive during the warm-up phase, but can also be omitted. The chorales are written in four parts (SATB) and are also playable in smaller groups. The four voices can be played in different combinations of woodwinds or brass quartets or in mixed combinations. The collection includes ten chorales for the following keys: D flat major, A flat major, E flat major, B flat major, F major and C major. With his 60 Warm-up Chorales Franco Cesarini would like to convey the message to play the chorales in a musical way, thus raising the musicians? awareness of phrasing, the right interpretation of cadences, rubato and agogic. Above all, never do anything without putting the musical aspect in the foreground. 60 Warm-up Chorales for Concert Band: A perfect collection to warm-up and improve tuning of a concert band!

Arr. James L. Hosay. Par STEFFE W.. The mainly unison, easy chorus parts in BATTLE HYMN 2000 mean you CAN prepare James Hosay's imaginative and inspiring version of 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' for performance, even though opportunities for combined chorus and band rehearsals are hard to find. In fact, the dress rehearsal may be all you need to put on the finishing touches. It makes a spine-tingling finale for a combined choral/band concert (it can also be used as a stand-alone band piece). For a thrilling addition, consider having the chorus surround the audience while the band remains on stage. The surround-sound effect can be magnificent and it gives each member of the chorus a little personal stardom. Don't forget, having one piece at the end of the concert which includes everyone always helps to make sure you maintain a 'full house' for all your performing groups. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

James Curnow skillfully brings one of Tchaikovsky's most memorable symphonic themes to the concert band stage with this new arrangement. It's always a good idea to let your band members become familiar with great orchestrathemes. Whether used as a concert centerpiece or an exciting finale you'll want to have this mainstay of Romantic era music in your library. Dur: 4:45

Good King Wenceslas-Young band directors are always on the lookout for something new and a little different for the winter concert. Timothy Johnson’s new Christmas arrangement for Beginning Bands fits the bill perfectly. It remains technically accessible to the young band while exploring this old familiar tune in new and different ways. You even have the option of including a 'set' drummer by using the Optional Percussion 1 Advanced part. Lots of unison rhythms in the Winds ensure that you can prepare The Good King Rocks in time for that winter concert and there are enjoyable parts for every instrument which keeps the whole group focused and involved during rehearsal. Fun!

James Curnow skillfully brings one of Tchaikovsky's most memorable symphonic themes to the concert band stage with this new arrangement. It's always a good idea to let your band members become familiar with great orchestrathemes. Whether used as a concert centerpiece or an exciting finale you'll want to have this mainstay of Romantic era music in your library. Dur: 4:45

First Movement of A Tribute to Arthur Delamont-Famed bandmaster Arthur Delamont always started his concerts with a rousing overture and Front and Center is in this proud tradition. In a non-stop 9/8 rhythm this piece explodes with energy and effervescence. Full of powerful fanfares lively melodies driving percussion and dynamic contrasts this exciting concert opener moves through different musical colors without ever losing its relentless drive. An exhilarating tour-de-force showcasing all sections of the band! Front and Center is the first movement of A Tribute to Arthur Delamont and was commissioned by the West Vancouver Youth Band. Dur: 3:15

With a musical career spanning a century the 20th century was Irving Berlins own and his music was Americas music. This spectacular choir band and optional string medley of some of Irving Berlins classic songs offers a variety of entertainingperformance options. Includes: Alexanders Ragtime Band Theres No Business Like Show Business Puttin on the Ritz Always Blue Skies God Bless America. Available: SATB SAB 2-Part Concert Band (Gr. 3) String Pak ShowTrax CD. PerformanceTime: Approx. 7:00.

The First Noel. Alluring harmonies give this great new treatment of The First Noel a special character all its own. Your band members will light up as they go to work on it. Creative orchestration and rhythmic treatments mean there’s always something of interest going on. On A Cold Winter’s Night will be the perfect contrast piece for your concert. Unique! / Niveau : 2 / Classique / Recueil / Concert Band

Par CURNOW JAMES. Fiddle tunes have been an important part of American music since her earliest days. You’ll enjoy James Curnow’s new suite based on two fiddle tunes from the Revolutionary War period. The first movement uses the flowing melody Lovely Nancy, which is about a beautiful two-masted sailing ship. The second movement comes from a knee-slapping fast paced dance tune called Hay Makers. This will be a wonderful contrast piece to use for that lighter moment in your concert. It’s always fun to explore band music that is a bit out of the ordinary! This one is great fun from beginning to end and carries a marvelous historic connection as well! / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Based on God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen-A mix of original material and an old English song let you explore the musical tradition of “wassailing” with your band. Stephen Bulla's amazing knack for harmony and subtly unpredictable scoring always makes for aninteresting ride. Your winter concert deserves something to contrast the usual fare and you'll find just that in this fine example of young band arranging. Innovative!