SKU: CF.YPS208F

ISBN 9781491152966. UPC: 680160910465.

A stunning and heart-wrenching composition based on the Jewish folk son Shlof, Mayn Kind. You can hear the emotional content pour out of this piece written in memory of an outstanding orchestra director. The piece beginnings with original material to set the tone, followed by a clarinet solo on the song. It then develops through a variety of different harmonic presentation before building to a nice key change and climatic moment. The piece ends as it began, but with a more hopeful tone. An amazing piece.
Sleep, My Child was commissioned by the Madison Middle School Band and Orchestra in Tampa, Florida, and is dedicated to the memory of their Director of Orchestras Kevin Frye. Director of Bands Chris Shultz championed the commissioning of this piece to honor Kevin after he passed away in December 2016. Mr. Frye was a beloved member of the staff at Madison Middle as well as the music community of Tampa and the state of Florida. I was a personal friend of Kevin’s. We were in several musical groups together when we were young that were formative to both of our musical careers. I also guest conducted his Madison Middle School Orchestra several times over the past four years. His musicianship, teaching skills and love for his students were exemplary.When taking on the challenge of writing a piece to honor Kevin’s legacy, Mr. Shultz and I decided to try and include several important aspects of Kevin’s life into the piece. Kevin was proudly Jewish, a fantastic trumpet player and loved Jazz. With that in mind, and after a lot of research, a Jewish folk song Shlof, Mayn Kind was selected as the basis for the piece, not to be religious, but to honor his faith and heritage. Plus it is a beautiful song, and I felt the title reflected the sentiment I was looking to express, which is of someone taking rest after a long battle with illness. Thus, a lullaby seemed appropriate.I also wanted to incorporate Jazz into the piece, but in a concert setting, so you will hear as the piece develops, the harmonies of the folk song expand into ones found more commonly in Jazz compositions. Not in a far out way, but in a subtle way to again honor this part of his life. For example the climactic moment of the piece at the fermata in m. 57 is a Dbmaj9#11 chord. It appropriately give the piece the angst that I was looking for at this moment in the piece, while honoring the importance of Jazz in Kevin’s musical life.The piece was also conceived to include both the Madison band and orchestra in the performance at the premiere. I wanted the pieces to work separately by the band and separately by the orchestra, but I also wanted them to be able to play the piece together to honor Kevin.The piece begins with original material designed to set the mood of the piece with a tempo/style marking of pensive, but also as material that I used as connective musical tissue between statements of the folk song.  After this introduction, the folk song is presented by a solo violin (or clarinet) with orchestral accompaniment in a simple straight forward presentation of the song. This is followed by a woodwind section statement of the folk song accompanied by muted trumpets. During this presentation the harmony starts to expand with more color notes in the chords. The low brass are added half way through this statement to add depth and lushness.The introductory material returns, but with some angry hits in the lower voices. This leads to a full ensemble state of new material that is used to transition to the climax of the piece, and to build tension. After the build, the piece modulates to a shortened statement of the folk song with more advanced harmonies and an active counter line in the violas, horns, saxes and first clarinets to further build the tension.  This tension is released at the fermata in m. 57, as mentioned above. After a thoughtful pause, the piece concludes with a completion of the folk song again with a solo violin (or clarinet) followed by a return of the introductory material to tie the piece together. The piece ends hopeful, with a solo trumpet (Kevin’s instrument) that is dissonant at first, but then resolves as if to say - everything will be OK! It has been my distinct honor to have been asked to write this piece in Kevin’s memory! I hope that in some small way the piece helps to bring comfort to his family, students, colleagues and to all those that knew him!–Larry ClarkLakeland, FL  2017.

SKU: CF.YPS208

ISBN 9781491152287. UPC: 680160909780. Key: D minor.

A stunning and heart-wrenching composition based on the Jewish folk son Shlof, Mayn Kind. You can hear the emotional content pour out of this piece written in memory of an outstanding orchestra director. The piece beginnings with original material to set the tone, followed by a clarinet solo on the song. It then develops through a variety of different harmonic presentation before building to a nice key change and climatic moment. The piece ends as it began, but with a more hopeful tone. An amazing piece.
Sleep, My Child was commissioned by the Madison Middle School Band and Orchestra in Tampa, Florida, and is dedicated to the memory of their Director of Orchestras Kevin Frye. Director of Bands Chris Shultz championed the commissioning of this piece to honor Kevin after he passed away in December 2016. Mr. Frye was a beloved member of the staff at Madison Middle as well as the music community of Tampa and the state of Florida. I was a personal friend of Kevin’s. We were in several musical groups together when we were young that were formative to both of our musical careers. I also guest conducted his Madison Middle School Orchestra several times over the past four years. His musicianship, teaching skills and love for his students were exemplary.When taking on the challenge of writing a piece to honor Kevin’s legacy, Mr. Shultz and I decided to try and include several important aspects of Kevin’s life into the piece. Kevin was proudly Jewish, a fantastic trumpet player and loved Jazz. With that in mind, and after a lot of research, a Jewish folk song Shlof, Mayn Kind was selected as the basis for the piece, not to be religious, but to honor his faith and heritage. Plus it is a beautiful song, and I felt the title reflected the sentiment I was looking to express, which is of someone taking rest after a long battle with illness. Thus, a lullaby seemed appropriate.I also wanted to incorporate Jazz into the piece, but in a concert setting, so you will hear as the piece develops, the harmonies of the folk song expand into ones found more commonly in Jazz compositions. Not in a far out way, but in a subtle way to again honor this part of his life. For example the climactic moment of the piece at the fermata in m. 57 is a Dbmaj9#11 chord. It appropriately give the piece the angst that I was looking for at this moment in the piece, while honoring the importance of Jazz in Kevin’s musical life.The piece was also conceived to include both the Madison band and orchestra in the performance at the premiere. I wanted the pieces to work separately by the band and separately by the orchestra, but I also wanted them to be able to play the piece together to honor Kevin.The piece begins with original material designed to set the mood of the piece with a tempo/style marking of pensive, but also as material that I used as connective musical tissue between statements of the folk song.  After this introduction, the folk song is presented by a solo violin (or clarinet) with orchestral accompaniment in a simple straight forward presentation of the song. This is followed by a woodwind section statement of the folk song accompanied by muted trumpets. During this presentation the harmony starts to expand with more color notes in the chords. The low brass are added half way through this statement to add depth and lushness.The introductory material returns, but with some angry hits in the lower voices. This leads to a full ensemble state of new material that is used to transition to the climax of the piece, and to build tension. After the build, the piece modulates to a shortened statement of the folk song with more advanced harmonies and an active counter line in the violas, horns, saxes and first clarinets to further build the tension.  This tension is released at the fermata in m. 57, as mentioned above. After a thoughtful pause, the piece concludes with a completion of the folk song again with a solo violin (or clarinet) followed by a return of the introductory material to tie the piece together. The piece ends hopeful, with a solo trumpet (Kevin’s instrument) that is dissonant at first, but then resolves as if to say - everything will be OK! It has been my distinct honor to have been asked to write this piece in Kevin’s memory! I hope that in some small way the piece helps to bring comfort to his family, students, colleagues and to all those that knew him!–Larry ClarkLakeland, FL  2017.

SKU: CN.S11042

This symphonic sketch for concert band is packed full different motives thrown around the ensemble hinting at the programmatic leitmotifs of Wagner. Every section of the ensemble gets a workout in this delightful 10-minute work.

A Symphonic Sketch for Concert Band. The resurgence of interest in George Lloyd's music must give us faith that such talent will ultimately prevail against sometimes unhappy circumstances. Lloyd was Cornish and showed precocious gifts at an early age - he had completed his first symphony by the age of nineteen. During the 1930s he completed two operas, one of which - The Serf - was produced at Covent Garden in 1938. He was set for a glittering career as a composer. The Second World War intervened and he was invalidad out of the Navy in a shell-shocked state, and having written very little serious music since 1937 went to Switzerland to recuperate, looked after by his wife, Nancy. Painfully, he began writing again - symphonies Nos. 4 and 5 - and then returned to England. He needed to earn a living and he set up a mushroom farm in Dorset. But slowly he began to compose again and drafted more symphonies in short score. By this time he was virtually unknown - despite being considered the equal of Walton, Britten, and other young stars of English music some 30 years earlier. Lloyd decided to embark on a series of recordings of his symphonies, and slowly popular acclaim enabled him to regain his position. The Forest of Arden was written in 1987 as a result of a commission by the Solihull Youth Wind Band. Although Lloyd's music feels instinctively written one should not be misled - it is carefully crafted, but the craft and structure are always subordinated to create a flow with a strongly melodic content. Instead of two or three themes, The Forest of Arden contains an abundance of ideas which can be described in two groups. The first group contains the opening rhythmic motif, quickly developed into a short rising quaver passage in the woodwinds, and later then a chromatic ostinato bass - only 8 bars at this stage but later expanded. The second group is broad and expansive, initially based on intervals of rising fifths introduced by euphonium, tubas, and baritone saxophone, immediately echoed by horns. Low brass and winds expand the theme into rising sixths and octaves. There is a hint of development, bit this is arrested as the music moves to a piu tranquillo section introduced by the alto saxophone which further develops the rising sixth theme. There follows a true development of the opening material, starting with the ostinato bass and gradually passing through different tonal centers until the rising fifths of the second theme group are heralded - fortissimo and poco piu largamente shortly before the end. The structure is almost Wagnerian (albeit on a much smaller scale), with themes being used as leitmotifs, but this is music which, even within the space of ten minutes is conceived on a grand design.

SKU: CF.YPS197

ISBN 9781491152171. UPC: 680160909674. Key: Eb major.

Chase the Horizon is a musical journey depicting a lonesome cowboy riding on his horse, chasing the horizon. Composer John Pasternak has delivered a strong and musically rewarding piece for the young band. It begins with a nice legato section before setting off on the journey with a tuneful theme. The piece develops through several contrasting sections finishing in a dramatic conclusion.
This piece is a story of new beginnings. While writing this piece I pictured a lonely cowboy riding on his horse, chasing the horizon. The beginning for this piece should have a very legato feel except for the Xylophone part, which should use a very abrupt, staccato articulation. Measure 9 should take on a staccato and light feel. The feeling should remain light except for the instruments with the melody, who should play their parts with a more legato feel. Dynamics throughout this first section are crucial. All parts at m. 22 should play with a legato style with focus on the dynamics. The trumpet interjection at m. 25 should be played very light. At m. 32 there should be contrast with all the different styles of articulation. Measure 42 should not slow down too quickly as the group should not ever get slower than the tempo marking at m. 49.The slow section at m. 49 should be played soft with a legato style growing gradually through m. 61. The articulation at m. 61 should be short and staccato, and be careful not to rush. The sections with the melody here should contrast the staccato of the ensemble with a legato style. When the ensemble arrives at m. 78 the piece should have a maestoso-style feel. The rit. at m. 88 should not become slower than the tempo at m. 92. At m. 92, let the horns and saxophones really shine through.

SKU: CF.YPS205F

ISBN 9781491152935. UPC: 680160910434.

Cornish Coastal Walk is a beautiful new composition depicting the majestic cliffs and coastline of the Cornwall region in England. Composer Michael Miller provides young bands with an opportunity to stretch their musical muscles with this lush and tuneful piece in 3/4 time. Directors will find in this piece a strong vehicle to teach phrasing, beauty of tone, and musicianship to young bands.
In the far southwest of England reaching out towards the Celtic Sea is the county Cornwall. A peninsula, Cornwall is surrounded by some of the world’s most picturesque scenery including beaches, cliffs, and rolling hills. Separated from the rest of England by the river Tamar, the Cornish take great pride in their culture including the pasty (a stuffed pastry and preferred lunch of miners), Cornish cream tea (not to be confused with rival Devon cream tea where the cream goes under the jam), and well known national heritage sights such as Rough Tor (Cornwall’s highest point), and Tintagel Castle (rumored birth place of King Arthur).In the spring and summer of 2017, I had the pleasure to visit Cornwall, while my wife was a visiting scholar at the University of Exeter in the neighboring county of Devon. One July afternoon, while she was making field observations (she’s a Cultural Anthropologist), I decided to take a stroll along the cliffs as was recommended by a friend. I set out from Boscastle, a small inlet village where one can enjoy the most delicious black currant ice cream, and I trekked up and down the cliffs for three or four miles before finally arriving in Tintagel. I had planned to continue on to Trebarwith Strand, home of the fantastic Port William tavern, but greatly underestimated the difficulty of the terrain.Along my walk I witnessed some of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. The coast of this particular region of Cornwall is both majestic and peaceful. It is frighteningly powerful, but also loving and kind. It is the type of place where people have for years looked out over the sea longing for their loved ones to return. I hope this music brings you the same inner peace I found on my hike that day.This piece is dedicated to Neil and his sidekick Derek, without whom I might have been just another tourist.

SKU: ML.013780090

The Spanish war galleon with 64 cannons, built in Cuba between 1770 and 1771 for an English shipowner in the service of the King of Spain left Peru for Cadiz in 1784 with a huge cargo of copper, gold, silver and other valuables on board. There were also more than 400 people on board, including passengers, crew and Inca prisoners after a revolt. The Atlantic crossing went smoothly, passing Portugal to take advantage of favourable winds. The shipwreck off Peniche was the result of human error, apparently due to French maps with dramatic errors in the position of the islands of Berlengas and neighbouring islets. On 2 February 1786, the sea was calm and the night clear, but they hit the rock formation Papoa and the hull immediately broke in two. The bottom sank quickly, while the deck remained afloat for some time. 128 people lost their lives, including many Indians who were trapped in the basement. This shipwreck is considered one of the most important in maritime history.

What the composer wants to convey, and what can be felt as one listens, is first of all the sound of power, of hope, of the glory of conquest, of the splendour of wealth. This is followed by the perception of the maritime environment, the harmony with the softness of the ocean, the gliding of the hull in the foam of the sea on sunny, blue days. But along with this tranquillity, you soon hear a rhythmic chain that makes you feel a representation of the hustle and bustle, of the busy crew, of the hard work of a sailor, of the desperation of an exotic people imprisoned in a dark, damp cellar. A distinct rhythm that reminds us of the salero of Andalusia, with its Arab influences and its people, the soothing of the resignation of others who are forced to submit. Then we clearly hear a crescendo that makes us imagine the agony of the collision that precedes the shipwreck. The breaking of the hull, the water flooding everything, the despair, the clash of bodies on the rocks, the tragedy to come. Before the grand finale, in which the return of musical softness reminds us that the story is over. The supremacy of nature over human greed. The waves, though gentle, sweep the wreckage, the lives and the treasures of the New World to the bottom of the sea.

Het Spaans oorlogsgaljoen met 64 kanonnen, gebouwd in Cuba tussen 1770 en 1771 voor een Engelse reder in dienst van de koning van Spanje vertrok in 1784 vanuit Peru naar Cádiz met een enorme lading koper, goud, zilver en andere kostbaarheden aan boord. Er waren ook meer dan 400 mensen aan boord, waaronder passagiers, bemanning en Inca gevangenen na een opstand. De oversteek van de Atlantische Oceaan verliep vlot, waarbij Portugal werd gepasseerd om te profiteren van gunstige winden. De schipbreuk bij Peniche was het resultaat van een menselijke fout, blijkbaar te wijten aan Franse kaarten met dramatische fouten in de positie van de eilanden Berlengas en naburige eilandjes. Op 2 februari 1786 was de zee kalm en de nacht helder, maar ze raakten de rotsformatie Papoa en de romp brak onmiddellijk in tweeën. De bodem zonk snel, terwijl het dek nog enige tijd bleef drijven. 128 mensen verloren het leven, waaronder veel indianen die vastzaten in de kelder. Dit scheepswrak wordt beschouwd als een van de belangrijkste in de maritieme geschiedenis.

Wat de componist wil overbrengen, en wat men kan voelen als men luistert, is allereerst het geluid van macht, van hoop, van de glorie van verovering, van de pracht van rijkdom. Dit wordt gevolgd door de perceptie van de maritieme omgeving, de harmonie met de zachtheid van de oceaan, het glijden van de romp in het schuim van de zee op zonnige, blauwe dagen. Maar samen met deze rust hoor je al snel een ritmische ketting die je een voorstelling geeft van de drukte, van de drukke bemanning, van het harde werk van een zeeman, van de wanhoop van een exotisch volk dat gevangen zit in een donkere, vochtige kelder. Een duidelijk ritme dat ons doet denken aan de salero van Andalusië, met zijn Arabische invloeden en zijn mensen, het sussen van de berusting van anderen die gedwongen worden zich te onderwerpen. Dan horen we duidelijk een crescendo dat ons de lijdensweg doet voorstellen van de aanvaring die voorafgaat aan de schipbreuk. Het breken van de romp, het water dat alles overspoelt, de wanhoop, het botsen van lichamen op de rotsen, de tragedie die komen gaat. Vóór de grote finale, waarin de terugkeer van de muzikale zachtheid ons eraan herinnert dat het verhaal voorbij is. De overmacht van de natuur over de hebzucht van de mens. De golven, hoewel zacht, vegen het wrak, de levens en de schatten van de Nieuwe Wereld naar de bodem van de zee.

Le galion de guerre espagnol de 64 canons, construit à Cuba entre 1770 et 1771 pour un armateur anglais au service du roi d'Espagne, a quitté le Pérou pour Cadix en 1784 avec à son bord une énorme cargaison de cuivre, d'or, d'argent et d'autres objets de valeur. Il y avait également plus de 400 personnes à bord, dont des passagers, des membres d'équipage et des prisonniers incas à la suite d'une révolte. La traversée de l'Atlantique s'est déroulée sans encombre, en passant par le Portugal pour profiter des vents favorables. Le naufrage au large de Peniche est le résultat d'une erreur humaine, apparemment due à des cartes françaises comportant des erreurs dramatiques dans la position des îles de Berlengas et des îlots voisins. Le 2 février 1786, alors que la mer est calme et la nuit claire, le navire heurte la formation rocheuse de Papoa et la coque se brise immédiatement en deux. Le fond coule rapidement, tandis que le pont reste à flot pendant un certain temps. 128 personnes ont perdu la vie, dont de nombreux Indiens qui étaient coincés dans les sous-sols. Ce naufrage est considéré comme l'un des plus importants de l'histoire maritime.

Ce que le compositeur veut transmettre, et ce que l'on ressent à l'écoute, c'est d'abord le son de la puissance, de l'espoir, de la gloire de la conquête, de la splendeur de la richesse. C'est ensuite la perception de l'environnement maritime, l'harmonie avec la douceur de l'océan, le glissement de la coque dans l'écume de la mer par des journées bleues et ensoleillées. Mais à côté de cette tranquillité, on entend bientôt une chaîne rythmique qui nous fait ressentir une représentation de l'agitation, de l'équipage affairé, du dur labeur d'un marin, du désespoir d'un peuple exotique emprisonné dans une cave sombre et humide. Un rythme distinct qui nous rappelle le salero d'Andalousie, avec ses influences arabes et son peuple, l'apaisement de la résignation des autres qui sont obligés de se soumettre. Puis on entend clairement un crescendo qui nous fait imaginer l'agonie de la collision qui précède le naufrage. La rupture de la coque, l'eau qui envahit tout, le désespoir, le choc des corps sur les rochers, la tragédie à venir. Avant le grand final, où le retour de la douceur musicale nous rappelle que l'histoire est terminée. La suprématie de la nature sur la cupidité humaine. Les vagues, bien que douces, emportent les épaves, les vies et les trésors du Nouveau Monde au fond de la mer.

Die spanische Kriegsgaleone mit 64 Kanonen, die zwischen 1770 und 1771 auf Kuba für einen englischen Reeder im Dienste des spanischen Königs gebaut wurde, verließ Peru 1784 in Richtung Cádiz mit einer riesigen Ladung Kupfer, Gold, Silber und anderen Wertgegenständen an Bord. An Bord befanden sich auch mehr als 400 Menschen, darunter Passagiere, Besatzungsmitglieder und Inka-Gefangene nach einem Aufstand. Die Atlantiküberquerung verlief reibungslos, wobei Portugal passiert wurde, um die günstigen Winde zu nutzen. Der Schiffbruch vor Peniche war das Ergebnis menschlichen Versagens, das offenbar auf französische Karten zurückzuführen war, die in Bezug auf die Position der Inseln Berlengas und der benachbarten Eilande dramatische Fehler enthielten. Am 2. Februar 1786 stießen sie bei ruhiger See und klarer Nacht auf die Felsformation Papoa und der Rumpf brach sofort entzwei. Der Boden sank schnell, während das Deck noch einige Zeit über Wasser blieb. 128 Menschen kamen ums Leben, darunter viele Indianer, die im Keller eingeschlossen waren. Dieses Schiffswrack gilt als eines der bedeutendsten

Was der Komponist vermitteln will und was man beim Zuhören spürt, ist zunächst der Klang der Macht, der Hoffnung, des Ruhms der Eroberung, des Glanzes des Reichtums. Es folgt die Wahrnehmung der maritimen Umgebung, die Harmonie mit der Sanftheit des Meeres, das Gleiten des Schiffsrumpfes im Schaum des Meeres an sonnigen, blauen Tagen. Doch neben dieser Ruhe hört man bald eine rhythmische Kette, die die Hektik, die geschäftige Mannschaft, die harte Arbeit eines Seemanns, die Verzweiflung eines exotischen Volkes, das in einem dunklen, feuchten Keller gefangen ist, wiedergibt. Ein ausgeprägter Rhythmus, der an den Salero Andalusiens erinnert, mit seinen arabischen Einflüssen und seinen Menschen, der die Resignation der anderen besänftigt, die gezwungen sind, sich zu fügen. Dann hören wir deutlich ein Crescendo, das uns die Qualen des Zusammenstoßes, der dem Schiffbruch vorausgeht, erahnen lässt. Das Zerbrechen des Rumpfes, das Wasser, das alles überflutet, die Verzweiflung, das Aufeinanderprallen der Körper auf den Felsen, die bevorstehende Tragödie. Vor dem großen Finale, in dem die Rückkehr der musikalischen Sanftheit uns daran erinnert, dass die Geschichte zu Ende ist. Die Vorherrschaft der Natur über die menschliche Gier. Die Wellen, so sanft sie auch sein mögen, spülen die Trümmer, das Leben und die Schätze der Neuen Welt auf den Grund des Meeres.

SKU: CF.FPS155

ISBN 9781491152157. UPC: 680160909650.

Quest for the Throne evokes images of kings and castles, knights and horses, and dragons in all their glory. It is a bold and aggressive piece throughout, but includes a contrasting, lush secondary theme for variety. In his typical style, Clark has used forceful figures, and strong melodic content to give students music they'll want to practice and play again and again.
This piece should depict images of kings and castles, knight and horses, dragons and damsels in distress. It should be bold and aggressive throughout, but never with bad tone. This is then contrasted by the lush second theme that is presented first in a softer thin orchestration, but later becomes a change for the whole ensemble to play in a strong, but lush presentation of this theme.One thing that is important to me when writing music for younger students is to offer pieces that challenge all students in the ensemble and give every section an important part of the musical presentation, which naturally should include some melodic material. Every member of the ensemble wants to feel that they are contributing to the collective whole.It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program.—Larry ClarkLakeland, FL 2018.

SKU: CF.CPS219

ISBN 9781491152454. UPC: 680160909957.

Solar Flare, by Tyler Arcari, depicts the huge explosion on the Sun that appears as a sudden bright flash. The piece incorporates a whirlwind of mixed meters to?depict this phenomenon. Arcari showcases his fresh, exciting, and well-scored compositional style in this piece. Solar Flare makes for? an excellent concert opener.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a teaching 7/8 space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 6972 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the ^ accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a ateaching 7/8a space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69a72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99a115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the a^a accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a ateaching 7/8a space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69a72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99a115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the a^a accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a teaching 7/8 space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69-72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99-115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the ^ accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a teaching 7/8 space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69-72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99-115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the ^ accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work.About the Work:Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a “teaching 7/8” space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69–72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73.Measures 99–115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the “^” accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.

SKU: MH.1-59913-054-8

ISBN 9781599130545.

Royal Coronation Dances is the first sequel to the Fanfare Ode & Festival, both being settings of dance music originally arranged by Gervaise in the mid 16th-century (the next sequel is The Renaissance Fair, which uses music of Susato and Praetorius). Fanfare Ode & Festival has been performed by many tens of thousands of students, both in high school and junior high school. I have heard that some of them are amazed that the music they are playing was first played and danced to over 400 years ago. Some students tend to think that music started with Handel and his Messiah to be followed by Beethoven and his Fifth Symphony, with naught in between or before of consequence. Although Royal Coronation Dances is derived from the same source as Fanfare Ode & Festival, they are treated in different ways. I envisioned this new suite programmatically -- hence the descriptive movement titles, which I imagined to be various dances actually used at some long-ago coronation. The first movement depicts the guests, both noble and common, flanked by flag and banner bearers, arriving at the palace to view the majestic event. They are festive, their flags swirling the air, their cloaks brightly colored. In the second movement, the queen in stately measure moves to take her place on the throne as leader and protector of the realm. In the third movement, the jesters of the court entertain the guests with wild games of sport. Musically, there are interesting sonorities to recreate. Very special attention should be given to the tambourine/tenor drum part in the first movement. Their lively rhythms give the movement its power. Therefore they should be played as distinctly and brilliantly as possible. The xylophone and glockenspiel add clarity, but must not be allowed to dominate. Observe especially the differing dynamics; the intent is to allow much buzzing bass to penetrate. The small drum (starting at meas. 29) should be played expressively, with attention to the notated articulations, with the brass light and detached, especially in a lively auditorium. It is of some further interest that the first dance is extremely modal. The original is clearly in G mixolydian mode (scale: G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G). However, other editors might put in F-sharps in many places (changing the piece almost to G major), in the belief that such ficta would have been automatically put in by the 16th-century performers as they played. I doubt it. I have not only eschewed these within the work, but even at the cadences. So this arrangement is most distinctly modal (listen to the F-naturals in meas. 22 and 23, for instance), with all the part-writing as Gervaise wrote it. In the second movement, be careful that things do not become too glued together. In the 16th century this music might have been played by a consort of recorders, instruments very light of touch and sensitive to articulation. Concert band can easily sound heavy, and although this movement has been scored for tutti band, it must not sound it. It is essential, therefore, that you hear all the instruments, with none predominating. Only when each timbre can be heard separately and simultaneously will the best blend occur, and consequently the greatest transparency. So aim for a transparent, spacious tutti sound in this movement. Especially have the flutes, who do this so well, articulate rather sharply, so as to produce a chiffing sound, and do not allow the quarter-notes to become too tied together in the entire band. The entrance of the drums (first tenor, then bass) are events and as such should be audible. Incidentally, this movement begins in F Major and ends in D Minor: They really didn't care so much about those things then. The third movement (one friend has remarked that it is the most Margolisian of the bunch, but actually I am just getting subtler, I hope) again relies upon the percussion (and the scoring) to make its points. Xylophone in this movement is meant to be distinctly audible. Therefore, be especially sure that the xylophone player is secure in the part, and also that the tambourine and toms sound good. This movement must fly or it will sink, so rev up the band and conduct it in 1 for this mixolydian jesting. I suppose the wildly unrelated keys (clarinets and then brass at the end) would be a good 16th-century joke, but to us, our put-up-the-chorus-a-half-step ears readily accept such shenanigans. Ensemble instrumentation: 1 Full Score, 1 Piccolo, 4 Flute 1, 4 Flute 2 & 3, 2 Oboe 1 & 2, 2 Bassoon 1 & 2, 1 Eb Clarinet, 4 Bb Clarinet 1, 4 Bb Clarinet 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 3, 2 Eb Alto Clarinet, 1 Eb Contra Alto Clarinet, 3 Bb Bass & Bb Contrabass Clarinet, 2 Eb Alto Saxophone 1, 2 Eb Alto Saxophone 2, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 2 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpet 1, 3 Bb Trumpet 2, 3 Bb Trumpet 3, 4 Horn in F 1 & 2, 2 Trombone 1, 4 Trombone 2 & 3, 3 Euphonium (B.C.), 2 Euphonium (T.C.), 4 Tuba, 1 String Bass, 1 Timpani (optional), 2 Xylophone & Glockenspiel, 5 Percussion.

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: CN.S11311

-Some time ago Charles Hine, a dear friend, asked me 'Isn't it about time you wrote a Czardas?' It wasn't such a silly idea. I'd studied violin as a child and having learnt numerous show pieces in that style I felt quite at home with the genre. Later in my youth I was lucky enough to work occasionally as accompanist to a lovely lady & singer Eve Boswell, who was partly Hungarian, and was generous enough to give me further insight into the nature of Czardas. Whilst the Wind Ensemble is not the instrumentation one might expect for such a piece the form is traditional, albeit rather more long-winded than some of the fiddle 'lollypops'.' - Paul Hart.

SKU: CF.CPS225F

ISBN 9781491153192. UPC: 680160910694.

Tartan Tapestries is an original piece that sets out to emulate Scottish folk music. Composer Larry Clark has created a concert overture in triple meter to capture the essence of music from Scotland. After a lilting first section,  lush and beautiful moments weave a tapestry of sounds with the lyrical, middle section of the piece. There is an optional part for bagpipes, and an optional ending should you chose to use this instrument as part of the piece. Alert your contest music committee about this strong new piece for advancing groups.
Tartan Tapestries was commissioned by Friends of the Arts for the Saint Andrew's School Band in Boca Raton, Florida. The band program at Saint Andrew’s School is under the direction of Andrea Wolgin. The premiere took place on November 29, 2017.When I was asked by their conductor Ms. Wolgin to write a piece for the Saint Andrew’s School, I asked her what kind of involvement she wanted the students to have in the process. We discussed several options for having the students involved in the process of creating with the type of piece they wanted.  We set up a “Skype” meeting with members of the band to discuss the piece. During this discussion, the consensus of the students was that they wanted a piece depicting the Scottish influence to the school. They also wanted a piece that would challenge all sections of the band and to include bagpipes if possible. I asked that the students be involved in helping to name the piece once it was completed, for which they agreed and were very helpful. Armed with this information, I set out to compose a piece for them, and Tartan Tapestries is the result.The piece begins with a fanfare gesture based upon rhythms and harmonies that appear throughout the piece. I chose the lilting triple feel to the piece, to bring about the Scottish flavor. I wanted the fanfare to be bardic sounding, to depict the strength of the Scottish people and for the piece to have a dynamic opening. The fanfare contains material that alludes to the main theme and with a bit of dissonance and tension that is resolved in the main body of the piece.The main theme is a lilting original melody, but one that I hope with have the essence of Scottish folk songs. The main idea is followed by a more modal and dark sounding secondary theme, first stated in the horns. This material is later used in the development section of the piece. The main theme returns several times, with different and varied orchestrations and harmonic treatments. This is followed by a short transition leading to the more lyrical and slower second section of the piece. A transparent presentation of the lyrical theme, which is based on aspects of the main theme, is presented first by a solo flute. This section is a nod to famous composer Malcom Arnold’s wonderful works for orchestra in its style and orchestration. After a transition or bridge section with a solo euphonium, the piece builds to a dramatic climax of the lyrical theme by the full band. This subsides to a return of the solo flute to end this second section of the piece, followed by a transition back the main theme.The solo bagpipes play a central role in the return of the main theme and take center stage after being heard in the distance earlier in the work. The piece brings back a shortened version of the darker secondary theme, followed by a hint of the fanfare material that builds to one last statement of the main theme by the full band, before leading to a dramatic coda to complete the work.It has been my pleasure to have been given the opportunity to compose this piece for the Saint Andrew’s School Band! I thank Andrea Wolgin for making it happen, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed bringing the piece to life.–Larry ClarkLakeland, Florida 2017.