Par VAN DER ROOST JAN. A spectacular dive via an extended chromatic scale immediately submerges us in a charged and somewhat archaic-feeling atmosphere. Trumpets, horns and trombones resound in rhythmic patterns, buttressed by restless motifs in the percussion. A second theme, in the woodwinds, begins much calmer but is quickly pushed aside by that same brass offensive. This introduction is the musical expression of the sometimes tumultuous early history of the town of Peer in Belgium. It closes with a D scale played over two octaves and repeated three times, symbolizing the church steeples that dominate the townscape. Peer has the credentials of a town, and people should know about it. There followsa rhythmic, turbulent passage: in the course of history, Peer has not been spared the ravages of war, arson, occupation, epidemic and other evils. In contrast, a slow, pastoral, lyrical part expresses the periods of peace and prosperity the town has known, as well as the serene geographic setting that still characterizes the place. Various instruments in groups are developed in solo style while the accompaniment displays vast, painterly images of sound. Now and then an exotic intonation is heard: a variety of peoples and cultures have left their mark on the town. This episode of tranquility and peacefulness comes to a sudden end when, via a surprising, almost chaotic transitional passage, we are in effect transported back to our own time. A hopeful, festive march expresses the confidence in the future that the Royal Concert Band of Peer exudes. This confidence is wholly justified: under the direction of conductor Willy Fransen, the 95 members of the concert band have experienced an extended period of good fortune, and the 75 musicians of the youth band - and the 45 little musicians of the mini-band - are involved in thriving operations. / Niveau : 6 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Hot Shot March and 1, 2, Cha Cha Cha. Par HANNICKEL MIKE. Reinforcement of sight-rhythms is critical to the development of good music reading. The young band education team of Amy Adam and Mike Hannickel has developed the Skill Builder series of compositions with sight-rhythm repetition in mind. Hot Shot March focuses on paired semi-quavers on the second beat of the 4/4 measure, to the exclusion of other semi-tone patterns, giving your young musicians much exposure to this important sight-rhythm. 1, 2, Cha Cha Cha does the same thing for paired semi-tones on beat 3. With two great easy band arrangements, lots of sightrhythm reinforcement and specialised warm-up exercises included in the package, it’s a great buy as well as a greatteaching tool. / Niveau : 0.5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par COURT DOUGLAS. A wonderful modern treatment of the ages old favorite We Wish You a Merry Christmas ! This creative arrangement serves equally well as an opener for your Christmas Concert as it will in the traditional closer position that the grand old carol has so long held. Be sure to hear the demo CD on this one. We think you’ll be both surprised and delighted. Without question, your students will enjoy playing Good Tidings at Christmas and the audience will Love it! Original! / Niveau : 2.5 / Musique pour célébration / Répertoire / Concert Band

Fantasy for Band. Par BULLA STEPHEN. One can only imagine what it might be like if the animals ran the zoo! This and other questions will be considered in this programmatic original work for band, incorporating all manner of animal and jungle noises. Young bands students will love the opportunity to use some of those carefully rehearsed vocal monkey and bird sounds they’ve been diligently working on for years. You can almost see an imaginary sci-fi movie as the music progresses. Your band will have an elephant good time playing this one! Don’t miss out! / Niveau : 2 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Good King Wenceslas. Par JOHNSON TIMOTHY. Young band directors are always on the lookout for something new and a little different for the winter concert. Timothy Johnson’s new Christmas arrangement for Beginning Bands fits the bill perfectly. It remains technically accessible to the young band while exploring this old familiar tune in new and different ways. You even have the option of including a 'set' drummer by using the Optional Percussion 1 Advanced part. Lots of unison rhythms in the Winds ensure that you can prepare The Good King Rocks in time for that winter concert, and there are enjoyable parts for every instrument, which keeps the whole group focused and involved during rehearsal. Fun! / Niveau : 0.5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band

Fantasy for Band. Par BULLA STEPHEN. One can only imagine what it might be like if the animals ran the zoo! This and other questions will be considered in this programmatic original work for band, incorporating all manner of animal and jungle noises. Young bands students will love the opportunity to use some of those carefully rehearsed vocal monkey and bird sounds they’ve been diligently working on for years. You can almost see an imaginary sci-fi movie as the music progresses. Your band will have an elephant good time playing this one! Don’t miss out! / Niveau : 2 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par HOSAY JAMES L.. Liberate your band with the sounds of 1940’s swing! James L. Hosay has combined the styles of WWII era big-band legends Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington with the unmistakable sounds of Glen Miller to create a swingin’ swayin’ piece you are sure to love. Salute the veterans of WWII with this rip-roaring throwback to the 1940s. / Niveau : 2.5 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par PURCELL HENRY. Henry Purcell’s epitaph in the Westminster Abbey reads “Here lyes Henry Purcell Esqre, who left this Lyfe and is gone to that Blessed Place where only his Harmony can be exceeded. ” Purcell’s setting of this melody composed by Frenchman Louis Bourgeois has been skillfully arranged for concert band by James Curnow. Delightfully characteristic Baroque counterpoint and harmonies form a great style study for your band while being a wonderful performance piece. Sostenuto passages, a controlled playing style, superb counterpoint, terraced dynamics and good activity for each wind section of the band may make this the perfect “middle” piece for your adjudicated band festival thisyear! / Niveau : 3 / Hymnes et chorals / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Excerpts from Movement 1. Par MOZART / STEPHEN BULLA. Mozart belongs to everyone! The experience of actually playing Mozart's music makes him real and more than just a name we associate with old music. Stephen Bulla's arrangement of the first movement of what may arguably be Mozart's greatest symphony has a great deal of authenticity. Much more than many 'just the tune' type transcription/ arrangements, Mr. Bulla's work ambitiously explores a good portion of Mozart's miraculous musical development, so that your musicians can begin to understand the true genius of the Classical icon. Those who know Mozart will appreciate the integrity of the transcription. Those who don't know Mozart have a wonderful treat in store! A classic! / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie