News & Views Saturday, November 23, 2024

Ken’s 10: Favorite New Band Arrangements for 2020 Friday, December 11, 2020

recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist

Bandology by Eric Osterling/arr. Justin Tokke, Grade 3
Using rich, full dance band chords and interesting rhythms, this standard of school and community bands for over 50 years, has been re-edited and corrected with the modern concert band in mind. A stop-time section for brass and percussion and a pleasingly lyrical trio have made this light concert march a perennial audience and performer favorite. This new edition will be a valuable addition to any band’s library.

Burnished Brass by James Barnes, Grade 4
Written in a quick two, this “Show-Style Opener” lives up to its title with much of the thematic materials in the opening theme falling to the brass, while the woodwinds interject flourishes and counterpoints. The woodwinds come to the fore during the middle section until the brass take over again when the original theme returns, leading to a rousing finish.

Defenders of the Realm by Jeremy Bell, Grade 1.5
Inspired by fantasy-themed movies where heroes find the strength to fight and overcome great odds, “Defenders of the Realm” recreates the big, epic soundtrack of a Hollywood movie for young bands. Ranges and rhythms create an impressive-sounding piece appropriate for developing musicians.

Derivations by Michael Kamuf, Grade 2
After a mysterious introduction, this original work takes off with contrasting themes in both 4/4 and 3/4. Bold melodies, contemporary harmonies, and driving percussion combine to create a perfect opening or closing selection for your next concert or festival performance. Relentless!

Fanfare for the Faithful arr. Michael Kamuf, Grade 1
With an opening fanfare motif based upon melodic fragments of the familiar melody, this setting of the hymn-tune “Adeste Fidelis” puts a fresh spin on this beloved classic. The concepts of phrasing, dynamics, and style are reinforced, creating a solid programming choice as an opening or closing selection for your next holiday program.

Firecracker by Peter Sciaino, Grade 2.5
Drawing inspiration from the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony in New York City’s Chinatown, “Firecracker” is an exhilarating celebration at a sizzling tempo that’s sure to please. Images of crackling explosives, dazzling colors, and joyful dance fuel this annual event that honors Chinese culture. A contagious drumbeat played on traditional drums by musicians traveling from business to business wishes good fortune and prosperity in the coming year. This is emulated with flexible numbers of percussionists who can all join in on the fun. Meanwhile, wind players will love the opportunity to nimbly play soaring melodic lines over the invigorating rhythmic figures found throughout. You’ll love “Firecracker” and its vigorous, jubilant spirit! Unique!

Leap of Faith by Jack Wilds, Grade 0.5
This pop-inflected fanfare uses only six notes to create a heartfelt, compelling opener for your next concert. Students will love exploring a variety of dynamics, styles, and articulations as they race toward a rousing conclusion. No leap of faith required to program this one!

The Many Moods of Christmas, Suite #2 arr. R. Mark Rogers, Grade 4.5
The extensive passages for orchestra alone in “The Many Moods of Christmas” suites represent some of Robert Russell Bennett’s most brilliant and attractive writing based on familiar carols. This Mark Rogers edition for wind band alone is the initial offering in an ongoing series which will bring all four of these suites to the repertory of band conductors in the coming years. Included are “Joy to the World,” with optional antiphonal “Salvation Army” brass band, the “Pastoral Symphony” from Handel’s “Messiah,” “Away in a Manger,” concluding with a rousing medley of “The March of the Three Kings” and “Fum, Fum, Fum!”

Spark of Creation by Bryce Newton, Grade 4
Depicting the creative work of American inventor Charles F. Kettering, Bryce Newton’s “Spark of Creation” portrays the relentlessly inventive nature of Kettering’s mind. After a bold and driving introduction, the piece gives way to a lush chorale, symbolic of the success and extreme merit of Kettering’s contributions to our modern society. “Spark of Creation” merges history, music and the curiosity of the human mind into a setting that your students and audiences will thoroughly enjoy. An outstanding selection for festivals and contests!

Sun Valley Flourish by Steven Reineke/arr. David Shaffer, Grade 3.5
“Sun Valley Flourish” is Steven Reineke at his best! Originally composed for orchestra in 2008 as the opening piece for the Erich Kunzel’s Sun Valley Festival Orchestra, it has been masterfully adapted for concert band by Steven’s first composition professor, David Shaffer. Written in the style of a fanfare/overture, this exciting work opens with brass fanfares and woodwind flourishes. Typical of Steven’s writing, the main theme of the piece is a beautiful and flowing melody complimented by masterfully written counter melodies and spectacular in-your-face brass punctuations. The lyrical middle section is simple but quite musically effective leading into the fast and powerful finale. If you are fan of Steven Reineke’s music, “Sun Valley Flourish” is a must-have!

No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, and hockey (especially the Penguins).

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