Composed by Edvard Grieg in 1875, music from Peer Gynt was originally incidental music for Henrik Ibsen's five-act play. The beautiful Solveig's Song is from the second orchestral suite later extracted by Grieg. Johnnie's tender setting opens with a lyric theme scored for the trumpet section. A brief andante section features the woodwinds before returning to the opening melody this time richly scored for full band. A beautiful work for teaching lyric style playing.

Performer Level (correlates with Book 1 p. 24) Here is a sensitive yet very playable version of this beautiful folk melody. From a soft beginning with woodwinds followed by the low brass playing the melody this arrangement builds to a dramatic statement by the full band. Even at this easy level Mike uses a creative harmonic scheme and scoring effects to ensure an effective performance. Dur: 2:15

Continuing with Michael's popular series of “Celtic Air and Dance” arrangements the third installment opens with “Red is the Rose” (or “Loch Lomond”) in a flowing ballad treatment. The lively“Bill Sullivan's Polka” follows and features various sections of the band. The flutes start things off followed by the rest of the woodwinds trumpets percussion low brass and finally the entire ensemble in anenergetic finish. Dur: 3:10

LOL (Laugh Out Loud) is a wacky fast-and-furious barn-burner reminiscent of a circus march or ???screamer.??? It was written for the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy in celebration of their 75th anniversary andas an opportunity to display their dazzling technical facility and humor. Cartoon-like Trombone glissandi flying woodwinds dizzying brass and laughing rhythms create a zany and thrilling off the wall highlight to any occasion. Dur: c. 2:50.

With undertones of patriotic sentiment and historic pride this marvelous overture from John Moss presents a wealth of musical themes. The gentle opening features the woodwinds and then the main theme is stated first by thetrumpets. Expertly scored for younger groups so that every section of the band has interesting parts. Very effective writing!

Dave Grusins frolicking theme from the award winning film On Golden Pond is ?symphonic rock? at its best. In a style similar to Yanni or John Tesh your band and audiences will love the contemporary free-spirited sound. A great chance tofeature your upper woodwinds.

After a bombastic rapid-fire brass fanfare the woodwinds take hold of a soaring melody that is then interspersed with full ensemble splashes. Woodwind flourishes and expansive scoring lend a grandiose splendor to the overalleffect. Exciting and powerful writing for today's wind band! Dur: 3:45

Featuring distinctive sounds from the Renaissance period here is an attractive suite of three dances skillfully scored for young bands. The stately Allemande uses full band passages alternating with statements by the woodwinds and brass. William Byrd's Pavana provides the lyric middle movement while the lively dance Saltarello provides a rousing finish.

Celebrating the spirit of hope and determination of the early pioneers on the Iowa plains this bold and varied overture also pays tribute to the historical importance of railroading to the city of Algona. Using a wide range of styles and timbres Algona Crossing allows every section of the band a chance to shine. (Note: The piano part is optional and cued in mallets and woodwinds.) Dur: 5:10

Variants on a Shaped Note Tune was commissioned by the Homewood Middle School Band (Homewood AL) and was premiered at the Alabama Music Educators Association Conference in January 2006. The title refers to a traditionalearly American singing style based on reading a system of shapes rather than musical notes. Based on the Scottish tune “Pisgah” from the shape note songbook The Sacred Harp the Variants begin simply with astatement by unison clarinets. From there begins a series of distinctive variations featuring an ingenious mix of styles tempos and instrumentation. Destined to become a staple on required contest lists for years to come thiswork provides an exceptional complement for any program or festival. Dur: 5:00 (Includes Full Performance CD)

What kid doesn't love a train! This entertaining and fun piece for beginning bands calls for some lucky student (or administrator) to be featured on a wooden train whistle (the cheap kind!). Along the way you can teach musical concepts of style articulation and steady pulse. All aboard!

Here's a stirring medley of marches from our American military. Includes: “The Marine's Hymn ” “The Caissons Go Rolling Along” and “Anchors Aweigh.”Hal Leonard's innovativeFlex-Band series is designed to provide exciting music for bands with incomplete or unbalanced instrumentation. Written using just five parts (plus percussion) these arrangements will work with virtually ANY combinationof brass woodwinds or even strings. Dur: 2:10

Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back with another adventure once again backed with music from Randy Newman. This new Disney film is certain to be the hit of the season and your students will love Jay's arrangement that includes:You've Got A Friend In Me Woody's Round-up and a new hit single When She Loved Me recorded by Sarah McLachlan.

Originally a composition for chorus by Kevin A. Memley this adaptation by Preston Hazzard makes expert use of the various tone colors available for band. Cascading waterfall effects are represented in the mallet percussion andwoodwinds while an underlying rhythmic texture provides a flowing background for the lyric melody. The piece builds nicely to a full band climax before returning to a quiet and delicate mood for the close. Dur: 4:10

Powerful harmonies and strong rhythms dominate this new easy work from Michael Sweeney. Written in a simple rondo form statements of the main theme are interspersed with a legato section featuring woodwinds and later questionand answer phrases between percussion and the low voices. A sparkling new addition for the easy level.