SKU: HL.44010988

UPC: 884088637439. 9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

Evolution was commissioned by Kunstfactor for the 4th section of the Dutch National Brass Band Championships (NBK) 2011. It is dedicated to Jappie Dijkstra and the Music Information Centre (MUI), Arnhem, Holland, in acknowledgement of their outstanding work in developing brass band repertoire. The composer writes:-The idea for the piece came when I was reading an article about a branch of Chinese philosophy which is abbreviated as Wu Xing, which has no exact translation but can mean, for example, five elements, five phases or five states of change. It is central to all elements of Chinese thought, including science, philosophy, medicine and astrology, and in simpleterms tries to create various cyclic relationships between five elements in all walks of life. An example is: Earth - Metal - Water - Wood - Fire - (Earth) etc. where (in one cycle) earth bears metal, metal changes to liquid (water) when heated, water helps trees grow, wood burns to create fire, fire produces ash (earth) and the cycle continues.I was particularly interested in the cycle of emotions: Meditation - Sorrow - Fear - Anger - Joy - (Meditation) etc. and thought this cyclic principle would provide an effective emotional journey for a piece of music. So Evolution has five equal sections which loosely characterise this emotional cycle. I have tried to make the music grow organically, with minimal repetition, and each movement evolves from the musical elements at the end of the previous one, with the opening material appearing, transformed, at the end of the piece to complete the cycle.

Evolution is geschreven in opdracht van Kunstfactor voor de 4e divisie van de NBK (Nederlandse Brassband Kampioenschappen) 2011. Het werk is opgedragen aan Jappie Dijkstra en het MUI (Muziekuitleen- en Informatiecentrum) te Arnhem, als waardering voor hun inspanningen met betrekking tot de ontwikkeling van het brassbandrepertoire.De componist schrijft:Het idee voor Evolution kwam in mij op toen ik een artikel las over een tak binnen de Chinese filosofie waarvan de naam wordt afgekort tot Wu Xing - waar geen exacte vertaling voor is, maar wat zoveel betekent als vijf elementen, vijf fasen of vijf stadia van verandering. Het gaat om een wezenlijk onderdeel van allecomponenten binnen het Chinese gedachtegoed, inclusief de wetenschap, filosofie, geneeskunst en astrologie. Simpel gezegd draait het om het creeren van diverse cyclische verbanden tussen vijf elementen die in ieders leven een rol spelen. Een voorbeeld: Aarde - Metaal - Water - Hout - Vuur - (Aarde) enz. In deze cyclus bevat aarde metaal; metaal verandert in vloeistof (water) door verhitting; water helpt bomen te groeien; hout dat brandt creeert vuur; en vuur produceert as (aarde). Zo blijft de cyclus voortgaan. Zelf was ik vooral geinteresseerd in de cyclus van emoties: Meditatie - Verdriet - Angst - Boosheid - Vreugde - (Meditatie) enz. De gedachte aan dit cyclische principe leverde een reis door een muzikale wereld van emoties op. Evolution bestaat uit vijf delen die betrekking hebben op de emotionele cyclus. Ik heb geprobeerd de muziek op natuurlijke wijze te laten ontstaan, met zo weinig mogelijk herhalingen. Elk deel vloeit voort uit de muzikale elementen uit het slot van het voorgaande deel. Het openingsmateriaal komt, in getransformeerde gedaante, terug aan het einde van het werk, waarmee de cyclus wordt afgerond.

Evolution wurde von Kunstfactor fur die vierte Abteilung der Hollandischen Nationalen Brass-Band-Meisterschaft (NBK) 2011 in Auftrag gegeben. Die Widmung gilt Jappie Dijkstra und dem Musik-Informationszentrum (MUI) in Arnhem (Holland), in Anerkennung ihrer ausserordentlichen Bemuhungen um die Entwicklung des Brass-Band-Repertoires.Der Komponist uber sein Werk:Die Idee zu diesem Stuck kam mir beim Lesen eines Artikels uber eine Richtung der chinesischen Philosophie, die abgekurzt Wu Xing heisst, was nicht wortlich ubersetzt werden kann, aber so viel wie funf Elemente, funf Phasen oder funf Stadien der Verwandlung bedeutet. Dieses Prinzip nimmt eine zentrale Positionim gesamten chinesischen Gedankengut ein, sei es in der Wissenschaft, Medizin oder Astrologie. Einfach ausgedruckt, werden damit in allen Lebensbereichen verschiedene zyklische Beziehungen zwischen funf Elementen hergestellt.Zum Beispiel: Erde - Metall - Wasser - Holz - Feuer - (Erde) - usw. In diesem Zyklus enthalt die Erde Metall, das sich bei Erhitzung verflussigt (Wasser); Wasser lasst Baume wachsen, deren Holz verbrennt (Feuer) und zu Asche wird (Erde), womit der Kreislauf von neuem beginnt.Mich interessierte besonders der Kreislauf von Gefuhlen: Meditation - Trauer - Angst - Arger - Freude - (Meditation) usw. Ich dachte mir, dass dieser Kreislauf eine wirkungsvolle emotionale Reise durch ein Musikstuck darstellen konnte. Folglich besteht Evolution aus funf gleichen Abschnitten, die diesen Kreislauf der Gefuhle grob nachzeichnen. Ich habe versucht, die Musik organisch wachsen zu lassen mit moglichst wenig Wiederholungen. Jeder Satz entwickelt sich aus den Elementen vom Ende des vorhergehenden Satzes und das Material der Eroffnung vollendet am Schluss des Werkes den Kreis.

Evolution est une commande de l'institut Kunstfactor pour la 4e division des Championnats neerlandais de Brass Band en 2011. Cette oeuvre est dediee a Jappie Dijkstra et au Music Information Centre (MUI) d'Arnhem, aux Pays-Bas, en hommage a leur role exceptionnel dans le developpement du repertoire pour Brass Band. Le compositeur ecrit :L'idee de cette composition m'est venue alors que je lisais un article sur un aspect de la philosophie chinoise, connu sous l'abreviation de Wu Xing, qu'il est impossible de traduire litteralement mais qui peut signifier, par exemple, cinq elements, cinq phases ou cinq etats de changement. Toute chose dans l'univers est le fruitd'un cycle de creation (ou d'engendrement) et de domination (ou controle). Ce concept est essentiel a tous les elements de la pensee chinoise, y compris les sciences, la philosophie, la medecine et l'astrologie et, en termes simples, il represente les multiples rapports cycliques qui existent entre cinq elements lies a l'univers et a toute chose dans l'univers, donc a l'homme.Evoquons le cycle de la creation : Terre - Metal - Eau - Bois - Feu - (Terre) etc. la terre contient des mineraux, source de metal, le metal peut etre fondu et se liquefie, l'eau arrose et fait pousser les arbres, le bois brule et produit du feu, le feu produit des cendres, une sorte de terre, dans une dynamique cyclique perpetuelle.Parmi tous les cycles existants, celui des emotions eveilla particulierement mon interet : Meditation - Chagrin - Peur - Colere - Joie - (Meditation) etc. et je me suis dit que ce principe cyclique pourrait etre a la source d'un puissant et emotionnel voyage musical. Evolution se compose donc de cinq parties egales qui refletent assez librement ce cycle des emotions. J'ai essaye de faire en sorte que la musique se developpe de maniere fluide et naturelle, avec un minimum de repetitions. Chaque mouvement s'ouvre a partir des elements musicaux qui parachevent le mouvement precedent, tandis que le motif premier reapparait.

SKU: BT.AMP-342-010

9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

Five States of Change was commissioned by Kunstfactor for the 4th section of the Dutch National Brass Band Championships (NBK) 2011. It is dedicated to Jappie Dijkstra and the Music Information Centre (MUI), Arnhem, Holland, in acknowledgement of their outstanding work in developing band repertoire.The composer writes: The idea for the piece came when I was reading an article about a branch of Chinese philosophy which is abbreviated as Wu Xing*, which has no exact translation but can mean, for example, five elements, five phases or five states of change. It is central to all elements of Chinese thought, including science, philosophy, medicine andastrology, and in simple terms tries to create various cyclic relationships between five elements in all walks of life.An example is: Earth - Metal - Water - Wood - Fire - (Earth) etc. where (in one cycle) earth bears metal, metal changes to liquid (water) when heated, water helps trees grow, wood burns to create fire, fire produces ash (earth) and the cycle continues.I was particularly interested in the cycle of emotions:- Meditation - Sorrow - Fear - Anger - Joy - (Meditation) etc. and thought this cyclic principle would provide an effective emotional journey for a piece of music. So Five States of Change has five equal sections which loosely characterise this emotional cycle. I have tried to make the music grow organically, with minimal repetition, and each movement evolves from the musical elements at the end of the previous one, with the opening material appearing, transformed, at the end of the piece to complete the cycle. *in full Wu zhong liu xing zhi chi or the five types of chi dominating at different times

Five States of Change is geschreven in opdracht van Kunstfactor voor de 4e divisie van de NBK (Nederlandse Brassband Kampioenschappen) 2011. Het werk is opgedragen aan Jappie Dijkstra en het MUI (Muziekuitleen- en Informatiecentrum)te Arnhem,als waardering voor hun inspanningen met betrekking tot de ontwikkeling van het repertoire voor blaasorkesten.De componist schrijft: Het idee voor het werk kwam in mij op toen ik een artikel las over een takbinnen de Chinese filosofie waarvan denaam wordt afgekort tot Wu Xing* - waar geen exacte vertaling voor is, maar wat zoveel betekent als vijf elementen, vijf fasen of vijf stadia van verandering. Het gaat om eenwezenlijk onderdeel van alle componenten binnen hetChinese gedachtegoed, inclusief de wetenschap, filosofie, geneeskunst en astrologie. Simpel gezegd draait het om het creëren van diverse cyclische verbanden tussen vijf elementendie in ieders leven een rol spelen.Een voorbeeld: Aarde - Metaal - Water- Hout - Vuur - (Aarde) enz. In deze cyclus bevat aarde metaal, metaal verandert in vloeistof (water) door verhitting, water helpt bomen te groeien, houtdat brandt creëert vuur, en vuur produceert as (aarde). Zo blijft de cyclus voortgaan. Zelf wasik vooral ge nteresseerd in de cyclus van emoties: Meditatie - Verdriet - Angst - Boosheid - Vreugde - (Meditatie) enz. De gedachte aandit cyclische principe leverde een reis door een muzikale wereld van emoties op. Five States of Changebestaat uit vijf delen die betrekking hebben op de emotionele cyclus. Ik heb geprobeerd de muziek op natuurlijke wijzete laten ontstaan, met zo weinig mogelijk herhalingen. Elk deel vloeit voort uit de muzikale elementen uit het slot van hetvoorgaande deel. Het openingsmateriaal komt, in getransformeerde gedaante, terug aan het einde van het werk.

Five States of Change wurde von Kunstfactor für die vierte Abteilung der Holländischen Nationalen Brass-Band-Meisterschaft (NBK) 2011 in Auftrag gegeben. Die Widmung gilt Jappie Dijkstra und dem Musik-Informationszentrum (MUI) in Arnhem(Holland), in Anerkennung derer außerordentlichen Bemühungen um die Entwicklung des Blasorchester-Repertoires. Der Komponist über sein Werk: Die Idee zu diesem Stück kam mir beim Lesen eines Artikels über eine Richtung derchinesischen Philosophie, die abgekürzt Wu Xing* heißt, was nicht wörtlich übersetzt werden kann, aber so viel wie fünf Elemente, fünf Phasen oder fünf Stadien der Verwandlung bedeutet. DiesesPrinzip nimmt eine zentrale Position im gesamten chinesischen Gedankengut ein, sei es in der Wissenschaft, Medizin oder Astrologie. Einfach ausgedrückt, werden damit in allen Lebensbereichen verschiedene zyklische Beziehungen zwischenfünf Elementen hergestellt.Zum Beispiel: Erde - Metall - Wasser - Holz - Feuer - (Erde) - usw. In diesem Zyklus enthält die Erde Metall, das sich bei Erhitzung verflüssigt (Wasser); Wasser lässt Bäume wachsen, deren Holz verbrennt (Feuer)und zu Asche wird (Erde), womit der Kreislauf von neuem beginnt.Mich interessierte besonders der Kreislauf von Gefühlen:Meditation - Trauer - Angst - Ärger - Freude - (Meditation) usw.Ich dachte mir, dass dieser Kreislauf eine wirkungsvolleemotionale Reise“ durch ein Musikstück darstellen könnte. Folglich besteht Five States of Change aus fünf gleichen Abschnitten, die diesen Kreislauf der Gefühle grob nachzeichnen. Ich habe versucht, die Musik organischwachsen zu lassen mit möglichst wenig Wiederholungen. Jeder Satz entwickelt sich aus den Elementen vom Ende des vorhergehenden Satzes und das Material der Eröffnung vollendet am Schluss des Werkes den Kreis. *Abkürzung für Wu zhongliu xing zhi chi oder Die fünf Arten von Chi, die zu unterschiedlichen Zeiten dominieren

Five States of Change est une commande de l’institut Kunstfactor pour la 4e division des Championnats néerlandais de Brass Band en 2011. Cette œuvre est dédiée Jappie Dijkstra et au Music Information Centre (MUI) d’Arnhem, aux Pays-Bas, en hommage leur rôle exceptionnel dans le développement du répertoire pour Orchestre Vent.Le compositeur écrit : L’idée de cette composition m’est venue alors que je lisais un article sur un aspect de la philosophie chinoise, connu sous l’abréviation de Wu Xing*, qu’il est impossible de traduire littéralement mais qui peut signifier, par exemple, cinq éléments, cinq phases ou cinq états de changement. Toutechose dans l’univers est le fruit d’un cycle de création (ou d’engendrement) et de domination (ou contrôle). Ce concept est essentiel tous les éléments de la pensée chinoise, y compris les sciences, la philosophie, la médecine et l’astrologie et, en termes simples, il représente les multiples rapports cycliques qui existent entre cinq éléments liés l’univers et toute chose dans l’univers, donc l’homme.Évoquons le cycle de la création : Terre - Métal - Eau - Bois - Feu - (Terre) etc. La terre contient des minéraux, source de métal, le métal peut être fondu et se liquéfie, l’eau arrose et fait pousser les arbres, le bois br le et produit du feu, le feu produit des cendres, une sorte de terre, dans une dynamique cyclique perpétuelle.Parmi tous les cycles existants, celui des émotions éveilla particulièrement mon intérêt : Méditation - Chagrin - Peur - Colère - Joie - (Méditation) etc. et je me suis dit que ce principe cyclique pourrait être la source d’un puissant et émotionnel voyage musical. Five States of Change se compose donc de cinq parties égales qui reflètent assez librement ce cycle des émotions. J’ai essayé de faire en sorte que la musique se développe de manière fluide et naturelle, avec un minimum de répétitions. Chaque mouvement s’ouvre partir des éléments musicaux qui parachèvent le mouvement précédent, tandis que

L’idea di comporre questo brano è venuta a Philip Sparke leggendo un articolo sulla filosofi a cinese che si basa su cicli di cinque elementi, fasi e stadi di cambiamento. A Sparke interessavano in particolare il flusso dei sentimenti come la meditazione, il lutto, la paura, la rabbia e la gioia. A partire da questi elementi ha composto un impressionante “viaggio” musicale suddiviso in cinque sezioni, tematicamente intrecciate tra loro, quasi a voler formare un cerchio.

SKU: BT.GOB-000956-140

Scottish Dances is based on three Scottish traditionals: Cock of the North, The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond and Marie's Wedding.

I. Cock of the North's name is used for multiple things or events. For example for a locomotive to a famous, it seems, delicious liqueur, and rallies to snowboard competitions. Furthermore is Cock O' the North a nickname of a famous Duke. (The 4th Duke of Gordon).
In this composition Cock of the North (a Jig) is a traditional Scottish bagpipe tune, regularly played on tattoos by Pipe Bands. Not infrequently the drummers sing the text.

Auntie Mary, had a canary,
Up the leg of her trousers
While she was sleeping Iwas peeping
Up the leg of her trousers.

II. The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond is about a sad story that took place during an revolt against the British. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie had to retreat. Two of his men were captured. One was convicted and executed, while the other was released. The spirit of the executed soldier would arrive in Scotland via the 'low road' (underworld) before his companion, who had still a long way to go.

You'll take the high road
And I'll take the low road
And I'll be in Scotland afore ye
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

III. In a Scottish wedding, after the official ceremonies, there is often danced. This is called a ceilidh. For this we use traditional Scottish music such as Marie's Wedding '.
Mid dance we go back to the church, where a lovely song in honor of the couple sounds.
Marie's Wedding has been recorded by Van Morrison (among many others).

Step we gaely, on we go, heel for heel and toe for toe
Arm and arm and on we go, all for Marie's wedding

Scottish Dances is gebaseerd op drie Schotse traditionals: Cock of the North, The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond en Marie's Wedding.

I. De naam Cock of the North wordt voor meerdere dingen of evenementen gebruikt. Van een beroemdelocomotief tot een, naar het schijnt, een heerlijke likeur, en van rally's tot snowboard wedstrijden. Bovendien was 'Cock O' the North' een bijnaam van een bekende hertog. (the 4th Duke of Gordon)
Het in deze compositiegebruikte Cock of the North (een Jig) is een traditioneel Schotse bagpipe tune (doedelzak liedje) wat regelmatig gespeeld wordt op taptoes door Pipebands. Niet zelden zingen de slagwerkers de tekst mee.

Auntie Mary, had acanary,
Up the leg of her trousers
While she was sleeping I was peeping
Up the leg of her trousers.

II. 'The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond', gaat over een triest verhaal dat zich afspeelde tijdens een opstand tegende Engelsen. In 1745 moest Bonnie Prince Charlie zich terugtrekken. Twee van zijn mannen werden gevangen genomen. Eén van hen werd veroordeeld en geexecuteerd, terwijl de ander vrijgelaten werd. De geest van de geexecuteerde soldaatzou via de 'low road' (onderwereld) eerder in Schotland aankomen dan zijn kameraad, die nog een lange ruige weg te gaan had.

You'll take the high road
And I'll take the low road
And I'll be in Scotland aforeye
But me and my true love will never meet again
On the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond

III. Bij een Schotse bruiloft wordt na de officiele plechtigheden vaak gedanst. Dit noemt men een ceilidh. Hiervoor gebruiktmen traditionele Schotse muziek zoals bijv. 'Marie's Wedding'.
Halverwege de dans gaan we nog even terug naar de kerk, waar een lieflijk lied ter ere van het bruidspaar klinkt.
Marie's Wedding is o.a. door Van Morrison opgenomen.

SKU: MH.1-59913-072-6

ISBN 9781599130729.

Program Notes: It was a happy coincidence that the commission for SINFONIA XVI: TRANSCENDENTAL VIENNA came from the Henry David Thoreau School located in Vienna, Virginia. Thoreau is one of the magic names in American culture: Henry David Thoreau, one of the leading figures of the Transcendentalist movement, centered in 19th-century New England, left us a body of unique philosophical and poetical writings. To utter the words, Walden Pond, is to invoke an America long past in physical actuality, but still present in the minds and hearts of many American citizens. The name, Vienna, of course, summons thoughts of the Old World: culture, fine food, wine, civilized cities. While contemplating the form that SINFONIA XVI should take, I found myself thinking of two pillars of Viennese culture: expressionism and the waltz. Musically speaking, expressionism reached a zenith in the works of Arnold Schoenberg and Alban Berg. It was Berg, in particular, that I wanted to invoke in the outer movements of my composition. I knew I would also have to include a waltz, and an invocation of the mysterious forces that are contained in both expressionism and transcendentalism. Thus was the structure of the work generated. The outer movements with their vision of the night sky and the stars, Aldebaran and Sirius, frame the central movements, which are essentially two versions of the same material, and are quieter and less dramatic. The outer movements are symmetrical, and share both pitch and rhythmic materials. Accordingly, I see the work as a ternary form, with the central movements forming a unit within the outer frame: A (Movement 1) B (Movements 2 & 3) A' (Movement 4). Harmonically, the work can be summarized by the two pitch-series which occur in the opening bars of Movement 1: the initial 12-note row, with a tonal center on F-sharp (measures 1-6), and the subsequent D-minor Dorian 7-note row (beginning in measure 14). Aspects of these materials occur in all four movements, but they are most strongly present in Movements 1 and 4. Note that the 12-note row is not subjected to the usual serial procedures, but instead is treated as a signifier and is left unchanged. Since the fourth movement takes up where the first movement leaves off, I can conceive of one interpretation of SINFONIA XVI as an evocation of Thoreau himself contemplating two of the brightest stars on a clear, cold night. Aldebaran is an orange, first-magnitude star, located in the constellation Taurus; Sirius, the Dog Star, is the brightest star in the sky, and is located in the constellation Canis Major. Thoreau interrupts his star-gazing to entertain some inward thoughts, waking dreams, as it were, then returns his gaze to the splendid night sky and all its treasures. Although many other interpretations of the material are possible, it is important to remember that the abstract materials of the piece -- pitch, rhythm, structure -- are what count the most. Ensemble instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 4 Flute 1, 4 Flute 2, 3 Oboe, 1 Eb Clarinet (opt.), 4 Bb Clarinet 1, 4 Bb Clarinet 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 3, 3 Bass Clarinet, 3 Bassoon, 3 Eb Alto Saxophone 1, 3 Eb Alto Saxophone 2, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 2 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpet 1, 3 Bb Trumpet 2, 3 Bb Trumpet 3, 2 Horn 1, 2 Horn 2, 3 Trombone 1, 3 Trombone 2, 3 Euphonium B.C., 2 Euphonium T.C., 5 Tuba, 2 Timpani, 3 Percussion 1, 3 Percussion 2, 3 Percussion 3, 3 Percussion 4.

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: CF.YPS204

ISBN 9781491152249. UPC: 680160909742. Key: D minor.

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.CPS267F

ISBN 9781491161777. UPC: 680160920464.

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: CN.R10229

Written in the Italian style - with a pinch of Sousa, Marcia a Montecelio was composed on pure inspiration in just two days. This concert march will excite your audience and challenge your ensemble.

Monticello is the name of a little place northeast of Rome where my wife and I have rented a simple home for more than 20 years. We participated intensively in the cultural life of the community where there was also a little band, the Banda Municipale Cornicolana, which consisted of about 55 wind players, mostly youngsters. One day, the Il Direttore came to me and asked if I would like to write a march for them, which I naturally did. It became the Marcia a Montecelio. After 14 rehearsals, with everyone tired, perspiring and red in the face, we were forced to give up. The march was too difficult for them. I then wrote another, easier march for them to perform at the forthcoming feast of San Michaeli. The Montecelio march was composed on pure inspiration in just two days. It is written in the Italian style - with a pinch of Sousa.