SKU: CF.CPS201F

UPC: 680160905775. 9 x 12 inches.

Shout for Joy All the Earth! is a bold fantasia for the advancing concert band based on the composer's choral work of the same name. This work celebrates being alive and captures moments of intense joy and relaxed contemplation. The overall mood of this piece emphasizes the feeling that when we are overcome by joy we feel as if all of nature is celebrating with us.

SKU: CF.CPS219

ISBN 9781491152454. UPC: 680160909957.

Solar Flare, by Tyler Arcari, depicts the huge explosion on the Sun that appears as a sudden bright flash. The piece incorporates a whirlwind of mixed meters to?depict this phenomenon. Arcari showcases his fresh, exciting, and well-scored compositional style in this piece. Solar Flare makes for? an excellent concert opener.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a teaching 7/8 space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 6972 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the ^ accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a ateaching 7/8a space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69a72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99a115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the a^a accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a ateaching 7/8a space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69a72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99a115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the a^a accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a teaching 7/8 space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69-72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99-115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the ^ accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work. About the Work: Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a teaching 7/8 space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69-72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73. Measures 99-115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the ^ accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.
A solar flare is a huge explosion on the sun that appears as a sudden increase in brightness or flash. Sometimes these explosions push large amounts of energy and even parts of the sun flying out into space. These events can be so powerful that they cause events on Earth such as auroras, as well as more serious issues like disrupting radio and electronic instruments. To our naked eye, these dangerous explosions are beautiful and quiet. The celestial is a fascinating place, hopefully captured in some small part by this work.About the Work:Solar Flare began as a piece with two goals: to write a space piece in 7/8 and to write a “teaching 7/8” space piece. The piece uses a 2-2-3 pattern, so using this in pre-performance warm-ups might be beneficial. The piece is loosely based on a minor second descending to a minor third. This motif is used at the onset of the piece in the mallet percussion and then again in the woodwinds. The melody presents itself at m. 19 in the clarinets. This melodic material is varied and traded throughout the instrument groups until m.67. Measures 69–72 should be treated as a transitional fanfare to the new material at m. 73.Measures 99–115 to the end of the piece feature a style similar to the beginning that helps to transition to m. 115, which is the climax of the work. An ostinato pattern (2-2-3) is presented with fragments of the melody appearing in the alto voices. This momentum culminates in a large, abrasive area at m. 125 where the suspension-resolution in the brass and horn melodic fragment need to be the focus. This momentum continuously grows until the last note where we resolve finally. Care should be taken that the “^” accent on the final note is one meant to be played heavy, and not short.

SKU: CF.YPS248F

ISBN 9781491161876. UPC: 680160920556.

This original work for developing bands was composed in January of 2019 when the composer ran a 10K from Port Isabel to Louis Backyard on South Padre Island at the break of day. This composition starts off slowly as the sun rises, alternating between 3/4 and 4/4 time. Students will have multiple opportunities to practice time signature changes, different ostinato rhythms, and dynamic levels as the race unfolds. When young ensembles strive for their best sound and balance, the music truly shines. The metronome markings and articulations, like the steady pounding of a runner's feet, are important to play correctly.

SKU: PR.16500100F

ISBN 9781491114421. UPC: 680160669783. 9 x 12 inches.

Commissioned for a consortium of high school and college bands in the north Dallas region, FOR THEMYSTIC HARMONY is a 10-minute inspirational work in homage to Norwood and Elizabeth Dixon,patrons of the Fort Worth Symphony and the Van Cliburn Competition. Welcher draws melodic flavorfrom five American hymns, spirituals, and folk tunes of the 19th century. The last of these sources toappear is the hymn tune For the Beauty of the Earth, whose third stanza is the quatrain: “For the joy of earand eye, For the heart and mind’s delight, For the mystic harmony, Linking sense to sound and sight,”giving rise to the work’s title.
This work, commissioned for a consortium of high school bands in the north Dallas area, is my fifteenth maturework for wind ensemble (not counting transcriptions). When I asked Todd Dixon, the band director whospearheaded this project, what kind of a work he most wanted, he first said “something that’s basically slow,” butwanted to leave the details to me. During a long subsequent conversation, he mentioned that his grandparents,Norwood and Elizabeth Dixon, were prime supporters of the Fort Worth Symphony, going so far as to purchase anumber of high quality instruments for that orchestra. This intrigued me, so I asked more about his grandparentsand was provided an 80-page biographical sketch. Reading that article, including a long section about theirdevotion to supporting a young man through the rigors of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition fora number of years, moved me very much. Norwood and Elizabeth Dixon weren’t just supporters of the arts; theywere passionate lovers of music and musicians. I determined to make this work a testament to that love, and tothe religious faith that sustained them both. The idea of using extant hymns was also suggested by Todd Dixon,and this 10-minute work is the result.I have employed existing melodies in several works, delving into certain kinds of religious music more than a fewtimes. In seeking new sounds, new ways of harmonizing old tunes, and the contrapuntal overlaying of one tunewith another, I was able to make works like ZION (using 19th-century Revivalist hymns) and LABORING SONGS(using Shaker melodies) reflect the spirit of the composers who created these melodies, without sounding likepastiches or medleys. I determined to do the same with this new work, with the added problem of employingmelodies that were more familiar. I chose five tunes from the 19th century: hymns, spirituals, and folk-tunes.Some of these are known by differing titles, but they all appear in hymnals of various Christian denominations(with various titles and texts). My idea was to employ the tunes without altering their notes, instead using aconstantly modulating sense of harmony — sometimes leading to polytonal harmonizations of what are normallysimple four-chord hymns.The work begins and ends with a repeated chime on the note C: a reminder of steeples, white clapboard churchesin the country, and small church organs. Beginning with a Mixolydian folk tune of Caribbean origin presentedtwice with layered entrances, the work starts with a feeling of mystery and gentle sorrow. It proceeds, after along transition, into a second hymn that is sometimes connected to the sea (hence the sensation of water andwaves throughout it). This tune, by John B. Dykes (1823-1876), is a bit more chromatic and “shifty” than mosthymn-tunes, so I chose to play with the constant sensation of modulation even more than the original does. Atthe climax, the familiar spiritual “Were you there?” takes over, with a double-time polytonal feeling propelling itforward at “Sometimes it causes me to tremble.”Trumpets in counterpoint raise the temperature, and the tempo as well, leading the music into a third tune (ofunknown provenance, though it appears with different texts in various hymnals) that is presented in a sprightlymanner. Bassoons introduce the melody, but it is quickly taken up by other instruments over three “verses,”constantly growing in orchestration and volume. A mysterious second tune, unrelated to this one, interrupts it inall three verses, sending the melody into unknown regions.The final melody is “For the Beauty of the Earth.” This tune by Conrad Kocher (1786-1872) is commonly sung atThanksgiving — the perfect choice to end this work celebrating two people known for their generosity.Keeping the sense of constant modulation that has been present throughout, I chose to present this hymn in threegrowing verses, but with a twist: every four bars, the “key” of the hymn seems to shift — until the “Lord of all, toThee we praise” melody bursts out in a surprising compound meter. This, as it turns out, was the “mystery tune”heard earlier in the piece. After an Ivesian, almost polytonal climax, the Coda begins over a long B( pedal. At first,it seems to be a restatement of the first two phrases of “For the Beauty” with long spaces between them, but it soonchanges to a series of “Amen” cadences, widely separated by range and color. These, too, do not conform to anykey, but instead overlay each other in ways that are unpredictable but strangely comforting.The third verse of “For the Beauty of the Earth” contains this quatrain:“For the joy of ear and eye, –For the heart and mind’s delightFor the mystic harmonyLinking sense to sound and sight”and it was from this poetry that I drew the title for the present work. It is my hope that audiences and performerswill find within it a sense of grace: more than a little familiar, but also quite new and unexpected.

SKU: CF.CPS244

ISBN 9781491157985. UPC: 680160916580. 9 x 12 inches.

On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft. Donat be concerned if you donat have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isnat essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isnat critical if you do have those other low woodwinds. The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred. When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39. In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes donat sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows. The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.
On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft. Don't be concerned if you don't have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isn't essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isn't critical if you do have those other low woodwinds. The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred. When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39. In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes don't sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows. The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.
On Wings of Flight is a jubilant, short overture that is meant to convey the wonder of soaring high above the ground. Programmatically, it can represent either the flight of birds or aircraft.Don’t be concerned if you don’t have some of the lower voice color instruments such as bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, and/or bassoon. Those instruments are doubled in the low brass. Bass trombone isn’t essential as it doubles tuba, but a lack or scarcity of bass trombone and/or tuba isn’t critical if you do have those other low woodwinds.The repetitive eighth-note accents should be lighter than normal so the ongoing effect is more propulsive than heavy. Keep those eighth-note patterns locked into the tempo so the band refrains from unwittingly accelerating. Think of the legato accented notes as slightly separated as opposed to being slurred.When the accented whole notes surrounded by rests are played, be sure they are held out for a full four counts. Save the crescendo for m. 19 and quickly drop back down in volume at m. 21. At m. 31, the whole notes do not crescendo to the same ff volume as the melody. Those parts are to save their crescendo for m. 35. Pay attention to the instruments that do not diminuendo at m. 39.In the slower section after m. 41, be careful that the diminuendos on the half notes don’t sag in pitch as the notes get softer. Trumpets and horns at m. 49 must not play their notes as accents. Give particular attention to the diminuendos in the melody at m. 56, so that they fade out as the volume of the other instruments grows.The accented notes at mm. 85 and 86 should each be heard through the volume of the rest of the instruments, so that the addition of each pitch is adequately heard. If you wish, you may place more emphasis on the accents in the last two measures of the piece than you did earlier throughout the piece.

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.YPS212

ISBN 9781491152317. UPC: 680160909810. Key: C minor.

Taking its title from a poem about grief and loss by Chrissie Pinney, Live On honors the life of band director Linda Mann, to whom the piece is dedicated. The piece begins with a pensive intro before shifting to a whimsical theme that brings about happy thoughts of a life well-lived. After a return to the poignant opening material, the music surges to a triumphant conclusion based on an augmented version of the whimsical theme.
Live On was commissioned by Diplomat Middle School's staff, faculty and students, in Cape Coral, Florida, and is dedicated to the memory of their Director of Bands, Linda Mann. Director of Orchestras, Roland Forti, championed the commissioning of this piece to honor the life of Linda after her untimely passing in February of 2017. Linda Mann’s impact on the field of music education was profound and wide-reaching. She was a beloved member of the staff at Diplomat Middle School, as well as the music community of Cape Coral and the state of Florida. Linda was highly respected throughout the state, serving as recent past-president of the Florida Bandmasters Association.In discussing the type of piece the school wanted to honor Ms. Mann, they indicated the piece should “depict Linda’s personality: dynamic, sassy, yet thoughtful and almost mentor-like.” They wanted a piece that was upbeat, yet still had moments that were thoughtful, portraying the grief that the Diplomat Middle School community has suffered from the sudden loss of such a beloved teacher.After contemplating their thoughts, I did some research to find inspiration for the piece. This led me to poetry about grief and loss. In time, I stumbled upon a short, yet poignant poem that I felt perfectly depicted the sentiment that I wanted the piece to convey.  That poem is entitled Live On by Chrissie Pinney.Live OnNow as I live onWithout youI hope to keepThe pieces of youThat I loved so dearlyYour mannerismsAnd compassionate characterAnd smiles through struggleSo that youMay live on too -Chrissie PinneyI reached out to Ms. Pinney, and she graciously agreed to allow me to quote her powerful poem in these notes. She expressed that she was deeply touched that her work would inspire me to write a piece in honor of Linda Mann.The piece begins with a poignant, pensive opening section. The use of the musical interval of a tritone between the first two openly voiced chords are used to represent the sadness we all feel from this type of loss. When I sat in front of my piano and started to work on this piece, my hands seemed to naturally and immediately play these first two chords, which set the process in motion of composing the piece.After the somber opening, the piece shifts to a whimsical theme that I hope brings about happy thoughts of Linda and her personality. It was also my intent, however, to include some musical dissonance in the theme that still reflected the bittersweet loss at the same time. The piece develops into a secondary theme that is a quasi inversion of the main fast theme. This section is followed by a return of the opening material, with snippets of the fast theme intertwined, before the piece builds to a triumphant, augmented presentation of the main theme in a lush form to complete the work.It is my hope that in some small way, this piece will bring comfort to those affected by the loss of Linda Mann, and that the music will allow her memory to Live On.–Larry ClarkLakeland, FL 2017.

SKU: CF.CPS234F

ISBN 9781491156353. UPC: 680160914890. 9 x 12 inches.

Mercury - the Roman god of financial gain, commerce, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants, and thieves. A popular deity in Roman culture, he was instantly recognized by his unique winged shoes (talaria) and hat (petasos). With its close proximity to the sun and faster orbit than all other planets, the Romans named this small celestial body after the swift-winged messenger of their culture. It is not surprising that in Holst's major orchestral suite The Planets that Mercury utilizes such light and swift themes. There is some duality to the title of the work. Part of it involves my impression of what a playful chase of the winged messenger sounds like. The other part is the opening motif chasing two themes of Holst around the rest of the work. It was only after developing the first few ideas that I recognized some of the commonalities with some of those same themes from Holst's orchestral work. There are several quotations from that famous piece by Holst (notably as both are stated successively at mm. 13-20). The idea of someone having to chase the Winged Messenger struck me as a unique title around which to craft a work. One of my core beliefs about music is that it can be imbued with meaning by a composer, and as the sonic story unfolds an ensemble, director, and audience members can draw out their own meaning from the experience. Who exactly is chasing Mercury? I leave that up to the wonderfully creative minds of the young ladies and gentlemen who have the opportunity to bring this work to life. The opportunity to compose music and allow student musicians to give this piece new life and draw out different meanings is a humbling experience. Rehearsal Notes and Suggestions As stated earlier, the opening motif (a range of a seventh) comes back frequently in the work in a variety of settings and textures. Throughout the work, it is important for students to recognize the two themes from Holst when they are present in the sound canvas. If the solos (clarinet and alto saxophone) are utilized, the supporting parts around and underneath those lines must be sensitive and play in such a way to properly balance those parts. There are number of muted sections for the trumpet section, and I would advocate for all trumpets acquiring the same mute to contribute to unity in timbre. The bold fanfare sections (the first occurs at m. 37) must be presented with a unified articulation style. As the texture intensifies prior to m. 169, it is crucial for the ensemble to play within themselves and exercise musical courtesy to allow all voices to be heard as they arrive at m. 181. My thanks in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you well as you and your ensemble begin Chasing Mercury!.
Mercury – the Roman god of financial gain, commerce, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants, and thieves. A popular deity in Roman culture, he was instantly recognized by his unique winged shoes (talaria) and hat (petasos). With its close proximity to the sun and faster orbit than all other planets, the Romans named this small celestial body after the swift-winged messenger of their culture. It is not surprising that in Holst’s major orchestral suite The Planets that Mercury utilizes such light and swift themes.There is some duality to the title of the work. Part of it involves my impression of what a playful chase of the winged messenger sounds like. The other part is the opening motif chasing two themes of Holst around the rest of the work. It was only after developing the first few ideas that I recognized some of the commonalities with some of those same themes from Holst’s orchestral work. There are several quotations from that famous piece by Holst (notably as both are stated successively at mm. 13–20). The idea of someone having to chase the Winged Messenger struck me as a unique title around which to craft a work.One of my core beliefs about music is that it can be imbued with meaning by a composer, and as the sonic story unfolds an ensemble, director, and audience members can draw out their own meaning from the experience. Who exactly is chasing Mercury? I leave that up to the wonderfully creative minds of the young ladies and gentlemen who have the opportunity to bring this work to life. The opportunity to compose music and allow student musicians to give this piece new life and draw out different meanings is a humbling experience.Rehearsal Notes and SuggestionsAs stated earlier, the opening motif (a range of a seventh) comes back frequently in the work in a variety of settings and textures. Throughout the work, it is important for students to recognize the two themes from Holst when they are present in the sound canvas. If the solos (clarinet and alto saxophone) are utilized, the supporting parts around and underneath those lines must be sensitive and play in such a way to properly balance those parts. There are number of muted sections for the trumpet section, and I would advocate for all trumpets acquiring the same mute to contribute to unity in timbre. The bold fanfare sections (the first occurs at m. 37) must be presented with a unified articulation style. As the texture intensifies prior to m. 169, it is crucial for the ensemble to play within themselves and exercise musical courtesy to allow all voices to be heard as they arrive at m. 181. My thanks in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you well as you and your ensemble begin Chasing Mercury!

SKU: CF.O5368

ISBN 9780825836190. UPC: 798408036195. 9 X 14 inches.

Fábulas (Fables), the first work of Carlos Rodriguez to be published by Pembroke Music (a division of Carl Fischer), was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. It was premiered by the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen on April 10, 1996. The piece, an extended one-movement structure involving a large orchestra with a very full percussion section, is concerned with narrative forms in purely symphonic terms, ie. - without an actual program. The musical sequence of the piece, in three continuously evolving sections lasting about 15 minutes overall, is derived from the very opening 12-note string chord arrayed in a pattern of perfect 5ths and minor seconds extending over four octaves. The central core of the piece, subtitled Six Anagrams, involves a highly unusual and original application of the 12-note concept. Each pitch in the row is assigned a letter so that the row spells out the phrase voice leading. The six anagrams are re-orderings of this sequence into six new rows, which are then subjected to canonic development. The resulting sophisticated game provides Fábulas, with a rare degree of musical coherence. A fascinating work that rewards detailed analysis, Fábulas, is so brilliantly scored that it dazzles on its own terms, as sound, even without detailed examination of its elaborate underpinnings.

SKU: CF.CPS214

ISBN 9781491152409. UPC: 680160909902.

Adventure Express is about a train heading out to the old west, seeking new adventures and new opportunities. The piece focuses on the beautiful country sides, breathtaking vistas and the hard work of building a new land. It is a contest style piece by budding composer John Pasternak. It is tuneful and well-scored. Perfect for your next contest/festival performance.
Adventure Express is about a train heading out to the old west, seeking new adventures and new opportunities. The piece focuses on the beautiful countrysides, breathtaking vistas and the hard work of building a new land.The beginning of the piece should have a very marcato feel. Measure 18 should have a lighter feel than the beginning, with the snare drum playing the part of the rail cars going over the tracks. Be sure to pay attention to the accents in the trumpet, xylophone and snare drum lining up with the accents played by the rest of the ensemble. At m. 55, the xylophone should ring out and should be played with intention. At m. 71, the piece returns to a marcato style, and remains until the end of the piece. There are a few sudden dynamic changes that are crucial for effect, so pay close attention to those changes.

SKU: CF.CPS225

ISBN 9781491152515. UPC: 680160910014.

Tartan Tapestries is an original piece that sets out to emulate Scottish folk music. Composer Larry Clark has created a concert overture in triple meter to capture the essence of music from Scotland. After a lilting first section,  lush and beautiful moments weave a tapestry of sounds with the lyrical, middle section of the piece. There is an optional part for bagpipes, and an optional ending should you chose to use this instrument as part of the piece. Alert your contest music committee about this strong new piece for advancing groups.
Tartan Tapestries was commissioned by Friends of the Arts for the Saint Andrew's School Band in Boca Raton, Florida. The band program at Saint Andrew’s School is under the direction of Andrea Wolgin. The premiere took place on November 29, 2017.When I was asked by their conductor Ms. Wolgin to write a piece for the Saint Andrew’s School, I asked her what kind of involvement she wanted the students to have in the process. We discussed several options for having the students involved in the process of creating with the type of piece they wanted.  We set up a “Skype” meeting with members of the band to discuss the piece. During this discussion, the consensus of the students was that they wanted a piece depicting the Scottish influence to the school. They also wanted a piece that would challenge all sections of the band and to include bagpipes if possible. I asked that the students be involved in helping to name the piece once it was completed, for which they agreed and were very helpful. Armed with this information, I set out to compose a piece for them, and Tartan Tapestries is the result.The piece begins with a fanfare gesture based upon rhythms and harmonies that appear throughout the piece. I chose the lilting triple feel to the piece, to bring about the Scottish flavor. I wanted the fanfare to be bardic sounding, to depict the strength of the Scottish people and for the piece to have a dynamic opening. The fanfare contains material that alludes to the main theme and with a bit of dissonance and tension that is resolved in the main body of the piece.The main theme is a lilting original melody, but one that I hope with have the essence of Scottish folk songs. The main idea is followed by a more modal and dark sounding secondary theme, first stated in the horns. This material is later used in the development section of the piece. The main theme returns several times, with different and varied orchestrations and harmonic treatments. This is followed by a short transition leading to the more lyrical and slower second section of the piece. A transparent presentation of the lyrical theme, which is based on aspects of the main theme, is presented first by a solo flute. This section is a nod to famous composer Malcom Arnold’s wonderful works for orchestra in its style and orchestration. After a transition or bridge section with a solo euphonium, the piece builds to a dramatic climax of the lyrical theme by the full band. This subsides to a return of the solo flute to end this second section of the piece, followed by a transition back the main theme.The solo bagpipes play a central role in the return of the main theme and take center stage after being heard in the distance earlier in the work. The piece brings back a shortened version of the darker secondary theme, followed by a hint of the fanfare material that builds to one last statement of the main theme by the full band, before leading to a dramatic coda to complete the work.It has been my pleasure to have been given the opportunity to compose this piece for the Saint Andrew’s School Band! I thank Andrea Wolgin for making it happen, and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have enjoyed bringing the piece to life.–Larry ClarkLakeland, Florida 2017.

SKU: YM.GTW01101612

ISBN 9784636113037. 8.25 x 11.75 inches.

The famous aria sung in the third act of Puccini's opera Turandot has been arranged in the style of EDM (electronic dance music). Be sure to try out the trumpet solo played by Eric Miyashiro in the recording.
Instrumentation: Conductor×1; Piccolo×1; 1st & 2nd Flutes×2; *Oboe×1; *Bassoon×1; Clarinet in E♭×1; 1st Clarinet in B♭×3; 2nd Clarinet in B♭×3; 3rd Clarinet in B♭×3; *Alto Clarinet in E♭×1; Bass Clarinet in B♭×1; 1st Alto Saxophone in E♭×1; 2nd Alto Saxophone in E♭×1; Tenor Saxophone in B♭×1; Baritone Saxophone in E♭×1; 1st Trumpet in B♭×1; 2nd Trumpet in B♭×1; 3rd Trumpet in B♭×1; 1st & 2nd Horns in F×2; 3rd & 4th Horns in F×2; 1st Trombone×1; 2nd Trombone×1; Bass Trombone×1; Euphonium×2; Tuba×2; Electric Bass Guitar×1; *Electric Guitar×1; Drums×1; Timpani×1; Cymbals, Tambourine, Wood Block & Bass Drum×1; Wind Chime & Suspended Cymbal×1; Glockenspiel×1; Xylophone, Marimba & Chimes×3 The composition can also be performed without the instruments marked with *.
Performance time: Approximately 4 minutes 15 seconds
Difficulty Level: 3.

SKU: CF.YPS222

ISBN 9781491156629. UPC: 680160915163. 9 x 12 inches.

Written in an upbeat Latin rhythmic form, Chips, and Salsa, Too begins with percussion under a nice rhythmic motif in the winds. A tuneful minor melody in the clarinets, well below the break, continues above this Latin groove after the intro. The tubas (and cross-cued for euphoniums and bass clarinets) and flutes have a melody together beginning in m. 43, and the rest of the band is gradually layered in the mix until everybody is contributing to the mix. Latin rhythms, featured percussion, and lots of nice melodies for the winds makes this a piece your students and audiences will love! Pay careful attention to the articulation because without it you will lose the rhythmic feel. The tempo is marked quarter=152, but you can play it faster if you like. Too slow, and you can't dance to it! The syncopated rhythms are infectious and you will be surprised at how quickly your band catches on. The ranges are perfect for young players and there are plenty of doublings to assist smaller bands. Use as many percussionists as possible, but insist they groove together and don't cover up the winds. Remember, it's a dance. Have fun! Kiefer.ed@gmail.com Facebook: The Music of Ed Kiefer.
Written in an upbeat Latin rhythmic form, Chips, and Salsa, Too begins with percussion under a nice rhythmic motif in the winds. A tuneful minor melody in the clarinets, well below the break, continues above this Latin groove after the intro. The tubas (and cross-cued for euphoniums and bass clarinets) and flutes have a melody together beginning in m. 43, and the rest of the band is gradually layered in the mix until everybody is contributing to the mix.Latin rhythms, featured percussion, and lots of nice melodies for the winds makes this a piece your students and audiences will love!Pay careful attention to the articulation because without it you will lose the rhythmic feel. The tempo is marked quarter=152, but you can play it faster if you like. Too slow, and you can’t dance to it! The syncopated rhythms are infectious and you will be surprised at how quickly your band catches on. The ranges are perfect for young players and there are plenty of doublings to assist smaller bands. Use as many percussionists as possible, but insist they groove together and don’t cover up the winds. Remember, it’s a dance. Have fun!Kiefer.ed@gmail.comFacebook: The Music of Ed Kiefer.

SKU: CF.CPS264

ISBN 9781491161418. UPC: 680160920006.

Some of the first music I remember hearing as a child was folk dance music from around the world. My parents were avid folk dancers, and they used to host weekly folk dance evenings in our basement. Some nights, when I was supposed to be in bed, I would stand with my ear to the door, listening to this fascinating music that drifted up the stairs. I didn't know what each piece was, but the melodies have stayed with me. Tropanka is one of those tunes. Tropanka (pronounced tro-PAHN-kuh) is a folk dance from Bulgaria, and the title means stomping dance. One can hear two repeated notes at the end of each phrase - this is where the dancers stomp. Patsh Tantz (pronounced PAHTSH tahnts) is a classic example of Klezmer, which is East European Jewish folk music. The title is Yiddish for clapping dance, and all the players get the chance to clap at certain points in their individual part. Klezmer music is often quite exciting, and this arrangement includes the characteristic accelerando, building excitement as the piece drives to the end. Both movements should be played rhythmically, and as it is folk music that would be danced to by untrained dancers, often wearing boots or other flat-soled shoes, adding weight to many of the downbeats will help bring out the earthy character of the music. Since my parents met while folk dancing, I made these arrangements (originally in a version for string quartet) as a gift in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.
Some of the first music I remember hearing as a child was folk dance music from around the world. My parents were avid folk dancers, and they used to host weekly folk dance evenings in our basement.  Some nights, when I was supposed to be in bed, I would stand with my ear to the door, listening to this fascinating music that drifted up the stairs. I didn’t know what each piece was, but the melodies have stayed with me. Tropanka is one of those tunes. Tropanka (pronounced “tro-PAHN-kuh”) is a folk dance from Bulgaria, and the title means “stomping dance”. One can hear two repeated notes at the end of each phrase – this is where the dancers stomp. Patsh Tantz (pronounced “PAHTSH tahnts”) is a classic example of Klezmer, which is East European Jewish folk music. The title is Yiddish for “clapping dance”, and all the players get the chance to clap at certain points in their individual part. Klezmer music is often quite exciting, and this arrangement includes the characteristic accelerando, building excitement as the piece drives to the end.Both movements should be played rhythmically, and as it is folk music that would be danced to by untrained dancers, often wearing boots or other flat-soled shoes, adding weight to many of the downbeats will help bring out the “earthy” character of the music. Since my parents met while folk dancing, I made these arrangements (originally in a version for string quartet) as a gift in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.