SKU: AI.AMC-WB-003SSC

8.5 x 11 inches.

The 1818 publication of Francis Johnson's A Collection of New Cotillions marks the first known publication of original music by a black composer in the United States. A prolific composer, instrumentalist, teacher and conductor, Johnson led a varied and successful career in an era in U.S. history that was not inviting to black professionals. His musical interests ranged from the contemporary works of Johann Strauss Jr. to traditional, popular dances.

The cotillion is a French country dance that was popular in Europe and America in the 18th century. It was originally danced by four couples in square formation and was an important influence in the development of the square dance in the United States. Francis Johnson composed two sets of six piano accompaniments for this dance. The original 1818 publication even included movement instructions for the eight dancers. The short and charming melodies that he composed are a fitting example of popular dance music of the time.

This transcription may be performed as a piano solo, with the piano as a non-solistic instrument within the ensemble or without piano at all. If it is to be a piano solo, the other instruments should not play the passages marked “opt. tacet (optional tacet). If the piano will not be treated soloistically, the conductor can have some or all of the “opt. tacet passages played at their discretion. When there is no piano involved in the performance ,all instrumentalists should ignore the “opt. tacet instruction and play everything.

SKU: AI.AMC-WB-003SCO

11 x 17 inches.

The 1818 publication of Francis Johnson's A Collection of New Cotillions marks the first known publication of original music by a black composer in the United States. A prolific composer, instrumentalist, teacher and conductor, Johnson led a varied and successful career in an era in U.S. history that was not inviting to black professionals. His musical interests ranged from the contemporary works of Johann Strauss Jr. to traditional, popular dances.

The cotillion is a French country dance that was popular in Europe and America in the 18th century. It was originally danced by four couples in square formation and was an important influence in the development of the square dance in the United States. Francis Johnson composed two sets of six piano accompaniments for this dance. The original 1818 publication even included movement instructions for the eight dancers. The short and charming melodies that he composed are a fitting example of popular dance music of the time.

This transcription may be performed as a piano solo, with the piano as a non-solistic instrument within the ensemble or without piano at all. If it is to be a piano solo, the other instruments should not play the passages marked “opt. tacet (optional tacet). If the piano will not be treated soloistically, the conductor can have some or all of the “opt. tacet passages played at their discretion. When there is no piano involved in the performance ,all instrumentalists should ignore the “opt. tacet instruction and play everything.

SKU: FJ.B1549S

English.

This fun, western-inspired work utilizes two folk tunes to portray a raucous, spontaneous dance that might have taken place around an evening campfire. A smooth, peaceful introduction quickly gives way to a light dance tune. As the dance continues, the music becomes more complex and volatile before giving way to a forceful statement laced with chromaticism. Themes then combine in a final triumphant declaration and rip-roarin' celebration. Yeehaw!

About FJH Developing Band

Slightly more advanced than beginning band. Clarinet 1 begins to play over the break. Rhythms and ranges are expanded to accommodate the end of first-year as well as second-year instruction. Grade 1.5

SKU: FJ.B1789S

English.

After countless requests from directors everywhere, Balmages is thrilled to offer this closer that pairs perfectly with A Festive Fanfare and brings your program full circle. Loosely based on the opening notes of the fanfare, this thrilling and energetic closer is a great way to tie your entire program together and end in a truly festive fashion. So. Much. Fun.

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: CF.CPS217F

ISBN 9781491153116. UPC: 680160910618.

The title, Aerius, is a Latin term meaning “soaring” or “rising aloft”.  This piece is signature Carl Strommen at his best. The piece begins with a lush brass chorale that is developed before leading to an energetic presto section.  The composition comes full circle and finishes with a majestic return of the chorale material from the opening.  A welcome addition to the repertoire.
The title Aerius is a Latin term meaning “soaring” or “rising aloft.” The students chose this title to signify the forward momentum and overall journey of their time in the high school band program. With new events and performances, and a first time commissioning a work, this piece signifies the great strides the band has made in recent years.The opening brass chorale section should be played very connected, observing the two-measure phrasing and breathing as one cohesive unit. The Presto section at m. 25 should be taken between 165-170 bpm. the vibraphone soloist should use medium-hard mallets with the pedal on. The sustained notes at m. 41 should be played way under the upper woodwinds to get the greatest effect as it builds in volume and intensity in m. 49, and again into m. 57.At m. 69, the percussion must sustain the pulse to the conductor’s tempo, careful not to add accents they’re hearing among the other sections. After the ritardando in m. 83, push the tempo at m. 85 slightly to where the woodwinds feel comfortable playing the triplet figure with appropriate breathing and phrasing.- Andrew Monsen, Hauppauge High School Band Director, June 2017.

SKU: CN.S11295

Greek Folk Dances captures the excitement of two dance styles the composer encountered while on holiday in the Greek Islands - the Hasapiko and the Syrto. The first is slow and dramatic dance that plods along showcasing the solo clarinet, while the second is a blazing fast fire dance that alternates between 4/4, 3/4 and 7/8.

The inspiration for these dances came from my first proper cruise in 2007, when we traveled around Greek islands and spent a week on the island of Corfu. Traditional music was all around us and we had the chance to watch and take part in some dancing. I began to formulate mu own ideas into two of the dance styles I had encountered - the Hasapiko and the Syrto. The Hasapiko is a butcher dance where the dancers put their arms around each other's shoulders and move in a slow side to side motion, dragging the insides of their feet on the ground. The music often speeds up, but not necessarily. The Syrto is much faster, again with arms around shoulders. Often a solo dancer breaks away, doing acrobatic dance tricks in the middle of the circle. I observed solo fire dancing among flames sprayed onto the ground using some flammable liquid. I have tried to capture some of the excitement of this. The Syrto can be in 3/4 time or 7/8 time, or a mixture of the two. I have used all three options in a gradual speeding up process charging towards a hugely energetic ending.