Par TOMS GRAYDON A.. EEEEEEEK! It’s a whimsical excursion into the realm of the mechanical mice! It’s a rodent round-up! It’s a veritable vortex of vagabond voles! Are we to be vexed by vociferous vermin? Let’s find out while we have some fun!Your young band will love playing this one, as well as using their instruments in a creative but non-standard way. The effect of the little clicking critters can be quite amazing. Whoa! Here comes the CAT! Beware, though, because you know your band will want to play it again and again. Graydon Toms has composed some great music for young bands in the past, and this new one is sure to please the entire audience as well as the musicians. You’ve found a greatnew tune for your young band! CongRATulations! / Niveau : 2 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Arr. Philip Sparke. Par BYRD WILLIAM. The Battell was written during the late 14th Century when England was in a mood of national celebration after victory over the Spanish and French Armadas. The movement which Byrd called Marche Before The Battell became known as The Earl of Oxford?s Marchand it appears with that title in an early manuscript copy of the Fitzwilliam Virginal Book. Written while Byrd was at the height of his powers, it still stirs the soul to this day. A perfect opener for your concert performances. / Niveau : 4 / Transcription / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Arr. James L. Hosay. Par STEFFE W.. The mainly unison, easy chorus parts in BATTLE HYMN 2000 mean you CAN prepare James Hosay's imaginative and inspiring version of 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic' for performance, even though opportunities for combined chorus and band rehearsals are hard to find. In fact, the dress rehearsal may be all you need to put on the finishing touches. It makes a spine-tingling finale for a combined choral/band concert (it can also be used as a stand-alone band piece). For a thrilling addition, consider having the chorus surround the audience while the band remains on stage. The surround-sound effect can be magnificent and it gives each member of the chorus a little personal stardom. Don't forget, having one piece at the end of the concert which includes everyone always helps to make sure you maintain a 'full house' for all your performing groups. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par BULLA STEPHEN. This significant work for Grade 4 band has much to offer. The piquant harmonies of Movement 1, the introspective mood of Movement 2, and the Hoedown-like romp of Movement 3 unite to form provocative musical images. Stephen Bulla explores unique terrain in a place that seems at once antique and modern, while cradling the listener in rich, innovative harmonies. Have this be the signature music for your band this year. HEATHER RIDGE SKETCHES can be the piece your students will remember for many years to come. / Niveau : 4 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par HANNICKEL MIKE. Sometimes though, it’s hard to find performance literature that lets us continue teaching the basics while we prepare the beginning band for a concert. We need easy performance music that helps make basic techniques come alive for the students. Composed by a full-time “young band” director, Abaco Beach Vacation is designed to do just that. There are a lot of great suggestions included in the “Notes to the Director, ” which will help get them playing the way you’d like them to. Let them have fun while they learn! / Niveau : 1 / Musique légère originale / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par CURNOW JAMES. The suite format and descriptive nature of snapshots allows Grade 2. 5 bands to handle a relatively large sized piece and have the fun of exploring myriad moods and styles. There are valuable geographical and historical considerations for cross-curricular teaching, and the sheer “enjoyability” of this one is undeniable. In Movement 1, early explorers witness the grandeur and expanse of the largest fresh surface water system on earth. In Movement 2, wavelets gently lap on the shores of beautiful beaches while happy families enjoy a sunny afternoon, and Movement 3 explores the ships and boats of every description which have navigated these waters for centuries. While thisexceptional piece is entirely different, if you enjoyed James Curnow’s previous Grade 2. 5 suites, you really should focus some attention on SNAPSHOTS. You won’t regret it. / Niveau : 2.5 / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

Par DE HAAN JACOB. Lunteren, a village on the Veluwe (a wooded region in the Netherlands), sets the scene annually for a village festival dominated by folklore. Festa Paesana (Italian for village festival) is set to music by several folkloric sketches. The theme in Festa Paesana is partly based on a Dutch anthem (Wien Neerlands bloed); when other lyrics are used it is also known as the Lunteren anthem. The work begins with a festive introduction, completed by chimes and drums, in which pieces of the Lunteren anthem are heard. The music then transitions to represent a horse auction. We hear horses run their first rounds in the auction ring while being whipped. The following theme is partly basedon the anthem. The tension of the traditional auction is amplified by an ever-increasing cadence, reaching its climax when the word ?Sold!? is shouted. The night ends with a majestic variation on the Lunteren anthem. The next morning, when the tower clock hits seven times, the village is awaked by the reveille of the heralds. In a fugatic version of the anthem, we can hear the village slowly come to life. This evolves with the chiming of all towers in the village; the celebration can begin. Carriages drawn by horses rumble through the village and thus, it is easy to hear when a horse hesitates or runs amuck. A traditional folk dance group then dances a whirling waltz while the audience shares their pleasure. Musicians march along the scene and take over the waltz theme in their march. Until deep in the night, the musicians are still heard playing in the streets. Meanwhile, we hear the anthem theme being played in a choral variation (in minor). The first time it is played quietly, as a preparation for Sunday. Then it is played in a celebrating way, enabling the devout village residents to remember the past pleasant celebration with satisfaction. / Niveau : 3 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band ou Harmonie

America, the Beautiful. Par CURNOW JAMES. The perfect arrangement for your Beginning Band’s first patriotic performance! There are lots of opportunities for young players to solidify basic skills here. A few easy accidentals, articulations, dynamics, and phrasing can all be taught while rehearsing Sea to Shining Seay. There are many more uses for this arrangement than the typical concert setting, too. Does your student body meet at the flag pole on Monday mornings for a flag salute? Play it there. How about a short performance at a school board meeting? The possibilities are endless! Don’t miss it! / Niveau : 0.5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band

Par CURNOW JAMES. The suite format and descriptive nature of snapshots allows Grade 2. 5 bands to handle a relatively large sized piece and have the fun of exploring myriad moods and styles. There are valuable geographical and historical considerations for cross-curricular teaching, and the sheer “enjoyability” of this one is undeniable. In Movement 1, early explorers witness the grandeur and expanse of the largest fresh surface water system on earth. In Movement 2, wavelets gently lap on the shores of beautiful beaches while happy families enjoy a sunny afternoon, and Movement 3 explores the ships and boats of every description which have navigated these waters for centuries. While thisexceptional piece is entirely different, if you enjoyed James Curnow’s previous Grade 2. 5 suites, you really should focus some attention on SNAPSHOTS. You won’t regret it. / Niveau : 2.5 / Pièce de concert / Répertoire / Concert Band