SKU: M7.AHW-1901

The 'Charlie Parker Yardbird Originals' were originally published in 1954 by my dad, Dr. Charles Colin. In his memoir, 'Reflections II', he includes the colorful story of how it came to be that he met Charlie Parker and would publish this early work. Using most of Pop's lingo, here is a synopsis of that story: 'In the 40's - early 50's 'I' had eight studios on the second floor at 111 West 48th Street with several outstanding teachers. One of whom was Jimmy Abato who played bass clarinet with the Met. Between lessons, Jimmy relaxed at Jim and Andy's, a bar frequented by the top studio and recording artists where they would all meet for a few congenial moments in between sessions. One day Jimmy was chatting with Charlie Parker who confided that he was going through difficult times and was looking for a way to earn some cash. Jimmy, knowing that pop was into music publishing, suggested that Parker and he meet with the idea that he write a few Be Bop tunes that could be printed in book form. Even though Bebop was not yet in the mainstream or necessarily accepted by the music world, pop had great admiration and confidence in 'Charlie Parker' and was willing to make the considerable investment.' Each of the 5 tunes is presented here transposed into B-flat, C, and E-flat, alongside a piano accompaniment. Take a look at the sample pages to the left and then click above to get a physical copy sent directly to your door.

SKU: PR.114419810

ISBN 9781491136638. UPC: 680160681921.

Stacy Garrop’s ROAD WARRIOR is music of real-life tragedy, expressed through the power of a trumpet/organ duo. Drawing inspiration from Neil Peart’s autobiographical book, “Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road,” Garrop’s work grieves the loss of a friend’s young son and the journey to healing. ROAD WARRIOR’s evocative movement titles are drawn from passages in Peart’s book:1. I Am the Ghost Rider2. My Little Baby Soul3. Are You With Me Here?.
When Clarion members Keith Benjamin (trumpet), Melody Steed (organ), and I initially discussed possible topics for a new piece, Keith brought up his son Cameron, who had passed away at the age of seven from leukemia. While Cameron’s life ended too soon, he left an indelible and lasting mark on his those surrounding him. Keith asked if I could commemorate Cameron musically.In talking over possible ways to do this, Keith mentioned the book Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road. The book was written by Neil Peart, who is well-known as the longtime drummer and lyricist of the band Rush. Peart suffered the heartbreaking loss of his daughter in 1997, followed by his wife 10 months later. In an effort to work through the grieving process, Peart did what his wife suggested before she passed: he got onto his motorcycle and hit the open road. Ghost Rider chronicles a year of Peart’s life in which he drove for 55,000 miles, zigzagging his way across Canada, the western portion of the United States, Mexico, and Belize. Peart’s powerful story illustrates how he coped with immense loss and eventually emerged on the other side to once again embrace life. Keith had found Peart’s book helpful in dealing with Cameron’s death; moreover, Mr. Peart sent Cameron a signed cymbal while he was in the hospital undergoing treatment. This unexpected gesture of compassion and generosity meant the world to both Cameron and Keith.I chose three phrases from Peart’s book to serve as the inspiration for the movements in Road Warrior. In the first movement, I am the ghost rider, I imagined the performers to be howling phantoms that are haunting drivers on a nearly deserted highway. Peart often mentioned that he felt haunted by ghosts from the past while on his journey, and sometimes felt like a ghost himself, moving through an immaterial world as he rode from town to town. The second movement, My little baby soul, references Peart’s wording to define his own inner essence that he was trying to protect and nurture while on his journey. In this gentle movement, I capture the innocence and simplicity of a newborn soul. The piece concludes with Are you with me here? In this movement, I depict the performers as they search to find connections to those they have lost, and to those still living.Over the course of his travels, Peart kept up a steady letter correspondence with his close friend Brutus. In one of his first letters, he repeatedly asks Brutus if he is with him in spirit. I found it to be very poignant that while in his self-imposed exile, Peart discovered that he still needed connections to humanity.I wish to thank Mr. Peart for granting me permission to use his phrases as the movement titles, and for serving as the inspiration for Road Warrior. Rarely do any of us make it through our lives without being touched by the loss of someone dear to us. I found Peart’s insights into his grieving and recovery process to be insightful, eloquent, and surprisingly comforting. His journey is a touching reminder that with enough fortitude and time, we can work through what fate deals us and continue down our own road of life.

SKU: CF.FAS64

ISBN 9780825883880. UPC: 798408083885. 8.5 x 11 inches. Key: E minor.

Imagine the ominous sound of an oncoming storm rumbling through a prehistoric forest, punctuated by the lumbering footsteps of the T-Rex, shaking the ground as it advances on its prey. T-Rex allows your orchestra to paint this dramatic picture, thrilling the audience with its bold depiction of an ancient, mighty beast!.
T-Rex (Tyrannosaurus Rex) is a miniature tone poem for a young string orchestra.The story: The ominous sound of an oncoming storm (Thundersheet) rumbles through the night in a prehistoric forest. The lumbering footsteps of a giant beast (m. 1: half-notes played by celli and basses) cause the ground to tremble. It is T-Rex, Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Tyrant King (m. 3: 1st violins, m. 11: celli and basses). It surveys its kingdom in a regal pose (m. 27: tutti). The storm begins (m. 41: staccato notes and Thunder Sheet). Tyrannosaurus Rex hones in on its prey (m. 43: celli and basses). There is no escape (m. 49 to end: tutti).Percussion: A sound effect for thunder is necessary. The Worldwide Web contains much information on this subject. Just search “Thundersheet.”1. If a real Thundersheet is not available, a prepared Bass Drum may be used. The batter headshould be loosened for the lowest possible sound. It can be placed on its side. Have the rollsplayed with two bass drum mallets or two felt mallets.2. Synthesizers have certain sound effects which resemble thunder.3. A polystyrene Thundersheet is small and light enough for a young player.4. A large sheet of aluminum may be available at a home improvement store. While wearingprotective gloves, the percussion player shakes the aluminum sheet to create the standard, orchestral thunder sound effect.Thank you for choosing this composition. I hope your students and audience will find it instructive and enjoyable.