Behind the Compositions: Analysis Guides for Band Thursday, August 31, 2023
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
A Conductor’s Interpretive Analysis of Masterworks for Band by Frederick Fennell
Frederick Fennell, widely acknowledged as the dean of American band conductors, has freely shared what he called long-distilled thoughts about the world’s greatest music for band. In this collection, he covers original scores by Persichetti, Hanson, Schuman and Chance, as well as classic works by Wagner and Holst. Fennell’s clear and to-the-point analysis/interpretations are based on a lifetime of careful research, rehearsals, and professional performances. In this informative work, you will find inspiration for a truly superior presentation of these masterworks for band. Includes: Divertimento for Band (Persichetti) * Symphony for Band (Persichetti) * Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral (Wagner) * Chorale and Alleluia (Hanson) * George Washington Bridge (W. Schuman) * A Moorside Suite (Holst) * Variations on a Korean Folk Song (Chance) * I Really Do Love Marches! (Fennell).
Performance Study Guides of Essential Works for Band by Donald Hunsberger
A truly outstanding collection of timeless essays on basic repertory for band by Frank L. Battisti, John Bourgeois, Frank Erickson, Robert Garofalo, Donald Hunsberger, Francis McBeth, Kenneth L. Neidig, Stephen L. Rhodes, Mark Scatterday, Thomas J. Trimborn and John Zdechlik. These clear and to-the-point analysis/interpretations are based on careful research, rehearsals, and years of high-level performances. In this informative work, you will find inspiration for a truly superior presentation of these masterworks for band.
A Catalog of Folk Song Settings for Wind Band by Mark Aldrich
This comprehensive collection of folk songs used in band masterworks is a wonderful source for determining interpretation and style, and will open the door to creative teaching. Folk song overviews include notated tunes, lyrics and brief historical annotations. A must-have for the imaginative teacher/conductor!
Percussion Assignments for Band & Wind Ensemble by Russ Girsberger
This two-volume publication provides guidelines on percussion player and instrument requirements for over 2,000 concert band and wind ensemble works. It contains helpful information for conductors, section leaders, stage managers, equipment managers and ensemble librarians. An incredible compilation for school, college, military, community and professional bands and wind ensembles.
Canadian Band Music: A Qualitative Guide to Canadian Composers and Their Work for Band by Michael Burch-Pesses
This one-of-a-kind volume is perfect for those who have never programmed a Canadian band piece or simply want to expand their knowledge of Canada’s many gems for wind band. With up-to-date biographies of 63 Canadian composers and more than 200 of their works in grades 1 through 6, this book’s listing of each work includes program notes, description of the piece, grade level, duration, and publisher. Also included are easy-to-use, four-year performance sequences for each grade level.
Sourcebook for Wind Band & Instrumental Music by Frank L. Battisti, William Berz & Russ Girsberger
This sourcebook was created to aid directors and teachers in finding the information they need and expand their general knowledge. The resources were selected from hundreds of published and on-line sources found in journals, magazines, music company catalogs and publications, numerous websites, doctoral dissertations, graduate theses, encyclopedias, various databases, and a great many books. Information was also solicited from outstanding college/university/school wind band directors and instrumental teachers. The information is arranged in four sections: Section 1 – General Resources About Music; Section 2 – Specific Resources; Section 3 – Use of Literature; Section 4 – Library Staffing and Management.
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About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 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, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.