SKU: CF.CPS226F

ISBN 9781491153208. UPC: 680160910700.

Inspired by the memory of an influential music educator, Carol Brittin Chambers has woven a multitude of grooves, colors, and uplifting themes into To Create a Voice. Chambers has attempted to convey distinct moods and emotions that this educator tried to instill in his students. In honor of this dynamic teacher, you will hear Hot Cross Buns cleverly placed throughout the composition.
To Create a Voice was commissioned by the Valley Concert Band in Stockton, California. The piece premiered in October 2017, in memory and celebration of Chris Anderson, a local musician and educator.When writing this piece, I tried to convey certain moods and emotions throughout: soulful at the beginning with calm woodwind chords and solo trombone; increased energy throughout the various sections of the piece; exploration of different grooves and colors; an uplifting, emotional ending that leaves the listener with a sense of how positive and loving Chris was.This piece is largely inspired by a specific quote from Chris:Most people would consider the sounds students first make on their instruments to be cringe-worthy, but to me that’s music to my ears, because that’s the first time students put a voice to their instrument. Over time those voices become stronger; they become clear, more confident, and get to a point where they use those voices to communicate with each other, and to their audiences.To relate to the first notes on the instrument idea, I used motifs based on the first notes most beginners ever play, do-re-mi, which are introduced at the beginning of the piece with the trombone solo, Chris’ instrument. During the section at m. 15, the brass introduce a chorale that I named Chris’ Theme while the woodwinds keep reminding us of do-re-mi. Later in the piece (mm. 71 and 79), I use these notes again, but in reverse, which becomes a reference to the first song most beginners learn, Hot Cross Buns. This section is also meant to portray Chris’ quirky and joking side. In mm. 75 and 83, Chris’ Theme presents itself again a couple of times in response to Hot Cross Buns.Toward the end, at the uplifting moment (m. 97), do-re-mi is heard again, but this time in harmony with mi-fa-sol. This represents the ultimate satisfaction we all feel as musicians when we have finally progressed enough to play in harmony with others. The half-time feeling in 3 at that moment also has significance, relating (rhythmically) to those important three notes again.I really hope you enjoy performing and listening to this piece as much as I have enjoyed creating it!

SKU: KJ.WB334

UPC: 8402701478.

The Voice on the Mountain was written for Mike Veak, a band director who dedicated 30 years of his life to teaching instrumental music in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nolan Schmit begins the piece with a flute solo representing a solitary voice on a mountain. The voice begins to build in strength and intensity as it travels down the mountain, is heard by others and is communicated to distant lands. This is a musical metaphor for a teacher - a solitary voice - who impacts generations of students. This is really a tribute to all band directors. A dramatic setting with an explosive ending.

About Standard of Excellence in Concert

The Standard of Excellence In Concert series presents exceptional arrangements, transcriptions, and original concert and festival pieces for beginning and intermediate band. Each selection is correlated to a specific page in the Standard of Excellence Band Method, reinforcing and expanding skills and concepts introduced in the method up to that point. Exciting parts with extensive cross-cueing are presented for every player. Accessible ranges, appropriate rhythmic challenges, and creative percussion section writing enhance the pedagogical value of the series.

Sold individually, each In Concert selection includes a full Conductor Score and enough student parts for large symphonic bands. Each student part also includes correlated Warm-Up Studies. The Conductor Score comes complete with rehearsal suggestions, a composer biography, program notes, a rehearsal piano part, several ready-to-duplicate worksheets and a duplicable written quiz.

SKU: CL.012-4549-75

Freedom's Voice was commissioned to commemorate The Voice of America, which began broadcasting in 1942 to combat Nazi propaganda with truthful news and information. VOA has served the world with a consistent message of truth, hope and inspiration. Opening with a mysterious and haunting melody representing the axis powers during the 2nd world war, the piece quietly builds into a voice of hope with the introduction of fanfare figures woven into a stoic rhythmic melody. The piece builds forcefully utilizing just these 2 simple musical elements into a broad finale representing the glory of freedom and free speech. Inspiring for both performers and audiences. Exceptional!

SKU: FJ.B1371S

English.

Depicting life in the desert, this captivating work begins with the haunting sounds of a baron desert as relentless heat hits it by day. At night, exotic plants and animals spring to life, portrayed with rhythmic vitality and bold musical statements. The work ends as softly as it began, with the relentless sun once again beating down on the parched desert. Intense and captivating!

About FJH Young Band

Appropriate for middle school and smaller high school groups. Second clarinets usually stay below the break. Parts are written with more independence, and instrumentation increases slightly. There is still adequate doubling in the lower voices. Grades 2 - 2.5

SKU: CL.011-4738-01

With One Courageous Voice is an expressive and uplifting selection that honors the democratic process, and those who participate in it – both past and present – whether through voting, serving, or even drafting the founding documents which make our democracies what they are today. The music invokes ideas of compromise, self-reflection, history and duty. An introspective and uplifting work for the developing band!

SKU: CL.012-4694-01

Time and time again, audiences around the world have expressed the desire to hear a great march. Karl King is the master when it comes to providing a rousing rendition of an exciting march associated with the circus. Great themes, singable counter-melodies, and well written percussion parts make Voice Of America the perfect choice for providing a musical experience that is guaranteed to be totally entertaining. A sure winner!

SKU: CL.012-4694-00

Time and time again, audiences around the world have expressed the desire to hear a great march. Karl King is the master when it comes to providing a rousing rendition of an exciting march associated with the circus. Great themes, singable counter-melodies, and well written percussion parts make Voice Of America the perfect choice for providing a musical experience that is guaranteed to be totally entertaining. A sure winner!

SKU: AP.44153S

UPC: 038081505275. English.

Treat your ensemble and audience to sophisticated-sounding, yet quite playable blues for young band. Jazz-voiced chords and a cool bluesy groove give this piece a very appealing sound. Add in some soloists trading fours and a shout chorus, and this might be the tune that brings the house down! (2:30).

SKU: AP.BD9752

UPC: 029156607611. English. Traditional.

In the rich chalumeau register, a solo (or soli) clarinet voice quietly introduces the hauntingly beautiful melody. Layering into the texture, other voices add timbre and depth. The phrasing is exquisite, and teaching opportunities for legato playing abound. A modulation from B-flat to E-flat allows even more sonorities as the work moves to its conclusion. Serious music educators should look closely at this piece. (duration 2:40).