SKU: CF.YPS252F

ISBN 9781491161913. UPC: 680160920594.

A new day. A new event. A new opportunity. We look forward to these things and the potential they hold. We live our lives looking forward, but we understand them looking backward (a thought of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard). We do not always know what the future may hold, but we must remember: first, there are no guarantees beyond the time and opportunity we are given to do good. Second, change around us is inevitable. Finally, and the most important aspect, we have choices. This lesson is fixed to the composer's office door: Today is the greatest day of your life, if you want it to be. Why not look forward to the Promise on the Horizon and the possibilities for greatness that lie within it? The opening motif of this concert fanfare is purposely inquisitive as the piece seeks to establish its first steps. The subtle shift at measure 37 and again at measure 69 are reminders of the challenges that await us during the journey. Here again it is a matter of choice - do we choose to let circumstances define us, or do we define the circumstances? The section at 93 is a resounding answer that we will move barriers, overcome obstacles and keep our vision looking forward. The piece builds toward an exciting conclusion from measure 127 onward. The piece reinforces several basic rhythmic patterns in 6/8 time. As a number of these rhythms are repeated, it provides an easy opportunity for the entire ensemble to grow more comfortable performing in this meter. While it is a fanfare-type piece, remind young musicians to play with lightness and precision, rather than intensity in volume. Maintaining this style of articulation and accuracy helps the rhythms in 6/8 time maintain their buoyancy. It is vital that each musician listens for the melody and balances their part, especially in moments where the melody is passed between sections. If vibes are not available, a second bell set can be employed in its place. It is hoped that this piece is an uplifting way to open your next concert, and a meaningful opportunity for you to discuss the power of making positive choices with your students in the ensemble (as a reminder, regular practicing of their instrument is a positive choice). Wishing you and your ensemble well as you look to the Promise on the Horizon.
A new day. A new event. A new opportunity. We look forward to these things and the potential they hold. We live our lives looking forward, but we understand them looking backward (a thought of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard). We do not always know what the future may hold, but we must remember: first,  there are no guarantees beyond the time and opportunity we are given to do good. Second, change around us is inevitable. Finally, and the most important aspect, we have choices. This  lesson is fixed to the composer's office door: “Today is the greatest day of your life, if you want it to be.” Why not look forward to the Promise on the Horizon and the possibilities for greatness that lie within it?The opening motif of this concert fanfare is purposely inquisitive as the piece seeks to establish its first steps. The subtle shift at measure 37 and again at measure 69 are reminders of the challenges that await us during the journey. Here again it is a matter of choice – do we choose to let circumstances define us, or do we define the circumstances? The section at 93 is a resounding answer that we will move barriers, overcome obstacles and keep our vision looking forward. The piece builds toward an exciting conclusion from measure 127 onward. The piece reinforces several basic rhythmic patterns in 6/8 time. As a number of these rhythms are repeated, it provides an easy opportunity for the entire ensemble to grow more comfortable performing in this meter. While it is a fanfare-type piece, remind young musicians to play with lightness and precision, rather than intensity in volume. Maintaining this style of articulation and accuracy helps the rhythms in 6/8 time maintain their buoyancy. It is vital that each musician listens for the melody and balances their part, especially in moments where the melody is passed between sections. If vibes are not available, a second bell set can be employed in its place. It is hoped that this piece is an uplifting way to open your next concert, and a meaningful opportunity for you to discuss the power of making positive choices with your students in the ensemble (as a reminder, regular practicing of their instrument is a positive choice). Wishing you and your ensemble well as you look to the Promise on the Horizon. .

SKU: CF.CPS256F

ISBN 9781491159729. UPC: 680160918317.

As the title suggests, there should be a tongue-in-cheek aspect to the performance of this piece with the idea that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Close attention should be paid to staccato notes, making sure not to play them too short and clipped, keeping in mind that a staccato quarter note should have the length of an eighth note and not the length of a sixteenth note. Although the piece is a march, it needn't conform to any strict interpretation of what a march should be. Some of the tongued eighth-note passages may need to be double-tongued, depending on tempo, using the Dig-A-Duck method. For instance at m. 34 the repeated eighth notes might be tongued dig-a-da-duck, dig-a-duck, da dot dot. Slurred eighth-note passages should follow the curve of the line, getting slightly louder as notes ascend and slightly softer as they descend. Measure 39 through m. 51 will have a somewhat chaotic feel, so go with the flow! The sparsely orchestrated passage at m. 68 is understated--perhaps a little spacey in keeping with our theme--and not to be overplayed until the crescendo at m. 88, when we return to business as usual. Trumpets show off again (rarely a problem for trumpet players) on the D. S. back to m. 6. On the Coda, another disjointed-sounding theme, again departing from any strict interpretation of a march--again, making sure that the staccatos are not too clipped--is followed by a repeat of the main theme, this time layered. Care should be taken to balance the entrances of the layered instrument groups as they enter. An exuberant final four measures puts the cherry on top. Percussion can play out for the most part, very little subtlety required. Overall, this piece is meant to be FUN, for both the performers and the audience!.
As the title suggests, there should be a tongue-in-cheek aspect to the performance of this piece with the idea that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Close attention should be paid to staccato notes, making surenot to play them too short and clipped, keeping in mind that a staccato quarter note should have the length of an eighth note and not the length of a sixteenth note. Although the piece is a march, it needn't conform toany strict interpretation of what a march should be. Some of the tongued eighth-note passages may need to be double-tongued, depending on tempo, using the Dig-A-Duck method. For instance at m. 34the repeated eighth notes might be tongued dig-a-da-duck, dig-a-duck, da dot dot. Slurred eighth-note passages should follow the curve of the line, getting slightly louder as notes ascend and slightly softeras they descend. Measure 39 through m. 51 will have a somewhat chaotic feel, so go with the flow!The sparsely orchestrated passage at m. 68 is understated—perhaps a little spacey in keeping with our theme—and not to be overplayed until the crescendo at m. 88, when we return to business as usual. Trumpets show off again (rarely a problem for trumpet players) on the D. S. back to m. 6. On the Coda, another disjointed-sounding theme, again departing from any strict interpretation of a march—again, making sure that the staccatos are not too clipped—is followed by a repeat of the main theme, this time layered. Care should be taken to balance the entrances of the layered instrument groups as they enter.An exuberant final four measures puts the cherry on top. Percussion can play out for the most part, very little subtlety required. Overall, this piece is meant to be FUN, for both the performers and the audience!

SKU: CF.FPS81F

ISBN 9780825873829. UPC: 798408073824. 9x12 inches. Key: C minor.

Promised Land is a serious-sounding, new piece for the developing band that sounds much more difficult than it plays, allowing your students to show off while remaining at their ability level. The title has its roots in the ideals of John Humphrey Noyes, who founded the Oneida community in the late 1840s. He built a thriving agricultural and spiritual community that became his “promised land.” The music depicts the struggles and triumph of those first settlers in the area, who worked the land and fought for their ideals through much persecution. Promised Land contains all of the rhythmic interest and memorable motives that Sean's music is so known for. It is also an excellent choice for contest/festival.

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: CF.YPS128F

ISBN 9780825892691. UPC: 798408092696. 9 x 12 inches.

This piece takes off right from the start. It contains some very pleasant contemporary sounds not usually found in pieces of this difficulty level, and students will be eager to play it again and again!

SKU: CF.BPS150

ISBN 9781491163467. UPC: 680160922253.

Rehearsal Suggestions:Sunrise March is so named for the opening motive, which quickly ascends like the rising sun. Playable at the end of the first year of instruction, the march offers several teaching tools: independent parts playing in imitation or call and response, dynamic markings, staccato and accent markings, and limited accidentals. Every group gets the melody at some point. This would make a great selection for the end of year concert (especially a demonstration-style concert), or for taking to an adjudicated festival. This prepares students for more traditional full-length concert marches. Keep that in mind when rehearsing.Make sure students observe the articulation and dynamic markings in mm. 6 and 7. Notice the slurs over the 4-3 suspension in m. 10. Where optional divisi is marked in the low brass or reed voices, the division is preferred, but if necessary, play only the lower notes. Pay careful attention to balance at m. 23. The melody is always the most important.Note the accidentals in mm. 29 and 30. This is a great place to reinforce accidentals through repeated notes. After m. 31, note that the melody is fractured, and students will need to count multi-rests and know where the melody is. Focus on a full sound from m. 47 to the end. The stinger note in the low voices at the end should be played for its full value and release with a vowel sound, not the tongue!

SKU: CF.SPS74F

ISBN 9781491148396. UPC: 680160905898. 9 x 12 inches.

Courage of the Cossacks is a refreshing march in the style of Russian folk music, offering a break from the standard American march style for festival performance. Composer Ed Kiefer has scored this piece to sound sonorous throughout while highlighting all sections of the band. Directors looking for a unique march need look no further.

SKU: PR.114418030

UPC: 680160639380.

A delightful musical story about a dog and her day-long celebration of life as told by various instruments, Sadie's Birthday Adventures offers a moment of audience participation and invites discussion about the individual voices (instruments) chosen to tell this tale. Children will enjoy the frog (bass trombone), butterfly (glockenspiel), and a romp in the forest with a chipmunk (full ensemble). Sadie's Birthday Adventures was commissioned by the Philadelphia Orchestra for its Sound All Around series of children's interactive concerts. For advanced performers.

SKU: CF.CPS173

ISBN 9781491140222. UPC: 680160628285. 9 x 12 inches.

Meaning messenger in Inuit, Carl Strommen's piece Kivgik was inspired by the composer's observance of a large gathering of the Inuit people in Alaska. Carl has tried to emulate the sound of their drums being used for communication. The piece also contains bold harmonic colors and driving 6/8 rhythms. There is a nice repose section in the middle of the piece that symbolizes the more solemn parts of this annual gathering or Kivgik. This multicultural piece offers many unique, cross-curriculum teaching opportunities and will be perfect at your next contest or festival performance.

SKU: PR.111401800

UPC: 680160618132. 8.5 x 11 inches. Text: Nelly Sachs. Nelly Sachs. Text: Five Poems of Nelly Sachs, Translation from German of Nos. I, III and IV by Ruth and Matthew Mead, of No. II by Michael Roloff and No. V by Michael Hamburger.

O The Chimneys is a setting of five poems by Nelly Sachs, the great German-Jewish 1966 Nobel Prize co-winner in literature, whose writing concerned itself almost entirely with the subject of the holocaust. Composed in 1969, the work was my own personal way of saying, through my own art, do not forget. Shockingly, these words have as much relevance today as they did when the work was written. Today we find ourselves having to say do not forget, do not distort, do not deny it ever happened.   I selected the five poems from Sachs' O The Chimneys collection, retaining its grimly evocative title even though I did not include the actual poem by that name. In scoring the work for female voice, flute, clarinet/bass clarinet, cello, piano and percussion, I aimed to give myself the broadest possible palette of instrumental colors while using the smallest number of participants. Yet as I was planning the final moments of my cycle, I felt that instrumental sound alone would not suffice to express the horror. An electronic tape segment was added to the work's final climax.   The first two poems (A Dead Child Speaks and Already Embraced by the Arm of Heavenly Solace), both depicting the tearing of a child away from his mother, are treated essentially as one unit, with the first acting as an introduction to the second. These two, and the cycle's apocalyptic fifth poem (Hell is Naked from Glowing Enigmas II), act as the two weighty pillar points, so to speak, surrounding the more introspective two middle poems (Fleeing and Someone Comes). To maximize dramatic differentiation within the constraints of a relentlessly tragic subject matter, I used range as a means to delineate contrast, by dividing the sounds available to me into low and dark (mvt. III) vs. high and, at times, eerily bright (mvt. IV) colors. Thus the two middle poems are intended to balance the frenzied madness of which the work's outer parts are made.   The work received its first performance in New York at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Grace Rainey Auditorium on January 19, 1970.   --Shulamit Ran.

SKU: PR.11641139L

UPC: 680160682126.

Barcarolles for a Sinking City was inspired by the city of Venice, a place that has long held the fascination of artists, writers and composers, and which I have been lucky enough to visit on several occasions. Sadly it seems that future generations may not be so lucky: in addition to the city's slow sinking and recently discovered tilting, studies predict that if global warming and the resultant rise of ocean levels is unabated, the entire city (as well as many other coastal cities around the globe) will be under water by 2100.   I. Funeral Gondola The late, cryptic piano works of Franz Liszt made a profound impression on me as a young composer, among them two works he entitled La Lugubre Gondola (usually translated as The Funeral Gondola ) which were said to be a premonition of Wagner's death in Venice, his coffin transported through the canals in a black gondola. These late pieces of Liszt acquired even greater significance to me after I spent two summers in Bayreuth under the patronage of Friedelind Wagner, the granddaughter of Wagner and great-granddaughter of Liszt. This movement is a meditation on Wagner, Liszt, Venice and its own evanescence. II. Barcarolle/Quodlibet The Quodlibet (Latin for what pleases) is a musical form dating back to the 15th century where many disparate melodies are juxtaposed. Popular in the Renaissance, sacred and secular melodies were combined, often to comical effect due to the resultant incongruity of the words. The form was considered the ultimate test of a composer's mastery of counterpoint. The most famous Quodlibet is without doubt the final Variation of Bach's Goldberg Variations. As a form the Quodlibet is less common in more recent music, although examples can be found in the works of Kurt Weill and David Del Tredici.   My own Barcarolle/Quodlibet was inspired by the (perhaps apocryphal) story of the funeral where musicians were asked to play a Bach Choral, but due to miscommunication played instead the Bacarolle from The Tales of Hoffmann. Here, the Bach Choral Allen Menschen mussen sterben (All Men Must Die) is heard in the strings pizzicato, with a tempo indication In slow motion. The alto line of the Bach suggests a phrase from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony (Alle Menchen werden Bruder) heard in the muted trombone. Before long, the famous tune from Offenbach's opera is heard, followed by quotations from iconic Barcarolles by Chopin, Mendelssohn and Faure, as well as two Venetian popular songs and more Beethoven.   III. Barcarola/Ostinato/Carillon An ostinato is a repeated musical figure, and carillon is Italian for music box. This movement references the obsolete genre of salon pieces that imitated music boxes: such works by composers like Liadov and Gretchaninov used to be a mainstay of pianists' encore repertoire. This movement is however much darker in conception than those pleasant trifles. Utilizing the full battery of percussion, the carefully notated temporal slowing of the ostinato becomes overwhelmed by a poignant chorale melody before this box is snapped shut.   IV. Barcarolle Oubliee (Forgotten Barcarolle) Marked limpido (still) the final movement begins with the sound of rain produced by a percussion instrument called (appropriately) a rain stick. Halting phrases in the harp coalesce into the accompaniment for a plangent melody heard in the clarinet. The central Adagio of this movement leads to a shattering climax, before the opening phrases return and dissipate into nothingness.

SKU: PR.11540425L

UPC: 680160688159.

My  work Labyrinth for Ithaca College could have easily been titled as my Third Symphony. The work is larger in scope than every other work of mine for winds, save perhaps my first symphony. The piece is cast in two main parts, each consisting of two movements. As it happened I wrote the movements backwards (fitting for something called Labyrinth). The size of the band is on par with that of Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968 with one exception, there is an electric keyboard part which lends certain moments in the piece an other-worldly ambience... sounds that are altogether different from anything possible from acoustic instruments. At the risk of sounding obvious or mundane, I had two words floating around my brain during the composing of this work — HUGE and melodic. My predisposition to create inherently melodic music is inescapable at this point in my composing career. This is the kind of music I have gravitated towards since beginning at the piano so long ago. I don’t write ambient or spectral music, nor do I write music replete with extended techniques. The crafting of melodies with gravitas has always made my process of composing the most satisfying. The very last movement of Labyrinth is a gargantuan crescendo the likes of the last movement of Respighi’s The Pines of Rome or Ravel’s Bolero and should leave the audience and players sonically drenched by the end. I’m so honored to have this opportunity to compose for Ithaca College’s 50th Anniversary of that seminal work of Karel Husa’s. I have known Music for Prague 1968 as long as I’ve known serious music for winds. It is my aim that every moment of Labyrinth offers the players as much to bite their teeth on as it leaves the audience in its throng from start to finish. -CP.

SKU: HL.49032791

ISBN 9783795753726. German. John Minnion.

Die Jazzmethode fur Klarinette eroffnet Neueinsteigern das reichhaltige und aufregende Repertoire des Jazz, in welchem die Klarinette eine bedeutende Rolle spielt. Sie zeigt Anfangern aller Altersstufen den Weg vom ersten Ton bis hin zu Stucken von Legenden des Jazz und fuhrenden Jazzmusikern unserer Zeit. Mit einer schrittweisen Einfuhrung und speziell fur diese Schule geschriebenen Stucken werden die grundlegenden Elemente einer soliden Klarinettentechnik -- Atemkontrolle, Tonbildung, Ansatz und Griffe -- zusammen mit den rhythmischen Finessen der Jazzmusik (z. B. synkopierte Rhythmen und Swing-Phrasierung) erklart. Die Audio-Tracks (Download mittels Code) liefern den musikalischen Hintergrund fur alle Stucke, so dass der Klarinettenschuler von Anfang an durch das Spielen mit einer erstklassigen Rhythmusgruppe aus Bass, Gitarre und Schlagzeug in den Genuss eines authentischen Jazz-Sounds kommt. Spater helfen die Playback-Tracks bei den ersten Improvisationsversuchen.

SKU: BT.AMP-058-140

This is a great opportunity to incorporate a modern concerto into your band's repertoire, which will provide a fresh and appealing concert item for your upcoming season. The work follows the standard 3-movement concerto form witha syncopated, rag-like opening movement contrasting with a slower, beautifully English-sounding second movement. The third movement is based on a bebop style to show off the jazzier qualities of the clarinet. This substantial workis suitable for a Grade 4 standard band.

Mozart schreef zijn bekende klarinetconcert voor de virtuoos Anton Stadler, met wie hij bevriend was. Stadler was verantwoordelijk voor veel technische verbeteringen aan zowel de klarinet als de bassethoorn, hij voegde extra kleppentoe aan beide instrumenten, waardoor het bereik van de klarinet in de laagte werd uitgebreid. Mozart schreef dit concerto voor een klarinet met een lager bereik in vergelijking tot het moderne instrument. Ondanks de beperkingenvan de klarinet van nu komt het origineel in deze bewerking prima tot zijn recht. opname op cd: The Magic of Mozart (DHR 11-011-3)

Ein Konzert in drei Sätzen, das den vielfältigen Facetten des Instrumentes Rechnung trägt. Der Eröffnungssatz ähnelt im Stil fast einem Rag. Der langsamere zweite Satz erforscht zunächst das Chalumeau-Register der Klarinette in einem Thema, das später vom Orchester aufgenommen wird, während der Solist einen filigranen Diskant entwickelt. Dieser leitet direkt zum dritten Satz über, dessen Stil an Be-Bop erinnert und die jazzigere Seite der Klarinette in den Vordergrund treten lässt. Modern und vielseitig!

SKU: PR.114419490

ISBN 9781491131435. UPC: 680160677320. 9 x 12 inches.

The depth and inventiveness of Amanda Harberg’s SUITE FOR WIND QUINTET can only be described as remarkable. Harberg combines the rich tradition of renaissance and baroque dance suites with her own American voice, stirring up dramatic, exciting sounds and stories. Cantus uses the imitative entries of renaissance motets as a jumping off point into a more contemporary world. The playfully virtuosic Furlana refers to the Italian folk dance rhythm in 6, punctuated by lots of unexpected 5’s. Fantasia hints at being a lullaby with an animated and jazz-influenced middle section, and the closing Cabaletta is true to its 19th-century meaning of a rousing closing section following beautiful lyricism. SUITE FOR WIND QUINTET was commissioned and premiered by the Dorian Wind Quintet.
Amanda Harberg’s Suite for Wind Quintet was commissioned by the Dorian Wind Quintet in 2017. The piece was the result of a conversation in a bar between Harberg, Dorian’s flutist Gretchen Pusch and Pusch’s husband Richard Bayles, on the occasion of Dorian’s clarinetist Ben Fingland’s 40th birthday party. A year and a half later, the Dorian Wind Quintet gave the world premiere of Harberg’s quintet at Bargemusic, and has incorporated it into their repertoire ever since. Suite for Wind Quintet is in four movements- 1. Cantus, 2. Furlana, 3. Fantasia and 4. Cabaletta. The melodic material heard in the very opening of the piece can be heard recurring and transforming throughout the four movements, until it unites triumphantly in the final coda with the theme of the concluding movement. The piece was inspired by the concept of placing Renaissance and Baroque-inspired dance suites into Harberg’s idiom as a 21st century composer.