SKU: FJ.B1543S

English.

Bold and declarative, this work is based on the Latin word for I believe. Lightly inspired by musical settings of ancient Nicene Creed, the music begins subdued, yet quickly blossoms into a bold harmonic statement as melodies subtly pass through a series of instrumental amalgam. The subsequent allegro, largely characterized by engaging harmonies and hemiolic rhythms, offers a grand array of sounds and tonal textures as the music drives toward the electrifying finish.

SKU: MH.0-931329-76-0

ISBN 9780931329760.

THE STARS ASLEEP, THE BREAK OF DAY is my most instrumentally colorful Grade 1 work and I believe in this area it breaks new ground. Furthermore, the musical content greatly exceeds Grade 1 expectations. Beginning band students have something to study here that presents opportunity for real musical development. Band directors will notice immediately that the scoring does not look like Grade 1 music. The music actually sounds like a Grade 3 work but it is not. The ranges and technical demands are truly only Grade 1, but the variety in the instrumentation is ample. Numerous cues and cross-cues allow less secure bands to rehearse or perform the work. The flexibility of tempo in the first movement presents unique challenges in performance and teaching. The sparkling and dancelike second movement is cinematic in its instrumental colors and pacing, and will be fun to perform. Instrumental sections that are used to being buried in the mix will discover that their roles in band music can be significant. Ensemble instrumentation: 6 Flute 1, 6 Flute 2, 2 Oboe, 2 Bassoon, 6 Bb Clarinet 1, 6 Bb Clarinet 2, 3 Bb Bass Clarinet, 4 Eb Alto Saxophone 1, 4 Eb Alto Saxophone 2, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 2 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 6 Bb Trumpet 1, 6 Bb Trumpet 2, 4 F Horn, 4 Trombone 1, 4 Trombone 2, 4 Euphonium, 2 Euphonium (T.C.), 6 Tuba, 2 Timpani, 2 Percussion 1, 4 Percussion 2, 3 Percussion 3.

SKU: CF.FPS150F

ISBN 9781491152782. UPC: 680160910281.

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.