SKU: CL.CTS-7719-75

Written for accomplished soloist Brian Bowman, principal Euphonium in the US Air Force Band, as a commissioned work under conductor Col. Arnald Gabriel, this composition is for virtuoso soloist and concert band. It calls for expressive phrasing especially through the Lento and Andante sections. Smith incorporates mixed meters and his signature 7/8 bar to create a dance-like lift. A concert showpiece that contains a challenging cadenza for the soloist. Also provided is the cadenza as performed by Bowman. Solo is grade 6.

SKU: CL.CTS-7708-01

This is the composition that started it all! A classic of the wind band literature for concert and contest alike. It was something completely different, with its appearance in 1964. The band’s literature had not experienced the trademark 7/8 measures, which we all know as a Smith trait. This composition also includes one of his few full band fugatos. Excellent percussion writing and a combination of all themes come together in a direct modulation to C Major. Originally titled Overture for Winds and Percussion, the word Emperata has no meaning; it was just, as Claude put it, an intriguing word! Still Smith’s best-selling work.

SKU: CL.CTS-7709-01

Legendary composer W. Francis McBeth once said, If Claude Smith only wrote the fanfare to Eternal Father, he would still be a legend. Smith takes the Navy’s hymn as the basis for his fanfare. This famous hymn tune, normally in the major key, has now been placed in the minor key then transitions to Allegro Vivace. The hymn tune is put through its paces including several variations and two fugatos (one for the woodwinds and one for brass). A short transition,(including the famous 7/8 measure!) to the now well-known setting for French horn quartet, gives us an emotional rendition of the original hymn tune now in the major key. The full band plays the hymn, and a timpani roll takes us back to the original fanfare now in C major. A classic of literature and a composition which will provide a meaningful experience for musician and audience member alike.

SKU: CL.CTS-8029-00

God of Our Fathers is based on the hymn with the same name and is one of the most iconic American Christian hymns dating back to the 19th-century. Claude T. Smith’s concert band arrangement of this hymn has become a staple of band literature. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: CL.CTS-7712-01

A delightful three-movement work to show off the bandâ??s skill at playing different styles. The first movement marked Tarantella, includes an asymmetric 9/8 measure and a woodwind fugato. Nocturne features solos for flute, oboe and alto saxophone. Rondo begins with a fierce percussion section soli throughout the movement, and a reflection of developmental material from the Nocturne shows up in this movement as well. A challenging work, but your group will learn several musical concepts. A concert band classic.

SKU: CL.CTS-8030-01

Tarantella from Incidental Suite is the first movement of this suite originally scored for concert band. Claude T. Smith has elevated the basic meaning of tarantella creating engaging rhythmic interest throughout the duration of the movement. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: CL.CTS-8018-01

This is the composition that started it all! Emperata Overture is a wind band classic for concert and festival alike. The original publication of this work established Claude T. Smith’s use of the 7/8-time meter as his signature rhythmic device for instrumental ensembles. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: CL.CTS-8030-00

Tarantella from Incidental Suite is the first movement of this suite originally scored for concert band. Claude T. Smith has elevated the basic meaning of tarantella creating engaging rhythmic interest throughout the duration of the movement. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: CL.CTS-8044-00

Amazing Grace is one of the most well-known spiritual songs known to date. Claude T. Smith cleverly created this band setting forming variations throughout. With Smith’s passing in December of 1987, this was one of the final works he produced. This flexible arrangement allows ensembles to perform the work with as few as fourteen musicians providing accessibility and flexibility for numerous instrumentation needs, while still allowing a full ensemble sound. *The posted recording is based on the full band scoring but aligns with the suggested preferences for either woodwinds/strings or brass suggested in the score.

SKU: CL.CTS-7711-00

This has become a staple of band literature. Claude Smith is well known for taking hymn tunes and creating wonderful pieces of music. Trumpet and trombone trios are featured in the opening statement, followed by free-flowing Rubato flute solo. A piccolo and bassoon duet follow in the next section. Variations of the theme appear in the fugato section, followed by the full chorale. The audience may sing the hymn tune during the full chorale. The triumphant ending features the horn section which leads to an emotional finale. God of Our Fathers is also available for full orchestra, and an edition for SATB Choir with piano/organ, which may be used in a massed band/orchestra/choir setting as well. An audience favorite and one of Smith’s most popular works.

SKU: CL.CTS-7710-00

The first of two trumpet solos Smith wrote for Carl Doc Severinsen. If you have a trumpet player par excellence, then this piece is for your soloist and band. It begins with a dramatic opening followed by an Allegro. Smith then weaves in the blues for the soloist to play a wonderful lyric melody first, followed by an opportunity to adlib with the chord progression. The accompaniment is a grade 3.5, but the solo is most certainly a grade 6. Also available for trumpet solo and piano.