From the composer: “Nature's Way for intermediate level band was commissioned by BandQuest a project initiated by the American Composers Forum. Their mission is for major composers of national reputation to writeworks of high quality that take into consideration the (still comparatively limited) levels of musical development--both technical and conceptual--typical of such ensembles. I eagerly accepted the commission and the challengesimplied thereby--that is to reign in my creative imagination to some extent and limit the technical/conceptual demands to a more moderate level than is to be found in my previous compositions for band. Nonetheless since theprocess of rehearsing studying and performing a work created specifically for the school student market is--and must be in my view--primarily educational it was very clear to me that my work would (and should) challenge theplayers at least to their top levels and even a little beyond that. Thus Nature's Way in no way represents a compromise of my personal style nor my long held concepts of form continuity texture and instrumentation. Ihave known for a long time that young inquisitive minds are eager to learn from new experiences from previously never encountered challenges that is to say to be pushed--gently--to rise above their present levels ofachievement. That's what education is all about.”

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.

The power and intensity of our ever-changing marine environment is portrayed in this descriptive work for young players. Incorporating a simple melodic motif along with syncopated rhythmic energy Michael Oare effectively depictsthe power of nature's most violent storms. Opening with a calm yet foreboding introduction the work quickly transforms as the storm draws near. Thundering bass drum rolls driving rhythmic and melodic ostinatos and dynamic andtextural contrasts propel the piece towards a bold and exciting conclusion. (Grade 2) Dur: 2:55

This masterful work by Jay Bocook was composed for fellow South Carolinian and highly regarded educator Scott Rush known for his accomplishments with the nationally acclaimed Wando High School band program. Employing a minimalistic approach this dynamic piece uses layers of constantly evolving textures and rhythmic devices while propelled throughout by an energetic underlying pulse. Sprinkled with surprises and dramatic effects and culminating with the full force of the entire ensemble Head Rush is a dramatic and unique addition to the repertoire for mature ensembles. Dur: 5:00

The power and intensity of our ever-changing marine environment is portrayed in this descriptive work for young players. Incorporating a simple melodic motif along with syncopated rhythmic energy Michael Oare effectively depictsthe power of natures most violent storms. Opening with a calm yet foreboding introduction the work quickly transforms as the storm draws near. Thundering bass drum rolls driving rhythmic and melodic ostinatos and dynamic andtextural contrasts propel the piece towards a bold and exciting conclusion. (Grade 2) Dur: 2:55

Fantasie-Après avoir achevé la création de la Terre Dieu créa l?homme et la femme. Il les bénit et leur dit : « Soyez féconds multipliez-vous remplissez la terre et soumettez-la. (?) ». Cette fantaisie illustre la manière dont l?homme a réellement fait usage de cette recommandation. Le passage d?ouverture décrit la création de l?être humain. Et puis très vite l?homme part en guerre contre ses frères. L?impossibilité d?enrayer le processus en cours conduit l?homme vers une déshumanisation. La nature et l?environnement souffrent plus que jamais des dommages causés par l?humanité. Dans sa logique de domination absolue l?homme a détourné et oublié le sens premier de la recommendationdivine : la responsabilité et le respect envers la terre.La nature finit toujours par reprendre ses droits. S?il veut survivre l?homme doit se réconcilier avec elle sinon il est amené à disparaître. L?humanité hésite encore quant au chemin à suivre tandis que des fanfares annoncent le Jugement dernier. Genesis (La Genèse se développe dans un environnement harmonique bitonal et dissonant en osmose avec la nature du sujet traité. Impressionnante sur le plan sonore cette œuvre reste néanmoins accessible et agréable pour les musiciens et le public.

Par OARE MICHAEL. The title Heavy Mettle is naturally a play on words and affectionately refers to the low brass section. Filled with enthusiasm and a resilient spirit, these students are often the foundation and heart of any band. Although not specifically a low brass feature, Heavy Mettle is a driving and energetic work that pays tribute to these indispensable players! Dur: 1:50 / Date parution : 2022-07-23/ Répertoire / Concert Band

Lively and upbeat in nature The Centurion follows the conventional British march format. It is not technically demanding yet a successful performance will need skill and commitment from every player in the band. The Centurion will make an ideal opening piece for any indoor or outdoor concert and will be a popular item with both players and audiences alike.

Written to celebrate the natural scenic beauty of the famed Swamp Rabbit Trail in South Carolina and commissioned by the 2015 South Carolina All-State Junior Band Michael Sweeney's Swamp Rabbit Stomp is a joyous romp of rhythm and harmony. Exploring layers of sounds as well as an expanded role for the percussion section this work also calls for a middle section where all members of the band perform with egg shakers. A substantial work but with a dash of fun! Dur: 7:15

Premiered by Maestro Eugene Migliaro Corporon conducting the National Honor Band of America this spectacular memorial for renowned band director Charles Campbell will surround your students and audiences in layers of emotion. Expressive moments upon moments allow the ensemble to follow their musical instincts gaining an aesthetic reward each time. Typical of performances the work fades into introspective silence then is followed by lengthy applause. Available in the original three-movement set and also just Mvt. 1 The Stillness of Remembering. Dur: 9:00

Blues to the MAX! With lots of drive and down home blues harmonies KENNESAW MOUNTAIN BLUES will latch on to your audience for keeps.Very accessible to Grade 2 1/2 bands this is one of the most enjoyable pieces you’ll find for any level of ability. If you have a kickin’ drumset player so much the better. Every section has gratifying parts to play and the easy mixed-meter section sounds so natural but will keep ‘em all thinking.The concert band doesn’t often get the chance to play in styles like this which is a shame because it’s so much fun. How about letting your band try a style that’s about as far from John Phillip Sousa as you can get! Get down with some Blues! KENNESAW MOUNTAIN BLUES is a winner!

Inspired by the poetry of Henry David Thoreau and Japanese poet Matsuo Basho this symphonic poem in three movements for winds brings Eastern and Western cultures together meeting on the common thread of Thoreau's and Matsuo's love of nature. Eastern and Western musical elements are layered throughout making for a unique effect.

As a trumpet player André Waignein has composed many pieces for this instrument; extremely electrifying pieces meant for young trumpet-players and more demanding works for professionals.With his rhapsody André Waignein wanted to compose a piece in which spontaneity dominates and in which the virtuosity sonority and style of the soloist is featured to its maximum. Although the piece is not one of the most difficult it nevertheless places high musical demands on the soloist. Following an impressive orchestral opening the soloist comes to the fore with long phrases followed by more dynamic and rhythmic passages. The second movement gives evidence of extreme sensitivity andoffers the soloist the opportunity to prove that the trumpet (flugel horn) can be a stirring and emotional instrument. The third movement is the most spectacular. The orchestra actively participates with increasingly delicate interventions. The soloist can display all the possibilities offered to him by his instrument. With a long sostenuto on the trumpet (flugel horn) the beautiful rhapsody ends.

(includes alternate parts for beginning level players). Suggesting an exciting boat race on the majestic Hudson River, this energy-filled work features an underlying 8th note pulse and a dynamic percussion score. Even given the concise nature of the piece a variety of textures and styles are used, and the melodic elements are passed around to all sections of the band. As an added bonus, parts are included for beginning players allowing this to be used with a multi-level massed band.