SKU: CF.FAS43

ISBN 9780825863387. UPC: 798408063382. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: E minor.

Titled by the students of J. T. Lambert Middle School in East Stroudsburg, PA, which commissioned the original version for band, this brilliant, heavily accented piece emphasizes rhythmic alertness and attention to dynamic contrasts. Bold fanfare writing alternates with lyrical writing of considerable warmth and the spiccato style of playing is introduced.
The title for Dance of the Thunderbolts was suggested by students at J. T. Lambert Middle School in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. This piece was originally commissioned for the sixth-grade band at the school in 2003 and has now been transcribed for string orchestra. The students specifically asked for the piece to be “a strong powerful piece with lots of accents and a strong abrupt ending.” As you can see and hear, the piece contains many of these aspects. After the title was suggested I came up with the thunderbolt dance section of the piece first stated at m. 24. Later during the compositional process I decided to frame this theme with a more lyrical theme, but one that still contains the sparkle of the staccato ostinato that is layered together with the elongated theme. Following the thunderbolt dance at m.24 is a short interlude to soften the sound before a return of the theme in fragments traded between different sections and in different tessituras. The lyrical theme returns and is followed by “a strong abrupt ending” as suggested by the students. As with all of my pieces at this level, the tempo is merely a suggestion and should be adjusted slower or faster to fit the needs of your students and the performance situation.It has been my pleasure to have the opportunity to write this piece. I hope you and your students enjoy it and find it useful for your program.—Larry ClarkLakeland, FL 2007.

SKU: XC.ISO2001

UPC: 812598034332. 9 x 12 inches.

In the late summer months, the Scottish countryside is covered by the heather flower. Purple in color, it makes the otherwise harsh landscape a place of tranquil beauty. In this adaptation of the Scottish folk song Wild Mountain Thyme, composer Michael J. Miller’s Purple Mountain Heather captures the serenity of the Scottish moors in full bloom. Flowing melodies phrased with expressive shaping are passed throughout the ensemble, creating heartfelt drama for all to enjoy!

SKU: XC.HSO2003

UPC: 812598034257. 9 x 12 inches.

History says Bonnie Prince Charlie escaped by boat to Scotland’s Skye island after the defeat of the Jacobite uprising at the infamous battle of Culloden. Composer Michael J. Miller’s Isle of Skye, a setting of The Skye Boat Song, recalls the strength and honor of Scottish highland culture. Lush scoring, warm harmonies, and tuneful melodies abound, making this a perfect lyrical selection for your next concert!

SKU: KJ.SO291F

UPC: 8402703237.

Baroque Variants is a string orchestra piece that draws upon the stylings of J.S. Bach but sets these features to modal harmonies and modern rhythms. The motif of the piece comes from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.However, while Bach starts his motif with an anacrusis (pick-up), in Baroque Variants this rhythmic idea begins on the beat and is the first thing heard. There is a fugal exposition in the middle of the piece (m. 25) that pays homage to Bach's wonderful counterpoint. The piece then moves into a challenging string quartet texture in m. 48 and comes back with a flurry to end on the original Brandenburg motif.

SKU: KN.9742

UPC: 822795097429.

The violas seize the spotlight and demand to be heard in this dramatic grade 2 piece! The conflict rages as the violas' aggressive B minor main theme contrast with the soaring D major theme played by the violins. Who will emerge victorious in this epic battle for orchestral dominance? Each set includes three copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part and an optional part for piano. Duration 3:25. Available in SmartMusic.