Spend Your Budget and Build Your Library! Thursday, May 06, 2021
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Don’t lose your budget dollars at the end of the school year! Build your music library with these Five Star Features for Concert Band, currently IN STOCK for immediate shipment!
American Red Cross March by Louis Panella/arr. Andrew Glover, Grade 3.5
One of the most melodic and musical of all American “old line” marches, “The American Red Cross” is an audience-pleasing toe tapper from start to finish! Bright and tuneful, this sparkling march will be a welcome addition to any concert program, and of course also makes for an excellent contest selection. Great stylistic and dynamic contrasts provide for a truly musical march performance. Our highest recommendation!
Cedar Canyon Sketches by Carol Brittin Chambers, Grade 3.5
The Texas Hill Country comes to life in this picturesque montage of vistas from the Old West – tranquil sounds of nighttime in a peaceful canyon, a robust ride across the plains, rattlesnakes, thunder, the grandeur of a sunset painting the distant horizon – timeless images of the American frontier.
Celebration and Tribute by James Swearingen, Grade 3.5
After performing this work, you’ll want to add it to the extended list of dramatic and memorable works that composer James Swearingen has successfully created. His writing style touches upon a variety of musical emotions that are always powerful with regards to their effect on the musicians and audience alike. In addition, his ability to orchestrate will add to the ensemble’s desire to sound their absolute best.
Fantasy Sketches by Johnnie Vinson, Grade 4
Drawing inspiration from books and films of fantasy adventure, Johnnie’s three-movement suite explores a variety of descriptive moods and styles. The first movement (“Wizards”) has a noble and grand flavor, while the second (“Elves”) is more playful and mischievous in design. The concluding movement (“Talking Animals”) uses rhythmic energy and mixed meters in creating a bit of a rambunctious setting. Themes from the earlier movements are then brought back for the grand finale.
The Huntress March by Karl L. King/arr. Andrew Glover, Grade 3.5
This vivacious gem was written during Karl King’s days as a “trouper” with the circus, and it really shows! A brass fanfare is followed by two magical strains which are unmistakable “King-tunes,” and the trio shows sprinkles of ragtime, the great musical craze of the time, complete with a delightful piccolo solo (but not too difficult!). A timeless work that celebrates the charm of a bygone era while maintaining an eternal freshness. Includes extensive historical information, rehearsal suggestions, and performance suggestions.
Sir Galahad by Karl L. King/arr. Gene Milford, Grade 3.5
Sir Galahad follows in the fine Karl King tradition and has been skillfully adapted for the modern concert band by Gene Milford. Your band will sound magnificent when performing indoors or out with this scintillating setting.
When the Tears Fell by Ed Huckeby, Grade 4
“When the Tears Fell” is a musical depiction of the tragic relocation in 1838-1839 of the Cherokee people from eastern states to the west during which over 4,000 men, women, and children died. The piece is in four distinct sections – “The Gathering” is the period of spring and summer 1838 when the Cherokee were gathered by the military into stockades and encampments. This section introduces a theme in the horns that returns throughout the piece representing the enduring spirit of the Cherokee. “The Journey” is a lively, driving section utilizing a characteristic pentatonic scale and percussion effects. “The Harsh Winter” during which most of the deaths occurred is evoked using plaintive, somber melodic lines and dissonant harmonies. “Spring: A New Nation” celebrates the rebirth of the Cherokee including the reestablishment of the tribal government with an elected legislature and a bilingual school system. This is a fine option for contest and perfect for correlating lessons in U.S. history.
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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).