SKU: CF.CPS250F

ISBN 9781491159583. UPC: 680160918171.

Kaleidoscope Sky is inspired by the breathtaking pastime of hot-air ballooning and the glorious festivals around the world that honor the practice. A sky full of colorful spheres elegantly floating at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Mondial Air Ballons and more draw thousands of people to witness awe-inspiring scenes full of passionate balloonists. Traditional hot-air balloons mix with creatively designed balloons to thrill the tens of thousands of spectators below. While I personally am not a person who dreams of taking my own flight--heights are not my thing--I have to marvel at how gently and easily these vessels float among the clouds. It truly is an image of exquisite freedom. This piece reflects the view and experience of the onlooker taking in an elegantly shifting scene reminiscent of kaleidoscope patterns. Spectators like me can appreciate the beauty and vibrancy associated with a horizon full of adventurous balloonists and their wondrous aircrafts. Kaleidoscope Sky starts in a triumphant and celebratory fashion and continues to conjure images reminiscent of the wide variety of soaring colors on display at a hot-air balloon event. Ultimately, the piece appropriately concludes with a suspenseful, yet graceful, run to the finish line. Melodic lines should soar with attention being paid to phrase markings and assigned articulations. Encourage musicians to allow room for the melodic material to be heard in thicker textures where supporting harmonies are often rhythmic in nature. These harmonies should support, and not cloud the melodies. The meter changes should sound effortless, and the continuous figures in the percussion will help to achieve this effect. The snare drum, in particular, should bring accented notes to the foreground while maintaining a steady textural effect with non-accented notes as a rhythmic background. This will go a long way in finding a cohesive subdivision and ensemble pulse.
Kaleidoscope Sky is inspired by the breathtaking pastime of hot-air ballooning and the glorious festivals around the world that honor the practice. A sky full of colorful spheres elegantly floating at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, International Balloon Festival of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Mondial Air Ballons and more draw thousands of people to witness awe-inspiring scenes full of passionate balloonists. Traditional hot-air balloons mix with creatively designed balloons to thrill the tens of thousands of spectators below. While I personally am not a person who dreams of taking my own flight—heights are not my thing—I have to marvel at how gently and easily these vessels float among the clouds. It truly is an image of exquisite freedom. This piece reflects the view and experience of the onlooker taking in an elegantly shifting scene reminiscent of kaleidoscope patterns. Spectators like me can appreciate the beauty and vibrancy associated with a horizon full of adventurous balloonists and their wondrous aircrafts. Kaleidoscope Sky starts in a triumphant and celebratory fashion and continues to conjure images reminiscent of the wide variety of soaring colors on display at a hot-air balloon event. Ultimately, the piece appropriately concludes with a suspenseful, yet graceful, run to the finish line.Melodic lines should “soar” with attention being paid to phrase markings and assigned articulations. Encourage musicians to allow room for the melodic material to be heard in thicker textures where supporting harmonies are often rhythmic in nature. These harmonies should support, and not “cloud” the melodies. The meter changes should sound effortless, and the continuous figures in the percussion will help to achieve this effect. The snare drum, in particular, should bring accented notes to the foreground while maintaining a steady textural effect with non-accented notes as a rhythmic background. This will go a long way in finding a cohesive subdivision and ensemble pulse.

SKU: AP.49090S

ISBN 9781470645915. UPC: 038081564296. English.

Perfect for opening or closing a concert for first-year band students, A Woodland Celebration by Robert Sheldon lends a light rhythmic style to a tuneful melody. As soon as young students can play a concert B-flat scale and learn the note concert A-flat, this piece is easily playable. Second clarinet does not go over the break, and second trumpet and horn have limited ranges as well.

A Woodland Celebration was commissioned by the Smallwood Drive School Band, Amherst, New York (Angela Antersol, Director) with appreciation for the generosity of the Smallwood PTA in celebration and recognition of the National School of Character Award presented to the school in 2019.

A Woodland Celebration correlates to Book 1, Level 5 of Sound Innovations for Concert Band. (1:45).

SKU: AP.45767

UPC: 038081523033. English. Freely arranged by Douglas E. Wagner.

The third movement of Opus 34 (Three Festival Choruses), which Gustav Holst penned in 1916, was originally scored for chorus with piano, orchestra, or military band. The easily recognized melody is a nineteenth century Welsh ballad, known to most as the hymn tune St. Denio, set to the words of English poet, Clifford Bax. In 3/4, this characteristically delightful Holst theme has been freely arranged to incorporate elements of his original score with additional material included to heighten musical interest for contemporary concert bands and audiences alike. As the title implies, chimes are an integral part of this arrangement; however, there are alternate options provided in the program notes if a suitable instrument is unavailable. This musical setting is complete with a variety of teaching and performance opportunities and a perfect fit for beginning concert bands. (2:00).

SKU: AP.47414S

UPC: 038081546056. English.

This bold and exhilarating original work for concert band combines mixed meters, lyrical themes, and powerful harmonies, taking your musicians and audiences on a thrilling musical journey. The compelling, energetic grooves in the alternating 3/4 and 4/4 sections look and sound complex, but are repetitive and easily mastered. Perfect as a concert or festival opener or closer! (3:45).

SKU: AP.47414

UPC: 038081546049. English.

This bold and exhilarating original work for concert band combines mixed meters, lyrical themes, and powerful harmonies, taking your musicians and audiences on a thrilling musical journey. The compelling, energetic grooves in the alternating 3/4 and 4/4 sections look and sound complex, but are repetitive and easily mastered. Perfect as a concert or festival opener or closer! (3:45).

SKU: CL.012-3688-01

Visions of Australia' is a musical panorama paying tribute to the epochs in Australia's history from its Aboriginal predecessors through to its 'yet to be determined' future. The journey begins with a tribute to Australia's aboriginal past, the arrival of the British Navy and the establishment of the first colony on the shores of Sydney Harbour. The journey then meanders through to the development of electricity and communication, through the wars and to the present. Following a brief reflection on the past, the music concludes with a stirring and patriotic march-like section representing a confident and bold future. The work is a great challenge for all sections of the band and will be easily accessible to any audience. Download the didgerido sound file for use in your performance: http://www.barnhouse.com/samples/mp3/012-3688-99.mp3.

About Gems of the Concert Band

A series of transcriptions and other works in varying styles, representative of the programming of the Great American Classic Concert Band era of a century ago, as exemplified by John Phillip Sousa, Edwin Franko Goldman, Karl L. King, and Leonard B. Smith

SKU: CL.012-3688-75

Visions of Australia' is a musical panorama paying tribute to the epochs in Australia's history from its Aboriginal predecessors through to its 'yet to be determined' future. The journey begins with a tribute to Australia's aboriginal past, the arrival of the British Navy and the establishment of the first colony on the shores of Sydney Harbour. The journey then meanders through to the development of electricity and communication, through the wars and to the present. Following a brief reflection on the past, the music concludes with a stirring and patriotic march-like section representing a confident and bold future. The work is a great challenge for all sections of the band and will be easily accessible to any audience. Download the didgerido sound file for use in your performance: http://www.barnhouse.com/samples/mp3/012-3688-99.mp3.

About Gems of the Concert Band

A series of transcriptions and other works in varying styles, representative of the programming of the Great American Classic Concert Band era of a century ago, as exemplified by John Phillip Sousa, Edwin Franko Goldman, Karl L. King, and Leonard B. Smith

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: FJ.B1257S

English.

Take a trip across the desert with this new work from composer Roland Barrett. A mysterious introduction sets the mood for an interesting and highly educational aleatoric passage. Easily achieved, students freely improvise on a given set of pitches. As more and more instruments enter, the piece builds until it gives way to a rhythmically energized section beginning with percussion and an ostinato figure in the bass voices. Very easy!

About FJH Beginning Band

Appropriate within the first year of instruction and beginning of the second year. Clarinets do not go above the break, and there is limited use of accidentals. Plenty of doublings in the lower voices. Grade 1.

SKU: FJ.B1666S

English.

Travel back in time with this exciting piece reminiscent of the American Old West. The basic syncopations are easily taught and exhibit the spirit of the American West during a time when the cowboy and rancher were helping to shape the agricultural and livestock tradition of the young country. Yeehaw!

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: FJ.B1257

UPC: 674398217373. English.

Take a trip across the desert with this new work from composer Roland Barrett. A mysterious introduction sets the mood for an interesting and highly educational aleatoric passage. Easily achieved, students freely improvise on a given set of pitches. As more and more instruments enter, the piece builds until it gives way to a rhythmically energized section beginning with percussion and an ostinato figure in the bass voices. Very easy!

About FJH Beginning Band

Appropriate within the first year of instruction and beginning of the second year. Clarinets do not go above the break, and there is limited use of accidentals. Plenty of doublings in the lower voices. Grade 1.