Arr. Philip Sparke. Par HOLST GUSTAV. Christina Rossetti wrote the words to this famous Christmas carol in 1872 in response to a request from the magazine Scribner's Monthly for a Christmas poem. They were set to music by Gustav Holst (1874-1934) for inclusion in the first edition (1906) of The English Hymnal, edited by his life-long friend, Ralph Vaughan Williams. Philip Sparke has carefully arranged the beautiful melody into this delightful version for brass band. A must for any Christmas concert. / Niveau : 2 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Brass Band

Par DE HAAN JACOB. In this composition, Jacob de Haan sees the 'Ross Roy' as a metaphor for the years spent at school (a monument in time), where one's personality is formed. So, the opening theme the artist calls the Ross Roy theme initially has monumental characteristics. The rhythmic motion, which strides along in the lower register and percussion at the beginning of the next section is typical of 'Tempo di Marcia'. This movement, accompanied by repetitions of sound, is a metaphor for the structure and discipline in school. This is the introduction to a march theme, symbolic of 'passing through' the classes up to the final examinations. Then, the Ross Roy theme is dealt with again, now in aplayful, humorous variation. As if the composer is saying there should also be time for a smile in school. The same theme can be heard in major key and a slower tempo in the following section, expressing pride and self-confidence. This is also the introduction to the expressive middle section that represents love, friendship and understanding. We then return to the march theme in a slightly altered construction. The oriental sounds, constituting the modulation to the final theme, are symbols of the diversity of cultures in the school. The characteristic final theme first sounds solemn, but turns into a festive apotheosis. It is no coincidence that the final cadence is reminiscent of the close to a traditional overture, for the school years can be considered the 'overture' to the rest of one's life. / Niveau : 4 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Brass Band

Par DE HAAN JACOB. This concert march is a tribute to the “pioneers” in the world of brass music in the Lowlands of Netherlands, the original founders of the bands and the people who take the lead in organising the societies and associations in the band movement. Celebrate the joy and friendship of the brass band movement with this truly uplifting march. / Niveau : 3 / Marche de concert / Répertoire / Brass Band

Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. This stately concert opener was originally written by Jan Van der Roost for a special event in which six respected wind orchestras (two Belgian and four Dutch) of different composition (two symphonic bands, two fanfare bands and two brass bands) were featured during six concerts. Each evening brought forth a performance by a symphonic band, a fanfare, and brass band, so that the audience could experience all three types of ensembles. This was indeed an original concept. The name, ConZEnSus, comes from a combination of the words, ‘Concert Cyclus’ (concert series) and ‘zes’ (Dutch for ‘six’). This leads to a new word, which refers to ‘consensus’. The general tenor of the cycle isthus immediately indicated. The richness of color of the various ensembles is revealed through an open and friendly atmosphere. During all six concerts (over a span of three years), ConZEnSus functioned as a permanent opening number for each orchestra. Thus the same musical story was portrayed in three different packages. / Niveau : 4 / Ouverture / Répertoire / Brass Band

Par SPARKE PHILIP. Philip Sparke composed Processional as a wedding present for two of his friends. It is an extremely versatile piece as it can be played simply as a concert piece but has been designed specifically for occasions such as weddings or graduation ceremonies, where it?s duration can be altered according to your needs. A must for any ceremonial occasion. / Niveau : 3 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Brass Band

Arr. Juri Briat. Par KING CAROLE. / Œuvre solo et Orchestre / Répertoire / Brass Band