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.
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.SPS82
ISBN 9781491152591. UPC: 680160910090. Key: Bb major.
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.YPS212F
ISBN 9781491152997. UPC: 680160910496.
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.YPS212
ISBN 9781491152317. UPC: 680160909810. Key: C minor.
SKU: CF.YPS200
ISBN 9781491152201. UPC: 680160909704. Key: D minor.
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.YPS200F
ISBN 9781491152881. UPC: 680160910380.
SKU: CF.BPS118
ISBN 9781491152041. UPC: 680160909544.
Wolverine Trail is a concert march for beginning bands and is rather helpful in introducing beginners to the march form and style. This piece is based in the key of Eb major and uses only the first seven notes taught in most method books. It is also rhythmically accessible to beginners, as simple eighth-note combinations are the most difficult rhythms in this march. The piece follows standard march form except that is does not modulate at the trio section.When writing this piece, I was thinking of my beginning band students at Polk County Middle School. Our school is located at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and is surrounded by dense pine forests. The mascot of our school is rather fittingly the wolverine; hence, our school is located on the street named “Wolverine Trail.†Learning to be a musician is not an easy trial, as it requires hard work, dedication, and endurance. However, the trail to becoming a musician is full of rewarding and breathtaking experiences. As I wrote this piece, I was inspired by the rugged beauty of our school’s location and also how I am helping my beginner students to start on the trail to becoming mature musicians.Wolverine Trail is a concert march for beginning bands and is rather helpful in introducing beginners to the march form and style. This piece is based in the key of Eb major and uses only the first seven notes taught in most method books. It is also rhythmically accessible to beginners, as simple eighth-note combinations are the most difficult rhythms in this march. The piece follows standard march form except that is does not modulate at the trio section which begins at m. 57. It is my hope that this piece will help you and your beginners start your own musical trailblazing.
SKU: CF.BPS118F
ISBN 9781491152720. UPC: 680160910229.
SKU: KJ.WB388F
The title of Majestica is taken from the word majestic which means having or displaying great dignity or nobility and was inspired by Psalm 8:9. It was composed for the 8th grade band members of the Madison County Central School Band 2006-2007 as an expression of my appreciation for their encouragement and positive impact in my life. It is my hope that Majestica will provide students with a song that they will enjoy learning to play and provide other music educators with a teaching tool that can be used in helping to motivate and encourage their students.
SKU: FJ.B1711
UPC: 241444379974. English.
Commissioned to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, In Infamy is a reaction to the emotional arc of President Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor address. A foreboding opening gives way to an intense call to action. A moving setting of America closes the work on a hopeful note. Perfect for patriotic programs and as a salute to a day that will forever live in infamy.
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.B1711S
English.
SKU: CF.YPS204F
ISBN 9781491152928. UPC: 680160910427.
Avalon–Long Live the King is a medieval fantasy piece depicting the Isle of Avalon where the mystical sword Excalibur of King Arthur was forged. Composer Tyler Arcari unearths a solid piece for young bands that is both bold and dramatic. This piece is sure to spark the imagination of students and give them strong musical content with which they can develop their musicianship.Program Notes:Avalon–Long live the King began its journey as a commission in honor of a dear friend and mentor. David Riggs is one of those band directors that just seems timeless. He is a powerhouse with such a stacked resume that it is easy to forget that at the end of the day he enjoys taking long bike rides with his lovely wife and whittling a piece of wood just as much as being a band director. He has touched so many lives and inspired so many people in our field and beyond. I was humbled, and honored, when I was contacted for the commission. To David, I hope that you one day know how much you mean to so many people, including myself.About the piece:The piece is written with a little homage to David’s long tenure at Avalon Middle school in Pace, Florida. He was certainly treated like a king as the band director and rightly so. It seemed only fitting to add a little medieval fantasy. Avalon is a mystical island in the world of King Arthur where the great sword Excalibur was forged.The piece begins lyrically with a slow introduction with melodic material. This melodic motive is used throughout with slight variations depending on the instrument voicing etc. Care should be taken at m. 10 that the Timpani roll helps to bridge our transition from an exposed section to full tutti. Care should be taken so that the tempo change at m. 19 is brisk and avoids the low brass turning into stomping. Accessories like the China cymbal and tambourine can become overpowering. I recommend having students think of these effects as background in order to make sure they don’t POP out. The dynamic changes at mm. 27-35 should be subito similar to orchestral dynamic changes. Avoid unwritten crescendos in this section. Measures 60–64 are a great opportunity to teach those unwritten dynamics that make music so enjoyable as we lead up to the finale. It was originally left blank for some theatrics in the premiere at David’s retirement concert so I know he would enjoy adding some Cholesterol as David would say.Long Live the King!
SKU: CF.YPS204
ISBN 9781491152249. UPC: 680160909742. Key: D minor.
SKU: CF.FPS150
ISBN 9781491152102. UPC: 680160909605.
The title is a play on words, but the composer had his own ulterior motives in mind when composing this piece. He wanted a piece that was fun to play, but that helped developing musicians work on their rhythmic skills. Matt Putnam uses the feel of action film soundtracks to create the mood of this interesting new piece. Interesting grooves in the percussion throughout add to the piece’s feel of mystery and thrill.To understand my thoughts in writing this piece, I thought it best to define the two ideas that give the piece its title: ulterior motives and musical motifs. Ulterior motives occur when you believe that a person is doing something for some unknown or hidden reason. Often, they are used in action films or literature to increase the drama and tension of the story. Musically, a motif is a short rhythmic and/or melodic idea. When I wrote this piece, I must confess that I had my own ulterior motives: I wanted to create a piece that was fun to play, but I also wanted a piece that would help students develop their rhythmic counting skills. In this piece, I use a motif of a two eighth-note pattern which jumps from section to section to help me achieve my ulterior motive.Mimicking the mood of action films whose characters often have ulterior motives, the mood of the piece is suspenseful and exciting as the motif jumps from section to section throughout the ensemble. The motif keeps you guessing as it occurs on all four different beats of the measure sometimes ascending, sometimes descending, and occurs sometimes in the interval of a second and sometimes the interval of a third. Interesting grooves in the percussion throughout add to the piece’s feel of mystery and thrill.I have no ulterior motives when I say that I hope you enjoy playing Ulterior Motifs.
SKU: CF.FPS150F
ISBN 9781491152782. UPC: 680160910281.
SKU: FJ.B1788S
Written over a several month period when the composer's father was dying, the composer states: Throughout this entire experience, I have reached my own breaking point. Over and over again. So I fall apart, put myself together, and am then broken all over again. One of the most emotional and powerful pieces Balmages has ever written, there are moments of untamed beauty, anger, rage, hope, despair, and frustration. Once you perform this one, you will never forget it.
About FJH Symphonic Band
Appropriate for accomplished high school, college, and professional groups. Includes expanded instrumentation and ranges. Grades 4 - 5
SKU: FJ.B1788
UPC: 241444405390. English.
SKU: HL.4008662
UPC: 196288189916.
Bright Dawn Overture was commissioned to Franco Cesarini by the Swiss Band Association as part of a project for the renewal and expansion of the artistic repertoire. “There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.â€. This sentence by the English philosopher Bernard Williamsinspired Franco Cesarini in composing this overture. In fact, even the darkest night is always followed by the sunrise and metaphorically, in every moment of difficulty, man clings to the hope of a better future. Bright Dawn Overture is written in the classic form of an Italian overture (fast-slow-fast). It is intended as a hymn of hope of recovery after a period of great difficulty. A single theme characterizes the composition, passing through the various registers and presents itself in new forms, while constantly being transformed. In the central part the theme takes on an almost mystical character, while in the finale it presents itself in a heroic guise and the composition concludes with a gesture of decisive optimism. A piece accessible to most concert bands, perfect as an opening work!
SKU: CL.012-4542-00
In Greek mythology, Zeus gave Pandora a box, but warned her never to open it. But the urge to open it overcame her. All of life’s miseries came out of the box, let free into the world. The final thing remaining in the box was hope, and a new beginning. This powerful and poignant work depicts Pandora’s myth. A bold and forceful opening statement gives way to a beautiful and haunting melody. Lush and mournfully dissonant harmonies gradually build to a climax of incredible emotion and power. As the music ends, we are reminded of a new hope and a new beginning, creating a sensitive and memorable moment. A meaningful and significant addition to the concert band repertoire; destined to be a classic.
SKU: CL.012-4542-75
In Greek mythology, Zeus gave Pandora a box, but warned her never to open it. But the urge to open it overcame her. All of life's miseries came out of the box, let free into the world. The final thing remaining in the box was hope, and a new beginning. This powerful and poignant work depicts Pandora's myth. A bold and forceful opening statement gives way to a beautiful and haunting melody. Lush and mournfully dissonant harmonies gradually build to a climax of incredible emotion and power. As the music ends, we are reminded of a new hope and a new beginning, creating a sensitive and memorable moment. A meaningful and significant addition to the concert band repertoire; destined to be a classic.
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