FLEXIBLE Folk Songs & Sacred Selections Friday, January 08, 2021
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Amazing Grace arr. Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 2.5
“Amazing Grace” may well be the most popular hymn ever written, though it has never sounded better than in this absolutely gorgeous setting by Sean O’Loughlin. Flowing lines along with some impressive harmonic twists lift up this tune. Musically sensitive and simple beautiful this flexible edition will be playable even by bands with smaller numbers.
Danny Boy arr. Warren Barker/adapt. Andy Clark, Grade 3.5
Warren Barker’s classic band arrangement of “Danny Boy” is one of the all-time best sellers in the Barnhouse Concert Band catalog. Andy Clark has taken Warren’s great arrangement and adapted it for the Barnhouse Build-A-Band Series in a way that retains all of the charm of the original. It’s playable with any instrumentation as long as the four basic parts are covered.
Down by the Salley Gardens arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2-3
Featuring the heartfelt melody of this traditional Irish folk song, Michael uses lush harmonies, varieties in texture, and carefully paced emotional peaks in this marvelous setting for young players. This version has been carefully adapted for flexible instrumentation.
A Festival of Hymns arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 2.5
Scott Stanton’s setting of three popular hymns, “Praise To The Lord,” “Be Thou My Vision,” and “All Creatures of Our God and King” is an outstanding choice for church or private school groups with limited instrumentations. From the innovative Build-A-Band Series, “A Festival of Hymns” is playable with almost any instrumentation as long as the four main parts are covered and optional parts for Mallets, Guitar, Keyboards, Strings, and Percussion are also included which can make the composition sound even more impressive.
Just a Closer Walk with Thee arr. Don Gillis/adapt. Michael Brown, Grade 2-3
Adapted directly from the classic version by the Canadian Brass, here is an arrangement for flexible instrumentation that retains the signature slow New Orleans style introduction, followed by an up-tempo Dixieland romp.
The Saints’ Hallelujah arr. Luther Henderson/adapt. Michael Brown, Grade 2-3
Jazz great Luther Henderson created a number of classic settings for the Canadian Brass, and this is one of his best! Skillfully adapted by Michael Brown directly from the quintet version, here is the clever pairing of “When the Saints Go Marching In” with “The Hallelujah Chorus.” This unique and entertaining production number is sure to be a showstopper!
Shenandoah arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3
A beautiful setting of this famous melody! It begins with a solo or soli for any instrument(s), then flows in and out of various textures, building to a dramatic finale. Very effective in helping smaller bands sound full and mature. An excellent choice to help develop blend, balance, intonation, and lyrical playing.
Three Czech Folk Songs arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
This arrangement for flexible instrumentation is a setting of three traditional Czech melodies displaying a wide range of moods and styles. Includes: “Walking at Night;” “Meadows Green” and “Spring, The Madcap.”
The Water Is Wide arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 3
This famous melody, arranged for the “Build-A-Band series, is now accessible to bands of virtually any instrumentation. Every instrument has the opportunity to share in the melody, and it is carefully scored to help even the smallest bands sound full and mature. The melody is presented first for a solo instrument, and then leads with a dramatic modulation to a glorious final chorus. Provides many teaching opportunities, and carefully designed to ensure maximum musicality.
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).