Concert Band
Grade 1-1.5
The term celestial has many different meanings: relating to the sky, space, the heavens, or just something simply that is really good. All of these things can be used to describe what is brought out by the performance of this piece. This theme goes through a number of transformations throughout the piece and gives the performers the opportunity to work on many elements and styles of performing, from light dynamics and articulations, into something that is meant to be played with more energy and heaviness.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FLEXIBLE BAND
The Haunting of Keg Mansion opens by setting up the chilling sensation of a haunted mansion: dark harmonies and powerful dynamics. The main melody is quick and fidgety, much like that of a mischievous presence. The haunting setting continues with the striking chords in the middle contrasting section of the piece.
Out of the Shadows is a piece that follows the traditional march form, and is easy enough for early musicians to play, by focusing on the first six notes learned in most method books. Bold and triumphant, there are interesting parts for the lowest to the highest voices.
Using the style of Canadian folk songs from the East Coast and the story telling features of Newfoundland, A Fisherman's Tale is a piece about a trip out into the ocean. The piece opens with the solemn, chorale-like movement Farewell, as the fisherman leaves his home and family to begin the excursion, and closes with Return to Harbour, an up tempo movement representing the worker s successful homecoming.
A New Day is a celebratory piece where the melodies, feel, and harmonies are bright and uplifting. Sweeping, grand themes are supported by light articulated passages. Various members of the band are featured including a brass chorale section, alto saxophone melody and some great tuttis.
This piece contains two distinctively different themes - a traditional European folk song sounding melody and a Japanese inspired one. Each melody is introduced on its own, then they are combined - with both themes playing simultaneously! This creates a very effective and beautiful sonority. This piece was written to celebrate the twinning of two cities - one in Canada and the other in Japan.
Another Mission: Secret is a sequel to the popular Mission: Secret. Much like the original, it is a classic spy tune that is written using a 12-bar blues form. It’s made up of a catchy bass line with a simple sustained melody over top. The opening, which is suspenseful and energetic, moves into the main riff, setting up the driving feel of the piece. SUPER SPY!
This lyrical piece is composed using ternary (ABA) form and gives every section an opportunity to shine. Filled with rich use of harmony and a flowing melody, As the River Flows is a great way to teach a band the expressive style.
This lyrical piece is a modern lullaby. It begins with a peaceful feeling and slowly builds into a beautiful, chorale-like section, reflecting the wonderful dreams we have as we fall into our deepest sleep.
Blessed is a beautiful lyrical piece that uses a chorale style accompaniment to allow the focus to be solely on the melody. Written in ABA form, the song’s simple stylistic features allow the ensemble to spend more time concentrating on learning the fundamentals of performing lyrical music: breath support, long smooth phrases, ensemble balance, and clear tone production.
The Royal Fortune was the name Bartholomew Roberts, otherwise know as Black Bart, gave to all the flagships of his fleet. He was considered to be the most successful plunderer of the Carribean. This spirited pirate tune is a sequel to the best selling The Last Voyage of the Queen Anne's Revenge.
The Conqueror is mainly a piece that carries a brave tone through its entirety. Although some sections of the piece have a slower feel to them, the music requires a consistent flow and heaviness from the low brass and woodwinds, as well as the percussion section. This piece is driving and rhythmic- a sure winner with students.
The Conquest is the perfect musical depiction of one going on a successful adventure, all complete with a suspenseful opening, a bold, motivic melody, a tragic, sorrowful chorale, a calming lyrical section, and a strong climactic ending.
El Camino (The Road) is a Spanish march composed in the traditional style of a pasodoble. This piece is fast paced and energetic from start to finish and sounds more complicated than it seems! This is something 'a little different' in the march category that will have audiences tapping their toes.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FLEXIBLE BAND
There are many different myths about how the sword Excalibur came into King Arthur's possession and all lead to him being recognized as the true ruler of England. In one myth, Arthur draws the sword from a mighty stone and anvil. In another, the king retrieves Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake. Regardless of which story is true, or which one believes is true, this piece reflects King Arthur's quest to find Excalibur. Grand themes and driving rhythms make this fun to play and to listen to.
The legend of the great city of Troy varies depending on historical or fictional belief. This city was the location of the long lasting Trojan Wars, between the people of Troy and the Greeks. The fall of Troy is probably most accredited to the Greeks plan to build the Trojan Horse, use it to sneak inside cities walls, and defeat Troy's army while they slept. This story comes alive in music with fanfares, a sweeping lyrical section and the aggressive attack on the Troy. Fun to play and fun to listen to, there is something great to play in each part.
Fantastic Overture is a musical depiction of a knight's battle, against an evil force, for the love of a woman. All instruments get colourful and interesting parts with the percussion helping to maintain the energy and the medieval mood. This is an ideal piece for a very young band to play and be introduced to programmatic music.
'For the glory of my country' describes the passion and loyalty to one's nation when a women or man joins the military. This piece is composed to reflect many feelings and emotions as a soldier goes off to serve his/her country.
The Gods of Egypt is a piece composed with the flare of music of the Middle East. A strong opening using a traditional Middle Eastern scale and counter melody immediately create the feel for this piece. The introduction should be played with strength, but also controlled to leave a good first impression on the listener.
This is a peaceful arrangement of a Canadian folk song that was adapted from a Traditional English riddle song by Nova Scotians. It is hauntingly beautiful and offers the opportunity for some lovely lyrical playing for young band. This folk song arrangement is part of a collection for young band celebrating Canada s 150th anniversary since joining Confederation.
In Dreams is a musical representation of exactly what our dreams are like: peaceful, calming, horrific, and unpredictable; yet, there is always something to remember about them when we wake up. This piece reflects that by manipulating a memorable eighth note motif through various styles, feels, tempos, and instrumentation. This is a great piece for young musicians and has a slightly different feel with its use of harmony.
Innovation is a musical representation of the city of Burlington, Canada moving into the future as an innovative community. As it continues to grow and develop, the city demonstrates its ingenuity through projects and the developments to the downtown core. Bold fanfares and great melodies will make this a successful choice on a concert or contest.
Set in a rollicking 6/8, this is a great piece to work on triple metre, changing articulations, dynamic contrast and many other elements. Very playable by a young band, the musical elements and teachable moments will not only be a good learning experience for the musicians but fun too!
Landfall is a term that is often used to describe the situation where a severe storm that develops over water, first reaches land. This piece reflects the events of disasters such as these in several ways. Strong melodies and rhythmic material drive this exciting piece from top to bottom.
The last line of defence is a term that refers to the final means of defence before the opponent reaches its goal, particularly in a war situation. This piece reflects that definition, as it has the fierce, excitement of a war and represents the bravery of the men and women that risk their lives to defend what is important to them.
Queen Anne's Revenge was the final ship sailed by Edward Thatch, also known as the pirate, Blackbeard. Recently, there have been some archaeological expeditions to find the remains of the sunken ship, all of which is reflected by this piece. To give the "Pirate-like" feeling to the music, it has been composed in 6/8 time, as have many pieces about pirates. This great piece captures the spirit of pirates on the high seas.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FLEXIBLE BAND!
Legacy is a song of heroic nature and is a great way to introduce polyrhythmic texture to a young band. This piece opens with a high energy feel that can represent a hero. The piece moves into a lyrical section that can be portrayed as the hero's downfall. A new melody is introduced by the alto saxophone solo, which is later countered by the flutes and trumpets. The high energy melody returns again, bringing the piece to an exciting conclusion.
Maiden Voyage is a song about celebration. Although the term 'maiden voyage' refers to a boat's first adventure, it can represent any first successful event. Colourful percussion, great rhythmic interest and memorable themes make this a fun piece to play and ideal for contest or concert use.
Mission: Secret is a classic spy tune written using a 12-bar blues form. It is mostly made up of a catchy bass line riff with a simple, sustained melody over top. Super Spy!
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FLEXIBLE BAND
Pride and Valour is composed using a traditional march form, but incorporates the excitement of a bold, concert or festival work. Great melodies and countermelodies make this a strong work for developing band.
Out of the Shadows is a piece that follows the traditional march form, and is easy enough for early musicians to play, by focusing on the first six notes learned in most method books. Bold and triumphant, there are interesting parts for the lowest to the highest voices.
Resurgence of Sound was composed to celebrate the perseverance of instrumental music education during the COVID-19 pandemic. This piece provides ample opportunity to work on several musical elements, such as articulations, syncopated patterns, balance, tone, dynamic and rhythmic shifts, all while performing fun, uplifting and dramatic melodic material. Every instrument is given the opportunity to perform the melody at some point, making it exciting for all musicians to play.
The piece was composed for a band at the Grade 1.5 level to perform, but includes advanced parts for the flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, horn and trombone/baritone. These parts add range, technique and control that is at the Grade 3 level. This offers the opportunity for more advanced players to play these parts with more flourishes while the majority of the band can play at a Grade 1.5 level.
Ancient civilizations represent many things about life as we know it today: power, beauty, intelligence, and ambition. This piece reflects all of these qualities, from the driving force of the ancient armies, to the elegance of ancient architecture. Powerful and full of colour and drive.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FLEXIBLE BAND
Through the Eye of the Storm is a piece full of suspense and intensity, describing the fury of a storm. It begins with strong dynamics, articulation and introduces the rhythmic drive that is carried throughout the entire piece. Energetic and exciting - the students will love this one!
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FLEXIBLE BAND!
Inspired by two folk songs from the arranger's Dutch heritage, Two Holland Tales is a piece that combines both lyrical and upbeat sections. Daar waren twee koningskinderen (There Were Two Royal Children) is the opening lyrical movement which displays the talents of both the wind and brass sections. The piece then moves into Toen ik op Nederlands bergen stond (I Once Stood On the Netherland's Hills). This is a fast movement in 6/8 and features the percussion section. Great arrangement for young band.
Utopia is a musical reflection of the bustling life of a big city. It opens using fanfare-like chords, to represent the perfection of this wonderful place. Melody is found in many sections of the band giving opportunity for all the instruments to shine.
Western Fair is an energetic, uplifting piece that can be fun for both players to perform and listeners to hear. It is composed using two main melodies that are performed in many forms, combined in various fragments and supported with different harmonic backgrounds, giving it new life each time it is heard. The piece slowly builds from a simple horn solo into an epic, cut-time feel in the middle before driving to an exciting ending.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FLEXIBLE BAND
The heather is one of the national flowers of Scotland. This purple flower flourishes in the damp, rainy weather of Scottish moorland, glens and hills. The piece opens with the instruments imitating the drone of the bagpipes setting the stage for a lone soloist. Throughout the remainder of the work the melody is passed to many voices. It is reflective and expressive.
Wings of Fortitude is a concert march that reflects that definition: courageous, brave, and having tenacity. A powerful trumpet melody is contrasted with a smoother theme in the woodwinds. The trio section features clarinets before the return of the trumpet melody punctuated with shot notes in all voices.
This original piece is composed as a light, pop tune for concert band. You Must Know combines elements of Latin music and rock music. Melody is found in most sections of the band offering fun for all.