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.

SKU: CF.BPS132F

ISBN 9781491158470. UPC: 680160917075. 9 x 12 inches.

Secret Mission is a cinematic depiction of a spy on a mission to defeat a nefarious villain. This was inspired by my love for several spies and superheroes from movies and television series, both serious and humorous. With exciting parts for all players, I hope your imagination is sparked by this accessible and melodic piece. In the opening, the spy receives his mission in grand fashion, as the title sequence rolls across the screen. After a dramatic pause (m. 10), the spy is on the chase! The melody at m. 11 depicts the spy doing reconnaissance on his enemy. The villain reveals his evil plan, and soon, the hero and the villain face off in an epic battle! Who do you think wins? Is it a serious thriller or a hilarious cartoon? Decide for your own as you see the end credits scroll! Itas an epic journey sure to spark your imagination. For smaller ensembles, the power chords in the low brass can be divided such that trombones take the top note, and euphonium the bottom, or divide it as is appropriate for your ensemble. At m. 9, and as it recurs, the students should choose a note that is comfortably in their playing range that they can play beautifully. They should, however, strive to choose a different note than their neighbor, and can change the note as this technique recurs. The melody at measure 11 should sound soft, light, and sneaky! Do not let the students get too loud at m. 17. If anything, this section should be slightly softer. The woodblock and cowbell add a touch of urgency (like the ticking of a clock) and humor (I got a fevah!). Make sure the countermelody at m. 25 can be heard clearly. At m. 33, dynamic contrast is very important. If needed, a crash cymbal from a drum set can be used, and both cymbals can be struck by a drumstick. In either case, suspended cymbal should be played with a drumstick (unless rolling: then, use a pair of yarn mallets). I sincerely hope you and your students enjoy the cinematic journey, and thank you for choosing my music!.
Secret Mission is a cinematic depiction of a spy on a mission to defeat a nefarious villain. This was inspired by my love for several spies and superheroes from movies and television series, both serious and humorous. With exciting parts for all players, I hope your imagination is sparked by this accessible and melodic piece. In the opening, the spy receives his mission in grand fashion, as the title sequence rolls across the screen. After a dramatic pause (m. 10), the spy is on the chase! The melody at m. 11 depicts the spy doing reconnaissance on his enemy. The villain reveals his evil plan, and soon, the hero and the villain face off in an epic battle! Who do you think wins? Is it a serious thriller or a hilarious cartoon? Decide for your own as you see the end credits scroll! It's an epic journey sure to spark your imagination. For smaller ensembles, the power chords in the low brass can be divided such that trombones take the top note, and euphonium the bottom, or divide it as is appropriate for your ensemble. At m. 9, and as it recurs, the students should choose a note that is comfortably in their playing range that they can play beautifully. They should, however, strive to choose a different note than their neighbor, and can change the note as this technique recurs. The melody at measure 11 should sound soft, light, and sneaky! Do not let the students get too loud at m. 17. If anything, this section should be slightly softer. The woodblock and cowbell add a touch of urgency (like the ticking of a clock) and humor (I got a fevah!). Make sure the countermelody at m. 25 can be heard clearly. At m. 33, dynamic contrast is very important. If needed, a crash cymbal from a drum set can be used, and both cymbals can be struck by a drumstick. In either case, suspended cymbal should be played with a drumstick (unless rolling: then, use a pair of yarn mallets). I sincerely hope you and your students enjoy the cinematic journey, and thank you for choosing my music!.
Secret Mission is a cinematic depiction of a spy on a mission to defeat a nefarious villain. This was inspired by my love for several spies and superheroes from movies and television series, both serious and humorous. With exciting parts for all players, I hope your imagination is sparked by this accessible and melodic piece. In the opening, the spy receives his mission in grand fashion, as the title sequence rolls across the screen. After a dramatic pause (m. 10), the spy is on the chase! The melody at m. 11 depicts the spy doing reconnaissance on his enemy. The villain reveals his evil plan, and soon, the hero and the villain face off in an epic battle! Who do you think wins? Is it a serious thriller or a hilarious cartoon? Decide for your own as you see the end credits scroll! It’s an epic journey sure to spark your imagination.For smaller ensembles, the power chords in the low brass can be divided such that trombones take the top note, and euphonium the bottom, or divide it as is appropriate for your ensemble. At m. 9, and as it recurs, the students should choose a note that is comfortably in their playing range that they can play beautifully. They should, however, strive to choose a different note than their neighbor, and can change the note as this technique recurs. The melody at measure 11 should sound soft, light, and sneaky! Do not let the students get too loud at m. 17. If anything, this section should be slightly softer. The woodblock and cowbell add a touch of urgency (like the ticking of a clock) and humor (I got a fevah!). Make sure the countermelody at m. 25 can be heard clearly. At m. 33, dynamic contrast is very important. If needed, a crash cymbal from a drum set can be used, and both cymbals can be struck by a drumstick. In either case, suspended cymbal should be played with a drumstick (unless rolling: then, use a pair of yarn mallets). I sincerely hope you and your students enjoy the cinematic journey, and thank you for choosing my music!

SKU: CF.FAS21

ISBN 9780825853067. UPC: 798408053062. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: B minor.

Character was composed to introduce young string players to contemporary harmonic techniques while still being within the technical limitations of the developing student. Quartal and quintal harmonies open the composition with a fanfare gesture that ties the piece together. This is followed by an ostinato in the first violins that contains a tricky figuration between G and A that will work the pinky finger on the D-string. Players who are not capable of maneuvering their pinky at this brisk tempo should play the lower part. The main theme is given to the inner voice for a change! After the main theme there is a development section that combines fragments of the fanfare material with fragments of the main theme. A grand pause and then a stronger statement of the main theme then follow this with the first violins up an octave. The piece is then completed with a short coda containing fragments of the ostinato and fanfare material. It feels natural for the tempo to speed up slightly at this point in the piece. 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 Clark New York, NY 2003.
Character was composed to introduce young string players to contemporary harmonic techniques while still being within the technical limitations of the developing student. Quartal and quintal harmonies open the composition with a fanfare gesture that ties the piece together. This is followed by an ostinato in the first violins that contains a tricky figuration between G and A that will work the pinky finger on the D-string. Players who are not capable of maneuvering their pinky at this brisk tempo should play the lower part. The main theme is given to the inner voice for a change! After the main theme there is a development section that combines fragments of the fanfare material with fragments of the main theme. A grand pause and then a stronger statement of the main theme then follow this with the first violins up an octave. The piece is then completed with a short coda containing fragments of the ostinato and fanfare material. It feels natural for the tempo to speed up slightly at this point in the piece. 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 Clark New York, NY 2003.
Character was composed to introduce young string players to contemporary harmonic techniques while still being within the technical limitations of the developing student. Quartal and quintal harmonies open the composition with a fanfare gesture that ties the piece together. This is followed by an ostinato in the first violins that contains a tricky figuration between G and A that will work the pinky finger on the D-string. Players who are not capable of maneuvering their pinky at this brisk tempo should play the lower part. The main theme is given to the inner voice for a change! After the main theme there is a development section that combines fragments of the fanfare material with fragments of the main theme. A grand pause and then a stronger statement of the main theme then follow this with the first violins up an octave. The piece is then completed with a short coda containing fragments of the ostinato and fanfare material. It feels natural for the tempo to speed up slightly at this point in the piece.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 ClarkNew York, NY 2003.

SKU: CF.BPS122F

ISBN 9781491152768. UPC: 680160910267.

As the title implies, this piece is written in a contemplative manner for beginning students.  It is a good piece to demonstrate basic compositional techniques that the students will be able identify easily in the piece. It begins with a lush opening section with an elegant melody to work on musicianship. This is contrasted by the uptempo section of the piece based on the same basic musical material, but in a varied style and frolicking feel. A very satisfying piece for beginning wind players.
Contemplation: the action to look thoughtfully at something for a long time.When composing music that will be used with younger students, I want to stimulate thoughtfulness in them. In this particular piece I want the students to be able to stretch their musicianship beyond their experience on their instruments to play in a contemplative manner. To me, this is the essence of musical playing in an emotional and thoughtful way. It is something that cannot be stressed enough, even in students that have just begun to play. As soon as possible, they should be asked to put themselves into the music and make it more than the notes and rhythms on the page.This piece is my attempt to provide very young students, who are just beginning their musical journey, with something they can reach technically, but have to stretch for musically. The amount of notes and rhythms is limited, but students should strive for beauty of tone, good phrasing and emotional involvement.After a short introduction, the heartfelt main theme begins at a lyrical and slow tempo. This is developed with the addition of a secondary theme, featuring the lower voices, before the piece leads to an Allegro section that is based on the same musical material with a difference in tempo and a variation in rhythm patterns. The piece can serve to show students that the same basic music can have an entirely different emotional connection with differences in tempo, rhythm and style, with the first section of the piece being sentimental and the faster section being more joyous in nature.  As with all of my pieces for younger students, it is completely acceptable to me for you to adjust the tempo to fit the educational needs of your students.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 2018.

SKU: CF.CM9745

ISBN 9781491162330. UPC: 680160921089. Key: G major. English.

O Christmas Tree, the popular carol descending from Germany, is known around the world as O Tannenbaum. It has been said that the text of this carol is not about Christmas or a decorated tree. Rather, it compares the quality of an evergreen tree’s long-lasting consistency and faithfulness to a long-lasting friendship, or relationship, as seen in the last phrase: “that faith and hope shall ever bloom to bring us light in winter’s gloom. You bear a joyful message.”Originally written in 3/4, this new arrangement is given an uplifting twist in 9/8 with the use of triplets throughout the piece. The ending chorus elongates the rhythmic feel into 12/8. Lastly, the middle section incorporates a new melody, specifically composed for this piece.I hope you enjoy learning and performing my new arrangement for SA voices and piano, part of the popular Michael John Trotta Signature Choral Series.

SKU: CF.CPS273

ISBN 9781491163726. UPC: 680160922512.

This impression of the hustle and bustle of a busy city day and one's chase to accomplish their daily goals offers many opportunities for the development of the performer's musical skills. Starting aggressively before moving to a short reflective section, one can easily see the day unfolding.Balance between the percussion section and ensemble is essential to an accurate performance of City Chase. Careful attention to ensure that the melodic lines are heard and not covered by accompaniment will bring the composition to life. It is important to maintain the stylistic difference between staccato and legato lines so that the contrasts can be heard.I hope you enjoy your own chase through the city!

SKU: CF.CM9786

ISBN 9781491164570. UPC: 680160923489. Key: Eb major. English. Christina Rossetti. Original.

Love Came Down at Christmas began as a hymn using only the third stanza for our congregation to sing at the end of each service during Advent 2021. In 2022, I wrote the choral version for the North Mesquite Chamber Singers from North Mesquite High School, Ryan Forkner, director.Ryan is also the choral director at my church where  he and the Singers have presented a Christmas concert for the past sixteen years. Love Came Down at Christmas was sung at the 2022 Christmas concert. It is one of many pieces that I have written for this concert over those years.I hope you enjoy this setting and the wonderful Christina Rossetti text.—Tom Council, 2024.

SKU: PR.114414480

ISBN 9781598063264. UPC: 680160597932. 9x12 inches. Key: Bb major. Transcribed by Carter Pann.

A unique collection of elegant transcriptions of Bach’s keyboard and instrumental gems scored for 10 woodwinds, with flexible scoring and ossia parts – ideal for schools and “pull-out” groups on wind ensemble concerts.
The music of Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) is a gift. Nearly every piece that poured out of this man is as inspired and perfected as the next. His body of work has cut a deep incision in the recorded history of music and set a benchmark to which all the contrapuntal masters who followed have aspired to meet.The transcriptions found within this volume add to the thousands upon thousands of versions of his music already re-worked for different groups and media. The music here does not, however, embellish Bach’s own scores (save but for a couple of instances in which it was felt necessary to add an inner voice to serve the expansive range of the ten woodwinds). The selections are ordered (loosely) to assume a smooth, inclined trajectory of both difficulty and musical breadth. The first piece is a small and simpleminuet, the last is a long interior movement of one of the most beloved and advanced violin concertos in the whole repertoire.As a keyboard player I grew up learning and falling in love with much of Bach’s music at the piano. For this very reason, much of this volume consists of the composer’s keyboard works. One cannot, however, deny many of the most cherished works from Bach’s oeuvre when compiling a set of transcriptions, and many of those “hits” are included here as well.Departing from a traditional harmoniemusik ensemble, I have replaced the horns here with saxophones. There are two reasons: 1) the nature of much of this music requires instruments with an ease of agility not executable so readily on the horn; and 2) the opportunity for saxophone players to be included in such an ensemble was very attractive, pedagogically.I hope you enjoy these gems from such a great genius.

SKU: CF.YAS41

ISBN 9780825861291. UPC: 798408061296. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: G major.

Larry Clark does it again with this tuneful new feel good piece. You and your students will walk away humming this tune. There is even a nice contrasting lyrical middle section in the relative minor to break up the piece.
Solstice: one of two times in the year when the sun is at its greatest distancefrom the celestial equator.A solstice happens at the mid-point of summer, about June 21, and the midpoint of winter, about December 22. Each of those times of year is delightful. The carefree days of summer have just begun around June 21, when the mind wanders to long bike rides or walks on the beach. During the winter solstice the mind is filled with all of the delights that the holiday season has to offer. Either way, a solstice is a joyous and fun filled time of year, and this piece is intended to bring to mind some of these wonderful times. The main theme should be performed in a light carefree manner, which is then contrasted by the more lyrical and passionate middle section.As with all of my pieces for younger students, the tempo indicated is merely a guide. Adjust the tempo to fit the needs of your students. 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.

About Carl Fischer Young String Orchestra Series

This series of Grade 2/Grade 2.5 pieces is designed for second and third year ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:
--Occasionally extending to third position
--Keys carefully considered for appropriate difficulty
--Addition of separate 2nd violin and viola parts
--Viola T.C. part included
--Increase in independence of parts over beginning levels

SKU: CF.YPS247

ISBN 9781491161463. UPC: 680160920099.

What would a concert be without a march? This holiday toe-tapper has a familiar melody, tuneful harmonies, an easy-to-play countermelody and a typical march bass line. The trio features your students spelling out the words Jingle Bells before the band transitions into We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Use this arrangement to teach all the march-style elements while also entertaining audiences at holiday concerts. I hope you and your students enjoy this new take on a holiday favorite.
What would a concert be without a march? This holiday toe-tapper has a familiar melody, tuneful harmonies, an easy-to-play countermelody and a typical march bass line. The trio features your students spelling out the words “Jingle Bells” before the band transitions into “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”. Use this arrangement to teach all the march-style elements while also entertaining audiences at holiday concerts. I hope you and your students enjoy this new take on a holiday favorite.
What would a concert be without a march? This holiday toe-tapper has a familiar melody, tuneful harmonies, an easy-to-play countermelody and a typical march bass line. The trio features your students spelling out the words “Jingle Bells” before the band transitions into “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” Use this arrangement to teach all the march-style elements while also entertaining audiences at holiday concerts. I hope you and your students enjoy this new take on a holiday favorite.

SKU: CF.CAS112F

ISBN 9781491151686. UPC: 680160909186. 9 x 12 inches.

Peter Terry's Unleashed?makes for an impressive concert opener that is the musical equivalent of unleashing a caged animal. The piece is exciting from start to finish, with energetic and bold material that students will love to play.
Everyone wants to be unleashed, to be set free of restraints. This piece captures the exhilaration of being set into motion with unlimited optimism and energy. The piece is a rhythmic and propulsive gallop that spins off lyrical material as it drives to a climactic finish that is both exciting and fun. The piece opens with a robust first theme, then transitions on a rhythmic figure spun off from the opening material. The opening section repeats in variation with different orchestration. The more lyrical material that emerges should be brought out to balance the first theme and rhythmic figures from the first section. A development of the material from the opening follows, driving to a brief pause. This pause feels like it will lead to a contrasting lyrical theme, but the energy is just suspended for a second before the piece takes off again. The work finishes with a repeated-note transition back to variations on the opening material and a propulsive rush to the end. I enjoyed writing this piece and hope your students will enjoy playing these contrasting styles and that you will find the piece beneficial in teaching important musical concepts. ?????????Peter Terry, 2018.
Everyone wants to be unleashed, to be set free of restraints. This piece captures the exhilaration of being set into motion with unlimited optimism and energy.A The piece is a rhythmic and propulsive gallop that spins off lyrical material as it drives to a climactic finish that is both exciting and fun. The piece opens with a robust first theme, then transitions on a rhythmic figure spun off from the opening material. The opening section repeats in variation with different orchestration. The more lyrical material that emerges should be brought out to balance the first theme and rhythmic figures from the first section. A development of the material from the opening follows, driving to a brief pause. This pause feels like it will lead to a contrasting lyrical theme, but the energy is just suspended for a second before the piece takes off again. The work finishes with a repeated-note transition back to variations on the opening material and a propulsive rush to the end. I enjoyed writing this piece and hope your students will enjoy playing these contrasting styles and that you will find the piece beneficial in teaching important musical concepts. ?????????Peter Terry, 2018.
Everyone wants to be unleashed, to be set free of restraints. This piece captures the exhilaration of being set into motion with unlimited optimism and energy.A The piece is a rhythmic and propulsive gallop that spins off lyrical material as it drives to a climactic finish that is both exciting and fun. The piece opens with a robust first theme, then transitions on a rhythmic figure spun off from the opening material. The opening section repeats in variation with different orchestration. The more lyrical material that emerges should be brought out to balance the first theme and rhythmic figures from the first section. A development of the material from the opening follows, driving to a brief pause. This pause feels like it will lead to a contrasting lyrical theme, but the energy is just suspended for a second before the piece takes off again. The work finishes with a repeated-note transition back to variations on the opening material and a propulsive rush to the end. I enjoyed writing this piece and hope your students will enjoy playing these contrasting styles and that you will find the piece beneficial in teaching important musical concepts. ?????????Peter Terry, 2018.
Everyone wants to be unleashed, to be set free of restraints. This piece captures the exhilaration of being set into motion with unlimited optimism and energy. The piece is a rhythmic and propulsive gallop that spins off lyrical material as it drives to a climactic finish that is both exciting and fun. The piece opens with a robust first theme, then transitions on a rhythmic figure spun off from the opening material. The opening section repeats in variation with different orchestration. The more lyrical material that emerges should be brought out to balance the first theme and rhythmic figures from the first section. A development of the material from the opening follows, driving to a brief pause. This pause feels like it will lead to a contrasting lyrical theme, but the energy is just suspended for a second before the piece takes off again. The work finishes with a repeated-note transition back to variations on the opening material and a propulsive rush to the end. I enjoyed writing this piece and hope your students will enjoy playing these contrasting styles and that you will find the piece beneficial in teaching important musical concepts. ?????????Peter Terry, 2018.
Everyone wants to be unleashed, to be set free of restraints. This piece captures the exhilaration of being set into motion with unlimited optimism and energy. The piece is a rhythmic and propulsive gallop that spins off lyrical material as it drives to a climactic finish that is both exciting and fun. The piece opens with a robust first theme, then transitions on a rhythmic figure spun off from the opening material. The opening section repeats in variation with different orchestration. The more lyrical material that emerges should be brought out to balance the first theme and rhythmic figures from the first section. A development of the material from the opening follows, driving to a brief pause. This pause feels like it will lead to a contrasting lyrical theme, but the energy is just suspended for a second before the piece takes off again. The work finishes with a repeated-note transition back to variations on the opening material and a propulsive rush to the end. I enjoyed writing this piece and hope your students will enjoy playing these contrasting styles and that you will find the piece beneficial in teaching important musical concepts. Peter Terry, 2018.
Everyone wants to be unleashed, to be set free of restraints. This piece captures the exhilaration of being set into motion with unlimited optimism and energy. The piece is a rhythmic and propulsive gallop that spins off lyrical material as it drives to a climactic finish that is both exciting and fun.The piece opens with a robust first theme, then transitions on a rhythmic figure spun off from the opening material. The opening section repeats in variation with different orchestration. The more lyrical material that emerges should be brought out to balance the first theme and rhythmic figures from the first section. A development of the material from the opening follows, driving to a brief pause. This pause feels like it will lead to a contrasting lyrical theme, but the energy is just suspended for a second before the piece takes off again. The work finishes with a repeated-note transition back to variations on the opening material and a propulsive rush to the end.I enjoyed writing this piece and hope your students will enjoy playing these contrasting styles and that you will find the piece beneficial in teaching important musical concepts.​​​​​​​​​Peter Terry, 2018.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians