SKU: AP.32475S

UPC: 038081389509. English.

I'm an Old Cowhand (from the Rio Grande) was written for the motion picture Rhythm on the Range by veteran songwriter Johnny Mercer. The song was sung by Bing Crosby and became a big hit. Many other singers and singing groups have recorded this song.

SKU: CF.SPS53

ISBN 9780825888540. UPC: 798408088545. 9x12 inches. Key: F minor.

The standard popular song by Harry Carroll is given a full-blown pops concert style treatment by arranger Jerry Nowak. In the hands of a master arranger, this classy ballad will delight audiences and give your musicians the opportunity to flex their jazz muscles. This is perfect for a pops concert or for community bands.

SKU: CF.SPS82F

ISBN 9781491153277. UPC: 680160910779.

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.PPS53F

ISBN 9781491152652. UPC: 680160910151.

Illyria is a region in southern Europe, and the name has been used in books and music throughout history, including Shakespearean plays. Composer Sean O'Loughlin takes beginning students on a musical journey, starting with broad melodic statements by the brass, bold full ensemble statements, a contrasting lyrical section, and concluding with a relentless finish. Journey to Illyria is a sophisticated musical presentation that is still playable by the youngest of students.
The title Journey to Illyria comes out of a recent internet search that came up with a similarly titled book by an author named Sean O'Loughlin (no relation). I'm always fascinated by how connected and small this world can seem. After some further research, I found that Illyria is also a name that appears in some fantasy fiction books and even on the TV show Angel. All of this gets wrapped into the music for this piece.It begins with a broad melodic statement by the brass. It develops further at m. 9 and then transitions to a full statement at m. 25 with plenty of imitation between upper and lower voices. A contrasting slower section follows at m. 39, which should bring out the haunting, rich sound of the ensemble. The fast section returns at m. 46 with progressively building imitation to bring back the opening gesture at m. 58. The music then is relentless to the rousing end.

SKU: BT.DHP-1043705-140

The sisters Ruth, Anita and June Pointer from West Oakland in California learned how to sing in the sixties in church where their father was a minister. At the beginning of the 1970s they entered the music business, where they proved to have a mastery of many styles - including rhythm & blues, jazz, and country. However, the Pointer Sisters acquired international fame at the beginning of the eighties with their soul-like pop music. A great hit was the up-tempo number I’m So Excited, which is still a success on every dance floor. This sparkling arrangement by Peter Kleine Schaars certainly provides the excitement that is suggested in the title.

Die Pastorentöchter Ruth, Anita und June Pointer aus Kalifornien lernten in den 60er-Jahren in der Kirche ihres Vaters das Singen. Anfang der 70er-Jahre stiegen sie ins Musikgeschäft ein und bewiesen ihr Können in vielen Stilen - darunter Rhythm & Blues, Jazz und Country. Der internationale Ruhm kam jedoch zu Beginn der 80er mit ihrer soulartig angehauchten Popmusik. Ein Riesenhit war I'm So Excited, heute noch ein Erfolg auf allen Tanzflächen. Diese spritzige Bearbeitung für Blasorchester sorgt mit Sicherheit für Aufregung - das im Titel versprochene ?excitement!

SKU: CF.CPS267

ISBN 9781491161517. UPC: 680160920143.

I love to look up at the sky. When I see contrails, I wonder where they are going, and it reminds me of my hometown. Because of the pandemic, many people are still unable to visit their loved ones, and I thought they would want to fly away as soon as possible. This is the concept of this piece. You may be thinking about the places you want to go to or the family and friends you want to see, and you may feel excited, or you may feel lonely. At such times, the sky is always watching over us with its great receptive power. The sky gives us energy and courage. When I'm in a cheerful mood, I just want to flap my wings like a bird to the sky and fly away!.
I love to look up at the sky. When I see contrails, I wonder where they are going, and it reminds me of my hometown. Because of the pandemic, many people are still unable to visit their loved ones, and I thought they would want to fly away as soon as possible. This is the concept of this piece. You may be thinking about the places you want to go to or the family and friends you want to see, and you may feel excited, or you may feel lonely. At such times, the sky is always watching over us with its great receptive power. The sky gives us energy and courage. When I'm in a cheerful mood, I just want to flap my wings like a bird to the sky and fly away!

SKU: CF.CPS210F

ISBN 9781491153048. UPC: 680160910540.

A driving composition from Sean O'loughlin,?Commence!?begins with a spirited theme that oscillates between triple and duple meter. After developing into a heartfelt lush brass chorale, the lilting theme returns again. The composition concludes with a dramatic return of the B theme and a rousing finale. A beautiful piece,?Commence!?is a?strong choice for any contest or festival.

Commence! was commissioned by the Lynden High School Class 2017-2019 and the Lynden, WA Community, and is dedicated to Steve Herrick in celebration of his retirement. Mr. Herrick and I first collaborated on a commission in 2006, and I was immediately taken by the community and the music program in Lynden. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the country and full of musical inspiration at every turn.

This piece is a loving tribute to Mr. Herrick and his amazing contribution to the students of Lynden for over thirty years. The music begins with a spirited section oscillating between 6/8 and 2/4 time. It should maintain a pulsing feeling throughout. The main melody appears at m. 25 and has a lilting, reminiscing quality to it. After some further development, it moves to a B-section at m. 41 with some warm brass passages. The woodwinds should soar over the top with their counter line. The lower voices take over the melody at m. 59. The harmony becomes more discordant at m. 71 with passages trading between the brass and woodwinds.

This tension releases into a slow section that features a flowing, heartfelt melody. This builds to the big moment at m. 112. The timpani ushers us back to the 6/8, 2/4 section. The melody is now accompanied by some flowing counterpoint at m. 153 which leads to the B-section again at m. 169. This time the woodwinds take the lead and the brass provide the counter line. A final big moment at m. 194 is the culmination and high point of the composition. A brief fast section puts a bow on the piece for a rousing finale.

Commence! was commissioned by the Lynden High School Class 2017-2019 and the Lynden, WA Community, and is dedicated to Steve Herrick in celebration of his retirement. Mr. Herrick and I first collaborated on a commission in 2006, and I was immediately taken by the community and the music program in Lynden. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the country and full of musical inspiration at every turn.

This piece is a loving tribute to Mr. Herrick and his amazing contribution to the students of Lynden for over thirty years. The music begins with a spirited section oscillating between 6/8 and 2/4 time. It should maintain a pulsing feeling throughout. The main melody appears at m. 25 and has a lilting, reminiscing quality to it. After some further development, it moves to a B-section at m. 41 with some warm brass passages. The woodwinds should soar over the top with their counter line. The lower voices take over the melody at m. 59. The harmony becomes more discordant at m. 71 with passages trading between the brass and woodwinds.

This tension releases into a slow section that features a flowing, heartfelt melody. This builds to the big moment at m. 112. The timpani ushers us back to the 6/8, 2/4 section. The melody is now accompanied by some flowing counterpoint at m. 153 which leads to the B-section again at m. 169. This time the woodwinds take the lead and the brass provide the counter line. A final big moment at m. 194 is the culmination and high point of the composition. A brief fast section puts a bow on the piece for a rousing finale.

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: HL.4006391

UPC: 888680988005. 9.0x12.0x0.072 inches.

Hit songs by Elton John have become an enduring part of our pop culture. Featured in the bio pic Rocketman, these familiar classics feature catchy melodies and timeless lyrics. Here's a medley for flexible instrumentation that includes Rocket Man, Crocodile Rock, Your Song, and I'm Still Standing.

SKU: CF.YPS200F

ISBN 9781491152881. UPC: 680160910380.

Step right up, ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, step right up! See the exotic, the strange, and the magical at the Cirque de L’étrange, or “Circus of the Strange.” This piece evokes a bygone era when circuses and carnivals provided people from all walks of life a chance to see human and animal oddities. Cirque de L'étrange is an original concert march written in standard march form, but its sound is anything but standard. This piece is playable by younger groups and is a great way to expose students to the march form and style without sounding like your typical march.
Step right up ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, step right up! See the exotic, the strange, and the magical at the Cirque de L’étrange. Welcome to the Cirque de L’étrange, known in English as the “Circus of the Strange.” This piece evokes a time of a bygone era, a time when circuses and carnivals provided people from all walks of life a chance to see human and animal oddities that were sources of both delight and horror. While many of these sideshow attractions were deemed fraudulent, it did not deter the crowds from flocking to be shocked and awed. I have always held a special place in my heart for the showmanship of carnivals, because my grandfather dearly loved them. For much of his life, he worked at fairs and carnivals selling cotton candy and candy apples. A large portion of my days when growing up were spent running around fairgrounds and helping my grandfather with his stand. He imparted in me a love for the cunning, magic, and sheer joy that only carnivals and circuses can bring. In Cirque de L’étrange, I sought to capture the the mirthful, yet uncanny mood of the carnivals that I grew up exploring, thus transporting you to a different time.Cirque de L'étrange is an original concert march written in standard march form, but its sound is anything but standard. This piece is playable by younger groups, as it is a great way to expose students to the march form and style while not sounding like your typical march.Opening in D minor, the piece combines the playful feel of a march and a macabre tango. The second time through the First Strain (mm. 5-23), the upper woodwinds and bells add a second counter melody based in D harmonic minor, which heightens the peculiar nature of the piece. The Second Strain (mm. 24-43) by contrast, is a little more upbeat, thus evoking the magical ebullience of a circus, which is further highlighted by the xylophone part. The Second Strain ends in the key of F major and sets up the transition to the Trio in the key of G minor. The Trio (m. 44) begins with the G harmonic minor melody in the clarinets and a counter melody in the bassoon and tenor saxophone. The rest of the woodwinds and bells join in at m. 60 while the percussion adds a Gypsy-like feel with tambourine and triangle. At m. 76 the full band joins in the macabre parade with the trombones and baritones harmonizing the counter melody. The conclusion of the march has the upper woodwinds, adding a second counter melody complete with trills to bring the march to an exciting and dramatic finish.As the World’s Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum, a man my grandfather greatly admired, once said “The noblest art is that of making others happy.” It is my hope that through this piece you will experience the thrill, delight, and fright that only carnivals can bring as you visit the Circus of the Strange!

SKU: CF.CPS224

ISBN 9781491152508. UPC: 680160910007.

Rainbow in the Clouds is based on an old traditional spiritual, possibly an African-American song from the 19th century, entitled God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds.  Composer Carol Brittin Chambers was inspired by poetic Maya Angelou to create of setting of this beautiful song. It is lush and beautiful throughout and will highlight the musicianship of your students.  This would serve as a welcome change of pace piece on your program for concert or contest.
Rainbow in the Clouds was commissioned by the Pflugerville Middle School Wind Ensemble in Pflugerville, Texas, directed by Shauna Satrom. The piece premiered in May 2017, in memory and celebration of Luis Ham, who was an Assistant Principal at Pflugerville Middle School.This piece is based on an old traditional spiritual, possibly an African-American song from the nineteenth century, entitled God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds. The first time I heard reference to this song was in a Maya Angelou video, in which she sings a portion of it: “When it looked like the sun wouldn’t shine anymore, Oh, God put a rainbow in the clouds.” In the video, Dr. Angelou honors those who have demonstrated kindness to her in the past, and she suggests that we all try to be a blessing to others. The Pflugerville community believed that Mr. Ham, with his positive outlook, was definitely a “rainbow in the clouds” for other people.The piece begins with a full ensemble introduction, followed by a woodwind treatment of the first verse with a fairly reserved tempo and straight eighth-note rhythm. When brass pick up the melody on the second phrase, we start to hear the song more like the original spiritual, with dotted-eighth, sixteenth rhythms. The middle section of the piece at m. 22 begins to move at a slightly quicker tempo, and the mood becomes lighter. This section becomes a call-and-response between a euphonium solo and upper woodwinds. The final section of the piece involves everyone playing together joyously and full, eventually winding down with two more solo statements in flute and euphonium.Note to the Conductor:Use this piece to introduce or reinforce the following musical concepts:Lyrical, expressive playing varied stylesSolo responsibilitiesKey changes, tempo changes.

SKU: CF.FPS151

ISBN 9781491152119. UPC: 680160909612.

Everyone remembers the first time that they saw a snake. Though fascinating to some and terrifying to others, few animals are as universally mesmerizing. Composer Tyler Arcari has crafted a very fun piece making use of auxiliary percussion instruments to emulate a snake's hiss or ominous rattle. With very strong and interesting melodic material, and scored to make a developing band sound great, this piece is sure to be a favorite among students.
Everyone remembers the first time that they saw a snake. The majority of people have a base fear of them, while others have a “heebie-jeebies” experience. We all know how the great explorer Dr. Indiana Jones felt about snakes, especially when he famously fell into a snake pit during Raiders of the Lost Ark. However you feel about snakes, a pit of them certainly sounds like an adventure.About the work:Snake Pit uses a lot of auxiliary percussion instruments. Some of these sounds are intended to subtly mimic the sounds that snakes make. The maraca in m. 4, of course, is a rattler’s call! The Chinese cymbal is intended to sound like the “hiss” of a not-so-friendly serpent. The eighth-note pattern at m. 9 is used throughout as a “creepy” effect using dynamic contrast so take care to emphasize this when present.I enjoy the gong as a “color” instrument in the band. I try to balance it with the low brass. Take care that at m. 42 the gong is not “front-and center” but more of a support for the nice accented chords in the low brass. Also, the trumpets can become spaced too much here. The accents are more for emphasis and less space.