SKU: PR.416414460

ISBN 9781598064766. UPC: 680160610631. 9x12 inches.

Roger Zare is living every young composer's dream. At a tender age, he has already been lauded by the best, and his compositions continue to earn awards. Green Flash, his first publication with Theodore Presser Company, was written in 2007 for the USC Thornton Symphony, received a BMI Student Composer award in 2007, was chosen to be read at the 2008 American Composers Orchestra Underwood New Music Readings, won the ASCAP Rudolf Nissim Prize in 2009, and has now won the 2012 Symphony in C Young Composers' Competition. For more about Green Flash and a YouTube video of the premiere performance, see the composer's website (www.rogerzare.com/greenflash.htm).
A “green flash” is a rare atmospheric phenomenon that occurs as a sunset reaches its end. If conditions are just right, then a spark of green will hover on the horizon for a fleeting moment as the sun disappears. I first witnessed this subtle effect in Florida in 2005. Seeing the mythical event for the first time inspiredthis composition. Green Flash is a musical journey from daybreak to sunset. It focuses on the manipulation of colors and textures throughout its five sections. The musical events are designed to paint a picture of various scenes during the day. The piece begins with the heartbeat of the world emerging from the silentdarkness of the night. As night transitions to dawn, waves of color propagate from the repeating low C, building up through the harmonic series to become the vibrant colors of sunrise. Eventually all twelve notes of the chromatic scale are sounding together. Abruptly, a morning fog engulfs the scene. Out of the mist rises the only melodic theme in the work, played by a solo English horn, and later taken up by other solo winds. Once the fog dissipates, the sky fills with the playful dance of wispy cirrus clouds. A rainbow-like halo surrounds the sun, adding a burst of color to the scene. This carefree, optimistic cloud dance is invaded by a menacing front of cumulonimbus clouds. A storm rages at a frantic pace, but in its dying breath yields the most glorious of sunsets. Only as the last glint of sunlight disappears below the horizon, a faint sparkle of green lingers in the atmosphere.

SKU: CF.YPS243F

ISBN 9781491159903. UPC: 680160918492.

Rider of the Mountain is an exciting piece for young musicians. It features a heroic melody along with varied accompaniments that are both fun and easy to play. With prominent, exhilarating percussion parts and all the sections passing the melody around, every musician gets their time to shine. One can envision themselves on a mountain pass or on rolling hills atop a beautiful stallion. The piece begins early in the morning, with the morning dew settling, and a light fog covering the mountain tops. Soon, the day's ride beings. With each adventure, the cool wind blows against their face and through their clothes. Note to the Conductor If the band is comfortable with the dotted rhythms and gets a good groove going with the percussion, try adding character and bounce to the music by envisioning a rider and his steed. Similarly, really bring out the sway and swell of sections like m. 33. This piece may require some extra attention for the percussion, as their part is slightly more difficult (and exciting!) than the wind parts.
Rider of the Mountain is an exciting piece for young musicians. It features a heroic melody along with varied accompaniments that are both fun and easy to play. With prominent, exhilarating percussion parts and all the sections passing the melody around, every musician gets their time to shine. One can envision themselves on a mountain pass or on rolling hills atop a beautiful stallion. The piece begins early in the morning, with the morning dew settling, and a light fog covering the mountain tops. Soon, the day's ride beings. With each adventure, the cool wind blows against their face and through their clothes.  Note to the ConductorIf the band is comfortable with the dotted rhythms and gets a good groove going with the percussion, try adding character and bounce to the music by envisioning a rider and his steed. Similarly, really bring out the sway and swell of sections like m. 33. This piece may require some extra attention for the percussion, as their part is slightly more difficult (and exciting!) than the wind parts.  .

SKU: FJ.B1873

English.

Explore the terrain and weather conditions of the Pacific Northwest, beginning with a cold, fog-covered morning, concealing the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. As the sun continues to rise, the fog fades and a gloomy rainstorm takes its place while we traverse through the evergreens. As the music persists onwards, rays of sunshine break through the clouds and bring about a warm, joyous afternoon filled with light, breathtaking mountain views, and the scent of pine needles.

About FJH Young Band

Appropriate for middle school and smaller high school groups. Second clarinets usually stay below the break. Parts are written with more independence, and instrumentation increases slightly. There is still adequate doubling in the lower voices. Grades 2 - 2.5

SKU: PR.41641613L

UPC: 680160642199. 11 x 17 inches.

On the island of Elba, off the coast of Italy, I composed this work as the sun was rising over the ocean in the mornings and gently sifting through the clouds against the lingering fog. As the piece developed, it took on a shape of its own and gradually became centered around diminished chords and the interval of a tri-tone (diminished 5th). I love these chords for their angst and for their sadness, but also for their flexibility. My piece is very textural in nature; and yes, it does have a melody of sorts, and yet, this melody comes and goes, and is never quite grasped until the end. Portions of it are repeated and spun out creating layers of sound without the heaviness of form. It is indeed a depiction of mist, where one minute you see things and the next they are gone. As you move through the piece, you find that the trumpet is also an antagonist, creeping in with a haunting cry; a reminder of things unsettled. Throughout the piece, we are quietly searching. We search for a tonal center for stability, and also for a melody that will make us feel fulfilled. Once found, we hold them for an instant, and then like the clouds and like life itself, they are gone. We are warmed by their presence and saddened by their loss. I hope that you will reflect upon your own memories of life's quiet moments as we enjoy the world premiere of this new work together. Mist is not a piece to be analyzed, but rather a piece to be experienced and absorbed. As you listen, release your mind, embrace your emotions, close your eyes, and allow the mist to creep in.