Par HIGGINS GAVIN. Der Aufstand (German for 'riot') is not a descriptive work, nor is it solely based on the riots of 2011. It does, however, draw on the idea of opposing forces and escalating anger. The work falls into two contrasting sections that are linked by a series of repeated, 'screaming' chords. A slow build drives the first section from a single pitch to a blazing orchestral tutti. The second section is a fast and wild series of fanfares and driving rhythms that ultimately cannot be sustained. In many ways this mirrors the first. Both sections open on single tones (Bb and E) and grow to a climax of brass and hammered chords. The first performance took place on the last day of the 2012 Olympic Games. Der Aufstand is a noisy antithesis to the celebratory fanfare. Wind Band Grade: 6 (Professional and elite student and 'national' bands) Duration: 10 minutes/ Répertoire / Ensemble à Vent

Throughout the ages, man has created ceremonies, both liturgical and secular, to celebrate human existence. Fueled by the driving force of the percussion section, this work investigates an eclectic blend of musical styles drawn from many cultural roots. The pile-driving rhythms underscore the melodic and harmonic content. Fascinating instrumental colors add richness and vibrance to this powerful new work. Soaring! (3:45)

These three short ‘pictures’ were inspired by several visits to a small part of the American East Coast an area which provides great extremes in the geography and the people.'Shelter Island' is a small island situated almost at the end of Long Island a few hours drive east of New York. In the summer it becomes a crowded tourist trap but in the winter it is gloriously deserted and bravely faces the onslaught of the turbulent Atlantic shrouded in sea mists and driving rain. In upstate New York lie 'The Catskills' Mountains an extraordinary combination of tranquillity and power peace and majesty. Once seen they call you back again and again.New York - or to be more precise Manhattan. For anyone who is familiar with this bizarre and wonderful city this ‘picture’ needs no explanation. For those not yet hooked here is a small foretaste of things to come!

Subtitled Strive for the Highest, this uplifting work was commissioned by the Southeast District of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma. Haunting woodwind solos are punctuated by the brass and percussion sections and consistent with Mr. Smith's work, each section contributes to the musical energy. Driving and aggressive, your audience will burst with excitement.

Danceries Set II arranged for brass band was first commission by Keith Allen for the Birmingham Symphonic Winds. This second set of Danceries continues the format established in the popular Danceries (Set I) of using tunes and dances from Playford s Dancing Master (17th century) to form the basis of an extended dancesuite. In this set the melodies have become more abstracted and project only a distant echo of their original forms. As before each movement is self-contained colourful and direct with its own distinct mood.The outer movements Jennie s Bawbee and Peascod s Galliarda share driving percussion with a military air. Tom Tinker s Toye and Heart s Ease(movements two and three) are both settings of original melodies. All movements are more extended than in the first set with a freer use and approach to the material; melodies now occur in various keys and are supported by a greater variety of harmonic colouring. The result is a richer even more exhilarating set of dances.Brass Band Grade 5