SKU: CF.FPS154

ISBN 9781491152140. UPC: 680160909643.

Aztec Gold is an excellent concert opener for a developing band. Composer Joseph Compello, drawing on his many years of experience as a teacher, is known for writing very intriguing music for younger students. This piece would be a great opportunity for cross-curricular instruction with a school's history department. Aztec Gold is also a perfect selection to highlight a band's strengths in contest or festival performance.
Aztec Gold is an excellent concert opener for a moderately advanced band. Measures 1–73 are to be performed in a marcato style with an underlying feel of rhythmic unrest. Beginning at m. 19, the triangle player must be able to execute a damping effect on the second eighth note of beat 2. Young players will require instruction in this technique. The accented sixteenth notes in the timpani part, which first appear in mm. 17-18, should be prominent. They also appear at mm. 89 and 91, and mm. 124 and 126. The contrasting middle section at m. 73 should have the same unsettled rhythmic feel beneath the more flowing lines in the woodwinds. The syncopated accents which appear beginning m. 121 will easily fall into place once young players understand that the accents occur three eighth notes apart.

SKU: CF.CPS16F

ISBN 9780825843679. UPC: 798408043674. 9 X 12 inches.

Robert Thurston’s enormously attractive writing for band and his sure command of contemporary harmonic and rhythmic devices give this three movement composition by terrific band and audience appeal. Thurston's fondness for mixed meters will keep players on their toes. The 2nd movement (moderato) in particular has a memorable folk-like lilt and charm. The whole piece is bound together by the use of the motto C-E-C, the initials of the composer's teacher, the late great band writer Charles E. Carter, in whose memory Festive Dances was written. Duration: 7'.

SKU: CL.RWS-2022-01

The Archer’s Arrow will have your students aiming to hit the musical bullseye. Challenge your young musicians with this adventurous overture set in the mixolydian mode. A strong opening statement gives way to a fun melody supported by a light ostinato pattern. Combined with a lyrical interlude, Archer’s Arrow offers many wonderful teaching opportunities. Perfect for your concert and festival performance.

SKU: CF.SPS82

ISBN 9781491152591. UPC: 680160910090. Key: Bb major.

Resignation was composed in memory of one of Ed Kiefer's best friends. Evoking the struggle of coming to grips with the loss of a dear friend, the piece is based on the hymn, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. It is dramatic, heartfelt, and overwhelmingly beautiful. As Hans Christian Andersen once said, When words fail, music speaks..
Dr. David S. Kirby Commission Consortium Phillip Riggs, Commission CoordinatorNorthwest District Bandmasters AssociationRodney Workman, Past-Chair Andrew Jimeson, ChairWestern North Carolina Bandmasters AssociationAllen Klaes, ChairNorth Carolina School of Science and MathPhillip Riggs, DirectorA.C. Reynolds High School BandSean Smith, DirectorSouth Caldwell High School BandJason Childers, DirectorJay M. Robinson Symphonic BandAndrew Carter, DirectorApex High School BandDaniel Jarvis, DirectorPanther Creek High School BandDavid Robinson, DirectorEastern Randolph High School BandCarolina Perez, DirectorStanley County Concert Band/Pfeiffer University Concert BandCarmella Hedrick, Tim Hedrick and Frank Poolos, DirectorsLenoir Rhyne University Wind SymphonyDr. Daniel Kiser, ConductorDr. Christopher NegrelliNumerous colleagues, fellow teachers, and former studentsProgram NotesThere is no possible way I could compose a piece of music worthy of the memory of my close friend, Dr. David Kirby, who died very suddenly at an early age. Neither could I write a piece that could come close to reflecting his kind spirit, wit, personality or talent. In fact, it was almost impossible for me to write anything at all. My own grief and the stages of my grief kept getting in the way. I ended up with a setting of the hymn-tune, Resignation. Resigned.  To the fact that he is no longer with us. I know he is in a better place, but we are not. We miss him very much. And so, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need seems to speak to those of us he left behind. I apologize if this piece does not reflect your special feelings for him or help you celebrate his moving on. Unfortunately, I could only put down what I have come to accept and hope in some way it may speak to any of you that knew him or to others of you who have also lost a close friend. My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. That is my hope and my hope for you.Although technically very easy, this composition requires a maturity of musicianship to be performed properly. The Bb contrabass clarinet part is integral to the composition, but there are cues in the tuba part if you need them.  Make sure you bring horns to the fore at m. 53 and the low brass at m. 59 so the melody can be heard without effort. Exaggerate dynamics to bring more emotion to the piece. Be careful not to diminuendo too soon near the end or it will be difficult to diminish even further at the very end, where the lone clarinetist holds over a couple of measures, fading into nothing. I hope your students will enjoy this piece and take from it a greater appreciation for the way making music can express feelings.

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: CF.PPS37F

ISBN 9781491143438. UPC: 680160900930.

In this bold piece built on fanfare gestures for the youngest of band musicians, Larry Clark has managed to write interesting and sophisticated music using only six notes. With as little as ten weeks of study on an instrument students will find that this piece is well within their grasp. Teachers can get them started right away on a style of music they will be playing for years to come.

SKU: CF.SPS71

ISBN 9781491143544. UPC: 680160901043. Key: G minor.

Nordanvind is a tour de force symphonic rhapsody that is built on three Scandinavian folk songs. Composer Carl Strommen has composed these Viking-influenced melodies into a concert setting that brings out all of the history of the Scandinavian people. The piece is at times bold and aggressive, at other times beautiful. Carl employs all of the instrumental colors of the concert band to create a new work for more advanced ensembles.
Modern Scandinavians are descendants of the Vikings, an adventuresome people who were known for their love of the sea, their naval prowess, and as fierce fighters . The Scandinavian Vikings were warriors from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden who traded, raided and settled in various parts of Europe, Russia, the North Atlantic islands, and the northeastern coast of North America .Starting around 1850, over one million Swedes left their homeland for the United States in search of religious freedom and open farm land . Augustana College was founded in 1860 by graduates of Swedish universities and is located on the Mississippi River in Rock Island, Illinois . Home of the “Vikings,” Augustana College is the oldest Swedish- American institution of higher learning in the United States . This powerful and lively piece takes inspiration from Swedish history and from Swedish folk songs and hymns .Havsdrake (Dragon of the Sea)The Nordanvind or “North Wind” blows a cold wind during a journey of a group of courageous Viking rowers . The “Dragon-ship” or long ships designed for raiding and war was a sophisticated, fast ship able to navigate in very shallow water . To musically portray these magnificent seafaring vessels, the director is encouraged to use an Ocean Drum (or a rain stick) during the introduction . Wind players may consider blowing air through their instruments to suggest the North wind . Adding men’s voices to accompany the haunting low brass and percussive “rower” sounds can be helpful in creating the dark and ominous portrayal of Viking adventurers .Slangpolska efter Byss - KalleIn Sweden, a “polska” is a partner dance where the dancers spin each other (släng in Swedish “to sling or toss”) . Slangpolska efter Byss - Kalle is attributed to Byss-Kalle, who was a notable Swedish folk musician, specifically a nyckelharpa player . Slangpolska efter Byss - Kalle is a traditional “polska” dance song most often played on the Nyckelharpa or keyed fiddle and is commonly heard in pubs and at festive events throughout Sweden . Approximately 10,000 nyckelharpa players live in Sweden today, and the Swedish and the American Nyckelharpa Associations are dedicated to this Swedish National instrument . The director is encouraged to share video and audio examples of the nyckelharpa playing the original Slangpolska efter Byss - Kalle .Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara (Children of the Heavenly Father)Tryggare Kan Ingen Vara Is a traditional Swedish melody, possibly of German roots, and was believed to be arranged as a hymn by the Swedish hymn writer, Karolina Wilhelmina Sandell-Berg (1832–1903) . As a daughter of a Swedish Lutheran minister, she began writing poems as a teenager and is said to have written over 1,700 different texts . There are two different accounts as to the inspiration for this hymn . The first story is that Lina (as she was called) wrote the hymn to honor her father and to say thank you to him for raising her and protecting her . A second belief is of her witnessing the tragic death of her father . She and her father were on a boat, when a wave threw her father overboard . It was said that the profound effect of watching her father drown is what caused Lina to write the text to this hymn . Although this is a treasured song to people of Swedish descent everywhere, it speaks to all people about a father tending and nourishing his children, and protecting them from evil .SPS71FThe Augustana College Concert BandFounded in 1874, the Augustana Band program is one of the oldest continuously active collegiate band programs in the country . The Concert Band is one of two bands on campus and was formed more than thirty years ago . The Concert Band attracts students of every skill level and from a wide variety of majors . Students in the ensemble play a large part in choosing their music for performance, which include works from the standard repertoire, orchestral transcriptions, and the latest compositions from leading composers .Rick Jaeschke began his musical career as a clarinet player in the 1st US Army Band . He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Susquehanna University, a Masters of Music from James Madison University, and a doctorate from Columbia University in New York . He was also fortunate to study conducting with Donald Hunsburger and with Frederick Fennell .Dr . Jaeschke taught band and choir at Great Mills High School in Southern Maryland, and for fifteen years, he was the district Music Supervisor in Armonk, New York, where he taught high school concert and jazz bands, beginning band, and music technology . During that time, the music program flourished, and the high school band consistently received Gold Medals in the New York State Festivals, as well as in national, and international festivals . As a clarinet and saxophone player, Dr . Jaeschke performed in the New York metropolitan area with the Rockland Symphony Orchestra, the Putnam Symphony Orchestra, Fine Arts Symphony Orchestra, and served as the concert master for the Hudson Valley Wind Symphony .For several years, Dr . Jaeschke served as the Fine Arts Coordinator for the District 204 schools in Naperville, IL, a district selected as One of the Best 100 Schools in America for Music . Currently, Dr . Jaeschke is an Associate Professor at Augustana College where he teaches music and music education courses, and directs the Concert Band . He has served on various educational boards, is a National edTPA scorer, and has presented at state, national and international music conferences . He lives with his family in Bettendorf Iowa, and enjoys any opportunity to explore the open water in his sea kayak .

SKU: CY.CC3027

ISBN 9790530110027. 8.5 x 11 in inches.

David Fetter's brilliant new work Situation Update - Suite for Tenor Trombone and Concert Band is written in three contrasting movements totalling almost 11 minutes in length: 1. Swift 2. Longing 3. Exit Music Swift is marked Intense and is very rhythmic and angular. Longing is a beautiful lyrical movement marked Cantabile and Exit Music is marked Lively mixing chromatic, lyrical and syncopated segments, ending in a giant climax. Both the solo and accompaniment parts are written for advanced performers. The work's premier was performed in 2015 by retired Principal Trombonist of the Boston Symphony, Ronald Barron and accompanied at the Piano by Pianist Larry Wallach. Here is what Mr. Ewazen has said about Situation Update: I had the pleasure of hearing Ron Barron play David Fetter's exciting and virtuosic new work for Trombone and Piano, Situation Update. David's music allows the Trombonist to sing and soar in 3 contrasting movements filled with vivid colors, beautiful and expressive harmonies, and a wonderful flowing rhythmic energy. The outer movements crackle with energy, showcasing the amazing technique of soloist Ron Barron, as the melodic line shifts and changes with playful abandon, while the middle movement is heartfelt and lyrical, with beautiful melodic lines, supported by resonant, gorgeous harmonies. The work is a real tour de force and rightly deserves to take its place as a significant addition to the Trombone repertoire.

SKU: CL.012-5047-01

David Holsinger’s Downtown Scherzo represents a departure in style for this composer who is well-known for aggressive and volatile musical styles. Originally composed as part of a larger orchestral work, the composer has extracted and adapted this scherzo which is extraordinarily well-suited to the concert band. Lighthearted, effervescent, and joyful, with just the touch of Holsinger magic, this work for mature bands is an excellent choice for any concert performance.

SKU: CF.YPS38

ISBN 9780825852152. UPC: 798408052157. 9 X 12 inches. Key: Eb major. Text: Al Stillman. Al Stillman.

The classic holiday favorite by Al Stillman and Robert Allen is presented here in a playable arrangement for concert band. It is my hope that this arrangement will be equally satisfying for the young band with ample rehearsal time or for the more mature band that wants a holiday favorite they can perform with limited rehearsal. The piece is presented first in a lush chorale format with the use of extended jazz harmonies. Special care should be given to balancing and tuning the inner voices for the most pleasant sound. After the lush opening on the famous refrain the arrangement moves to the bridge in an up-tempo swing. In this section the percussion is written to imitate a drum set, but if a set is available it may be preferable to use it in order to get the right feel. Following the bridge is another statement of the refrain followed by a hymn-style section by the reeds with jazz interjections by the brass straight out of the famous Perry Como rendition. This is followed by a D.S. to the bridge, one more refrain and then a short coda It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this arrangement. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program. -LARRY CLARK New York, NY 2003.
The classic holiday favorite by Al Stillman and Robert Allen is presented here in a playable arrangement for concert band. It is my hope that this arrangement will be equally satisfying for the young band with ample rehearsal time or for the more mature band that wants a holiday favorite they can perform with limited rehearsal.The piece is presented first in a lush chorale format with the use of extended jazz harmonies. Special care should be given to balancing and tuning the inner voices for the most pleasant sound. After the lush opening on the famous refrain the arrangement moves to the bridge in an up-tempo swing. In this section the percussion is written to imitate a drum set, but if a set is available it may be preferable to use it in order to get the right feel. Following the bridge is another statement of the refrain followed by a “hymn-style” section by the reeds with jazz interjections by the brass straight out of the famous Perry Como rendition. This is followed by a D.S. to the bridge, one more refrain and then a short coda It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this arrangement. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program.-LARRY CLARKNew York, NY 2003.

SKU: CF.CPS215

ISBN 9781491152416. UPC: 680160909919.

Irish Lullaby is based on the song Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral  (That's an Irish Lullaby).  Carl Strommen does what he does best in creating a beautifully orchestrated piece with diverse harmonies that will be the highlight of your next concert. It will be a great piece to teach phrasing and musicianship.
Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (“That’s An Irish Lullaby” ) was written in 1913 by composer James Royce Shannon (1881–1946) for the Tin Pan Alley musical, Shameen Dhu. The original recording by Chauncy Olcott became No. 1 on the music charts. The song was then brought back to prominence by Bing Crosby’s performance in the film Going My Way (1944). Crosby’s solo sold over one million copies.The University of Notre Dame Band, started in 1845, is the oldest college band (in continuous existence) in the United States. The band played as students left to join the armies during the Civil War, World War 1 and 2, Korea and Vietnam. In 1871, the band played a benefit concert for the victims of the Great Chicago Fire. The bands performances in countless settings and venues include the Sydney Opera House, Bejing Concert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and, in 2011, was awarded the prestigious Sudler Trophy, considered the “Heisman Trophy” of Collegiate bands.The Bands Director, Ken Dye, is only the sixth director in its long history. Dr. Dye served as composer/arranger for the Sydney 2000 Olympic band, and has produced over 1800 works for band and orchestra.

SKU: CF.YPS212

ISBN 9781491152317. UPC: 680160909810. Key: C minor.

Taking its title from a poem about grief and loss by Chrissie Pinney, Live On honors the life of band director Linda Mann, to whom the piece is dedicated. The piece begins with a pensive intro before shifting to a whimsical theme that brings about happy thoughts of a life well-lived. After a return to the poignant opening material, the music surges to a triumphant conclusion based on an augmented version of the whimsical theme.
Live On was commissioned by Diplomat Middle School's staff, faculty and students, in Cape Coral, Florida, and is dedicated to the memory of their Director of Bands, Linda Mann. Director of Orchestras, Roland Forti, championed the commissioning of this piece to honor the life of Linda after her untimely passing in February of 2017. Linda Mann’s impact on the field of music education was profound and wide-reaching. She was a beloved member of the staff at Diplomat Middle School, as well as the music community of Cape Coral and the state of Florida. Linda was highly respected throughout the state, serving as recent past-president of the Florida Bandmasters Association.In discussing the type of piece the school wanted to honor Ms. Mann, they indicated the piece should “depict Linda’s personality: dynamic, sassy, yet thoughtful and almost mentor-like.” They wanted a piece that was upbeat, yet still had moments that were thoughtful, portraying the grief that the Diplomat Middle School community has suffered from the sudden loss of such a beloved teacher.After contemplating their thoughts, I did some research to find inspiration for the piece. This led me to poetry about grief and loss. In time, I stumbled upon a short, yet poignant poem that I felt perfectly depicted the sentiment that I wanted the piece to convey.  That poem is entitled Live On by Chrissie Pinney.Live OnNow as I live onWithout youI hope to keepThe pieces of youThat I loved so dearlyYour mannerismsAnd compassionate characterAnd smiles through struggleSo that youMay live on too -Chrissie PinneyI reached out to Ms. Pinney, and she graciously agreed to allow me to quote her powerful poem in these notes. She expressed that she was deeply touched that her work would inspire me to write a piece in honor of Linda Mann.The piece begins with a poignant, pensive opening section. The use of the musical interval of a tritone between the first two openly voiced chords are used to represent the sadness we all feel from this type of loss. When I sat in front of my piano and started to work on this piece, my hands seemed to naturally and immediately play these first two chords, which set the process in motion of composing the piece.After the somber opening, the piece shifts to a whimsical theme that I hope brings about happy thoughts of Linda and her personality. It was also my intent, however, to include some musical dissonance in the theme that still reflected the bittersweet loss at the same time. The piece develops into a secondary theme that is a quasi inversion of the main fast theme. This section is followed by a return of the opening material, with snippets of the fast theme intertwined, before the piece builds to a triumphant, augmented presentation of the main theme in a lush form to complete the work.It is my hope that in some small way, this piece will bring comfort to those affected by the loss of Linda Mann, and that the music will allow her memory to Live On.–Larry ClarkLakeland, FL 2017.

SKU: CF.CPS67

ISBN 9780825864759. UPC: 798408064754. 9 X 12 inches.

The natural beauty and historical significance of the Peconic River, a tranquil and majestic waterway originating in the pine barrens of eastern Long Island, are depicted in this colorful, flowing and tuneful new piece by Long Island resident Carl Strommen. The luminous scoring is designed to show the band to its best advantage. The 6/8 meter of most of the piece is ideal for representing the flow of the river's steady progress to the sea.