Richard takes the listener and performer on an extended journey through various moods styles in this impressive work for mature ensembles. The stately opening strains gather momentum and intensity leading to a fast paced sectionwhich features intertwining solo and small group fragments passed throughout the texture. An overall soaring theme adds a tone of triumph and grandeur throughout and the final push to the end is both exhilarating and rhythmicallydynamic. Dur: 6:50

Voyage au Centre de la Terre-This composition was based on the world-famous novel by the French author Jules Verne. This novel describes the attempt to reach the centre of the earth. The descent of the crater of the volcano called Snaeffels situated in Iceland marks thebeginning of this voyage to the sublunary world. The German geologist professor Lidenbrock is accompanied on this trip by his nephew Axel and an Icelandic guide named Hans. The last mentioned will be helpful in many occasions. Dark colors & mist The composer tried in this single work to give a musical expression to various significant moments from this novel. In the introduction he sketches an image of the dismal ambience on the island by using dark colors. Risingfragments of mist reveal the flanks of the monumental mountain Scataris. The composer tries to catch this image in a majestic and broad chorale. Away from Iceland Subsequently the ostinato rhythmicity and virtuosity representthe hectic descent of the crater of the volcano. The party descends ever more and more and travels south away from Iceland. On the way they see all kinds of rock formations fossils and minerals. At a depth of thirty hours walking distance atabout 150 kilometers below the surface they reach a sub terrestrial sea which is called the Lidenbrock sea. Genuine eruption of sounds Strange electric manifestations and unpredictable weather conditions accompany thissingular phenomenon. An orchestral tutti-episode expresses this impression musically. On a make-shift raft the party continues its voyage heading to the south coast of this huge sea. Once ashore an enormous rock obstructs the passage. The blowingup of this obstacle unleashes a genuine eruption of sounds in the orchestration. Spat out by the volcano But the explosion has an unforeseen side effect. The sea - travelers and raft included - is sucked upwards into a dark hole.Again our heroes are accompanied on their involuntary voyage while left to fend for themselves by an ever increasing ostinato rhythmicity. Before an irruption can destroy the raft the threesome manages to escape and climb up through acave towards the daylight. They seem to be spat out by the Stromboli volcano on the island of Sicily far from home. The composition ends with triumphant sounds that represent the scientific triumph of these adventurers.

The south-western US state of Arizona has more than its fair share of stunning landscapes natural phenomena and National Monuments. Best known is the Grand Canyon but there are also numerous deserts a petrified forest extinct volcanoes and the huge Sunset Crater. Not surprisingly it has featured as the backdrop to many Western movies.The Painted Desert is a narrow crescent-shaped arc about 160 miles long which begins near the Grand Canyon and varies in width from 10 to 35 miles. It is largely void of vegetation and years of erosion by wind and rain have exposed sedimentary layers of rock up to 250 million years old. Chemical differences in the various layers result in aneffect not unlike a multicoloured layer cake with contrasting hues of red orange and pink blue grey and lavender creating a silent and barren landscape which looks like it has been hand-painted. As with much of the planet’s stunning landscapes all the observer can do is stand and stare.

Raymond Scott was an American composer bandleader pianist sound engineer recording studio boffin and inventor of electronic musical instruments. The Raymond Scott Quintette had various hits in the late 1930s including Powerhouse. This piece which often appears in film soundtracks is comprised of a fast A-section and a slower B-section played in the form A-B-A.

Written in a grand film scoring style Rossano Galante's Journey to the Lion's Castle takes the listener on an exciting musical excursion of various moods and styles. The impressive opening strainsfeature woodwind flourishes and powerful brass lines. A graceful and majestic middle section offers a change of pace before the ending segment drives to a breathtaking finish. For mature bands this could become a programminghighlight! Dur: 6:00 (Grade 5)

Playing one wrong note can ruin the performance of a piece right? Well composer Thomas Duffy actually wants the performers to make mistakes in this clever composition! The precise imprecision comes to life as students are askedto intentionally play wrong notes in various parts of the march. After performing this work you and your students will never look at “perfection” the same way again! (Includes score parts and CD-ROM.) Freeinterdisciplinary curriculum for the piece is available for download at http://www.BandQuest.org.

Invictus was commissioned by the United States Army Ground Forces Bands commander and conductor Major Otis C. French and is dedicated to various units of the Forces Command including the Active Army Army National Guard Army Reserve Combat Forces Combat Support Forces Combat Service Support Forces and the Civilian Forces. This work is passionate powerful and turbulent with a real victorious feel!

Audivi Media Nocte is based on the eponymous motet by Thomas Tallis from the 16th Century - a work that holds great fascination for Oliver Waespi. During the process of composition, various chord sequences and rhythmical structures emerged that led the work in the direction of a musical drama, with elements of a concerto grosso and solos for different soloists. An innovative, virtuoso and gripping work that can also take you far in competitions!

The champagne cellars of Mercier in Epernay were the source of inspiration for this composition. The title has been aptly chosen: Cin Cin means ‘cheers’ in Italian. The various themes and melodies refer to different aspects of the champagne production and especially to the specific cellars of the Champagne region. A remarkable sparkling composition. Cheers!

Santa?s elves are finished with their seasonal duties and are dancing in celebration. The reindeer join in and so does Mrs. Claus. They decide to invite Santa to join them but the question is ?Can Santa Can Can?? This novel holiday work combines the famous Offenbach Can Can with humorous snippets of various carols. Sure to bring a smile to everyone?s face this holiday season! (1:31)

Thinking Out Loud. Recorded by pop sensation Ed Sheeran, This great-sounding arrangement for young players features a moderate rock tempo and the melody skillfully passed around to various sections of the band.

Everyone knows this Henry Mancini favorite but not like this! Mike Tomaro has gleefully twisted the well-known melody into a New Orleans style second line groove for jazz ensemble! The signature bass line is still there (well sort of) augmented with riffs and punches by various sections of the band. With a flexible solo section and a full ensemble shout this chart is a real treat!

Audivi Media Nocte is based on the eponymous motet by Thomas Tallis from the 16th Century - a work that holds great fascination for Oliver Waespi.During the process of composition various chord sequences and rhythmical structures emerged that led the work in the direction of a musical drama with elements of a concerto grosso and solos for different soloists. An innovative virtuoso and gripping work that can also take you far in competitions!

Written as a commission for the Palmetto Consortium of South Carolina this expansive work explores the delight wonderment and excitement of a young boy's hopes and dreams. Several stylistic elements combine to depict variousemotions and imaginings. In the words of the composer “a boy's dreams are fantastical and mysterious show great curiosity and yet most importantly they are innocent and credulous.” A terrific and fresh work forwinds! Dur: 6:45

Five well-known Christmas carols simply arranged in Latin American style for classroom ensemble of virtually any size with the optional addition of guitar drum kit or rhythm instruments. They will sound effective simply using xylophones and glockenspiels but recorders flutes or violins may be added if available. The various possibilities are endless and the teacher should plan out each arrangement in advance with consideration of the instruments available the availability of individual players and so on. Invariably though the simplest treatment of the arrangement is the most effective.