SKU: CF.YPS241F

ISBN 9781491159668. UPC: 680160918256.

PROGRAM NOTES Heartbreak Trail describes the forced relocation of approximately 100,000 Native Americans in the 1830s. Known as the Trail of Tears, thousands lost their lives during the march, and it is remembered today as a great human-rights atrocity and a shameful period in American history. The opening A-section captures the sadness of those in the five tribes who were forced from their homeland. The fast B-section represents the determination to survive the long, difficult trek. Although there were many obstacles, thousands did survive, but a dark A-section returns to depict the loss of homeland, fellow tribe members, and a depression over the new lack of freedom. PERFORMANCE NOTES The opening should be at a moderate pace and section entrances should be balanced at mezzo piano. In m. 12 have the woodwinds play out their melodic material. In m. 20 the brass should pick up the same volume level as did the woodwinds previously. Measure 27 should die away from what was, and then a sudden change in volume, and mood at m. 31. The entire B-section should be bold, with attention paid to the many accents. (Before working the B-section, an explanation of the difference in accents will probably aid in accuracy.) Measures 37 and 41 have the timpanist and tom-tom player play a very strong forte with attention to the accents. Measures 51 to 52 work a strong quick crescendo to fortissimo. This should set up the tutti forte at m. 53. In m. 61 start a gradual diminuendo to the return of the A-section at m. 68. Explain how to execute the staggered breathing for the flutes, tenor sax and trombone starting at m. 73. Although the final percussion from m. 73 to the end is soft and fading, make sure the final sleigh bell sounds are heard clearly.
 PROGRAM NOTESHeartbreak Trail describes the forced relocation of approximately 100,000 Native Americans in the 1830s. Known as the Trail of Tears, thousands lost their lives during the march, and it is remembered today as a great human-rights atrocity and a shameful period in American history. The opening A-section captures the sadness of those in the five tribes who were forced from their homeland. The fast B-section represents the determination to survive the long, difficult trek.Although there were many obstacles, thousands did survive, but a dark A-section returns to depict the loss of homeland, fellow tribe members, and a depression over the new lack of freedom.PERFORMANCE NOTESThe opening should be at a moderate pace and section entrances should be balanced at mezzo piano. In m. 12 have the woodwinds play out their melodic material. In m. 20 the brass should pick up the same volume level as did the woodwinds previously. Measure 27 should die away from what was, and then a sudden change in volume, and mood at m. 31. The entire B-section should be bold, with attention paid to the many accents. (Before working the B-section, an explanation of the difference in accents will probably aid in accuracy.) Measures 37 and 41 have the timpanist and tom-tom player play a very strong forte with attention to the accents.  Measures 51 to 52 work a strong quick crescendo to fortissimo. This should set up the tutti forte at m. 53. In m. 61 start a gradual diminuendo to the return of the A-section at m. 68. Explain how to execute the staggered breathing for the flutes, tenor sax and trombone starting at m. 73. Although the final percussion from m. 73 to the end is soft and fading, make sure the final sleigh bell sounds are heard clearly.

SKU: CF.PPS60F

ISBN 9781491163825. UPC: 680160922611.

An ancient world calls… Spirit of the Warrior explores both the beauty and the power of a forgotten civilization; man’s mighty force amidst nature’s gentle majesty. It is dedicated to all soldiers and warriors, past and present, who give their all to protect home and nation. The warrior shows courage in the face of danger, and loyalty to a cause beyond self-interest. The warrior sees life’s fragile beauty with eyes few others can understand. Long after warriors fall in battle, their spirit lives on in the people and lands they have protected.  Using only the first six notes of the concert Bb scale, Spirit of the Warrior begins boldly. Separated notes in the low brass and winds represent the warrior’s power. Nature’s inspiring beauty is represented by the high woodwinds and bells, which play in counterpoint to the lower instruments.  Fully separate the staccatos, and shape the accents throughout to help the music feel powerful without being overly heavy or loud. At m. 29, be sure that the countermelody played by the clarinets and alto saxophone can be clearly heard.If you have additional percussionists, consider doubling the snare drum part on a low tom-tom. Experiment with the gong to find the sound you prefer: strike closer to the edge for a brash “crash” sound, or closer to the center for a more mysterious tone. The piece ends with the sound of the sustaining gong . Enjoy the drama and let the sound fade without (much) dampening.  .

SKU: CF.CPS230F

ISBN 9781491156315. UPC: 680160914852. 9 x 12 inches.

Personal Note My high school band director, Clarence F. Wroblewski, died on November 24, 2018. In the 1950s, he was a pioneer in the field of public school instrumental music in Baltimore City. He was my mentor and my dear friend. It was his guidance and encouragement that set my young life's course on the path of music. Performance Notes Bay Shore Park is intended for a band with at least one year's training. It is also suitable for more experienced bands. It should be performed as a traditional American style concert march. A successful performance will require careful attention to balance in the Trio at m. 55. Additionally, balance will also be crucial at m. 103 where the Trio melody and the melody from m. 9 are heard together. The overall character of the music should be lively and carefree, much like a summer day at Bay Shore Park on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.
Personal NoteMy high school band director, Clarence F. Wroblewski, died on November 24, 2018. In the 1950s, he was a pioneer in the field of public school instrumental music in  Baltimore City. He was my mentor and my dear friend. It was his guidance and encouragement that set my young life’s course on the path of music.Performance NotesBay Shore Park is intended for a band with at least one year’s training. It is also suitable for more experienced bands. It should be performed as a traditional American style concert march. A successful performance will require careful attention to balance in the Trio at m. 55. Additionally, balance will also be crucial at m. 103 where the Trio melody and the melody from m. 9 are heard together. The overall character of the music should be lively and carefree, much like a summer day at Bay Shore Park on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.