2024 FIVE STAR FEATURES from Randall Standridge Music Wednesday, January 24, 2024
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
El Manto Dorado by Jorge Vargas, Grade 2
“El Manto Dorado (The Golden Cape)” is a Spanish march, or pasodoble by composer Jorge Vargas. This style of march, popular in Spain and Mexico and with mariachi groups, was commonly used in bullfights, and the most popular ones were named after famous bullfighters. Driving rhythms and memorable melodies abound in this dazzling new offering that will showcase the best in your developing musicians at your next festival or concert performance.
Operation: Super Sleuth by Christina Huss, Grade 2
Warning! This description will self-destruct in thirty seconds! The excitement of spy and detective movies is translated to young band by composer Christina Huss! Beginning with a brief slow section to set a film noir-esque mood, the work quickly moves into a faster mode in 3/4 time as the chase is on! Rhythmic and driving, this work will provide a great challenge for your developing musicians! …3…2…1…BOOM!
Mesa Dances by Gavin Lendt, Grade 3.5
The beautiful and majestic landscapes and people of the southwest serve as the inspiration for this energetic new work by Gavin Lendt. Motivic repetition, relentless percussion, and dramatic dynamic effects paint a picture of the desert mountains underneath a cerulean sky. Featuring Lendt’s keen sense of orchestration, this exciting new piece would work well as an opener, finale, or any moment of your next concert or festival performance.
Time Travelers First Mission by Randall Standridge, Grade 0.5-1
It’s TIME for adventure in this unique new suite of miniatures by Randall Standridge. Take your young performers on a musical adventure through the ages while also exploring different time signatures and styles. Using the range of the first 6 notes usually taught to beginning students, this delightful work is both highly educational and wildly entertaining. Optional narrator audio files add to the effect of this standout new piece for beginning or developing musicians.
Dark Beginnings by Randall Standridge, Grade 1
In “Dark Beginnings,” Randall Standridge takes many familiar beginning band tunes (Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Twinkle Twinkle, Baa Baa Black Sheep) and mashes them together with a sinister twist! These songs are transformed into minor mode versions and set along with bombastic percussion, driving rhythms, and vocal effects for the winds. Optional easier snare drum and mallet parts will ensure this work is appropriate for first or second-year players. Use the downloadable melody sheet to assist in your musicians’ development. A perfect way to make some of the first tunes your students learned “cool” again.
Me (reAffirmation) by Randall Standridge, Grade 1.5
Another chapter in the “unBroken Project,” this stirring work by Randall Standridge confronts the emotional toll that bullying takes on individuals. Borrowing themes and melodies from his work “Affirmation,” Randall has created a lullaby that evokes comfort, peace, and healing. Musical, colorful, and very timely, this work will bring out the emotional side of your musicians while providing a useful tool for discussing the challenges that many of our young musicians face.
Afterburn: Relaunch by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
Take to the skies again in this “relaunch” of Randall Standridge’s work “Afterburn.” Rescored, revoiced, and with new harmonic and countermelodic gestures, this new edition maintains the energy and fun of the original while creating more engaging moments for ALL musicians. We hope you enjoy this reimagining of a well-loved piece for band!
Fanfare Americana by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
The sweeping landscapes and sounds of American classical music serve as the inspiration for this new fanfare from composer Randall Standridge. Paying homage to Aaron Copland, this work balances careful scoring with quartal harmony and motivic development to provide a musical experience that is simultaneously exciting and accessible. The composer paid special attention to range to make sure that your ensemble will sound its best at your next concert, festival, or patriotic performance!
Fracas by Randall Standridge, Grade 3.5
Fracas (noun): a noisy, disorderly disturbance or fight; riotous brawl; uproar. This perfectly describes this new work by composer Randall Standridge that serves as a spiritual follow-up to his piece “Ruckus.” Inspired by the horn bands and jazz musicians of the 60’s and 70’s, this work includes memorable horn riffs, challenging percussion, and unbridled rhythmic energy. Pops meets symphonic to great effect in this work that is sure to bring the house down at your next concert!
Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Authors:
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.
Austin Swack joined the Stanton’s team after a decade of teaching band in Texas public schools, where his ensembles were consistently recognized for superior performance. He is equally at home with beginner and advanced students and has extensive experience programming for ensembles at all ability levels. Additionally, he is a versatile arranger as well as an experienced clinician and adjudicator. In his free time, Austin enjoys running, cycling, and cheering on the Blue Jackets!