Par HIMES WILLIAM. Who but William Himes could have composed this one? Filled with humor, pathos, excitement and surprise, LIFE DANCES is a brilliant and rhythmic overture for the adventurous band. The dauntless contemporary sounds of the opening are contrasted by an almost Medeival character. You’ll traverse many intriguing and unpredictable paths before dazzling rhythmic interplay drives the band to the astonishing ending. Like life, when you first open this “box of chocolates” you truly won’t know what wonderful treats are in store. As a director, if you’ve ever gotten a bit weary of the “same old same old, ” you’ve come to the right place for a change. This one is sure to reinvigorate youand your band as you discover together all the surprises life has to offer. A celebration! / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

from Andrea Chanier. Par GIORDANI GIUSEPPE. It has been said, and wisely so, that if you wish to find TRULY dramatic music, look to opera. This is an essentially complete transcription of Act IV of Umberto Giordano's tragic opera ANDREA CHENIER. One night before French poet Andrea Chenier's impending execution, his lover Madeleine comes to the prison at St. Lazare and, wishing to die rather than live without him, through bribery manages to exchange places with a young woman who is, like Chenier, scheduled to mount the scaffold the following day. James Curnow fully utilizes his considerable orchestration skill with this immensely powerful transcription. Well performed, the ending is absolutely awe-inspiring. If yourgroup has the skill to play at this level you definitely MUST explore this significant transcription. / Niveau : 5 / Répertoire / Concert Band

(An ancient magical spell) Overture for Band. Par BULLA STEPHEN. Move over, Harry! Your band members are the sorcerers this time as they take the audience to mystical realms. A captivating spell is cast as the music conjures up the drama and mystery of ancient magic. The foreboding opening will appeal to the young musician’s sense of adventure, and as the piece progresses every listener will be mesmerised by the unfolding prestidigitation. The runes are cast! There is no escape! If you don’t choose this piece for your concert beware - you may turn into a frog! / Niveau : 2 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par BULLA STEPHEN. Blues to the MAX! With lots of drive and down home blues harmonies, KENNESAW MOUNTAIN BLUES will latch on to your audience for keeps. Very accessible to Grade 2 1/2 bands, this is one of the most enjoyable pieces you’ll find for any level of ability. If you have a kickin’ drumset player, so much the better. Every section has gratifying parts to play, and the easy mixed-meter section sounds so natural but will keep ‘em all thinking. The concert band doesn’t often get the chance to play in styles like this, which is a shame, because it’s so much fun. How about letting your band try a style that’s about as far from John Phillip Sousa as you can get! Get down with some Blues! KENNESAW MOUNTAIN BLUES is a winner! / Niveau : 2.5 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

To General George Washington. Par CURNOW JAMES. The grand and energetic opening, contrasting styles, careful attention to articulations, and rich harmonies make this one sound more advanced than it actually is. Consider using Heroic Tribute as the opening piece for your young band festival performance. The easy but bright and colorful Percussion, along with excellent use of the Woodwind and Brass sections, make this an ideal contest piece. There are plenty of teaching opportunities packed into this majestic new mini-overture for young bands. In fact, even if your band usually plays higher grade level music you should still give this one serious consideration. Occasionally it’s good idea to rehearse a high-quality easiercomposition, where your entire ensemble can concentrate fully on ensemble playing, phrasing, tone quality, etc. and not worry about just chasing notes. This piece provides great cross-curricular teaching opportunities with history. A great teaching piece as well as a gem in performance! / Niveau : 1.5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band

To General George Washington. Par CURNOW JAMES. The grand and energetic opening, contrasting styles, careful attention to articulations, and rich harmonies make this one sound more advanced than it actually is. Consider using Heroic Tribute as the opening piece for your young band festival performance. The easy but bright and colorful Percussion, along with excellent use of the Woodwind and Brass sections, make this an ideal contest piece. There are plenty of teaching opportunities packed into this majestic new mini-overture for young bands. In fact, even if your band usually plays higher grade level music you should still give this one serious consideration. Occasionally it’s good idea to rehearse a high-quality easiercomposition, where your entire ensemble can concentrate fully on ensemble playing, phrasing, tone quality, etc. and not worry about just chasing notes. This piece provides great cross-curricular teaching opportunities with history. A great teaching piece as well as a gem in performance! / Niveau : 1.5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par KIDD BRYAN. Get to know the music of Bryan Kidd. He follows the resounding success of his recent release The Road to Chancellorsville and preceding that, his exquisitely beautiful rendition of Be Thou My Vision with this commanding new original composition. Energetic and expansive, Blue Ridge Summit makes full use of the additional excitement and compositional maturity that Grade 3 guidelines permit. If you have used one of Mr. Kidd’s previous CMP publications with your band you are sure to want to add this vigorous new composition to your library. If you are not already familiar with this outstanding composer, now is your chance to try one of his works. / Niveau : 3 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par PASTORE CARMINE. Now is the chance to introduce your young band to the music of Carmine Pastore! This outstanding composer has written many fine and memorable works. In HANUKKAH CELEBRATION he applies his considerable skill to the Grade 1 arena! Composed to honor all the families who get together each year in celebration of Hanukkah, this new Grade 1 piece gives every band director the chance to program a more pleasing and culturally diverse winter concert. Considerations such as light percussion playing, a light legato style in the winds, and subtly shifting moods make this a great style study tool for young bands as well as the perfect holiday performance piece. If you add this one to your musiclibrary you’ll use it again and again. / Niveau : 1 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par HANNICKEL MIKE. This one is just right for the 'encore march' at your next young band concert, or anywhere a bright march is appropriate. Some carefully chosen accidentals keep things interesting, but there are no more than one or two for any given instrument, keeping the technical demands easily within the abilities of a Grade 1 band. If your school mascot happens to be the Eagle, you may wish to keep this 'spirit' march in the folders year around for use at assemblies and rallies as a peppy 'mascot' tune. / Niveau : 1 / Marche / Répertoire / Concert Band