AMONG THE CLOUDS: Concert Band Works Now in Flexible Arrangements Friday, February 09, 2024
recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists
Among the Clouds by Brian Balmages, Grade 3 ColorFlex
“Among the Clouds” is a musical journey into the minds of lucid dreamers as they drift off to sleep and wake up in a dream where they can fly at will. A slow, enchanting opening gives way to an energetic theme with an engaging rhythmic pulse as the dreamer takes to the skies! An intriguing work by Brian Balmages!
Atop a Scottish Highland by Larry Neeck, Grade 2.5 Build-a-Band
This unique rhapsody is comprised of three well-known Scottish folk melodies: “Annie Laurie,” “Who’ll Be King But Charlie,” and “Scotland The Brave.” The distinct character of each of these melodies provides your ensemble with the perfect vehicle to express a wide variety of moods, musical colors, and expressions. “Atop A Scottish Highland” is an excellent showcase for your band, even if your ensemble has limitations of size or instrumentation.
The Country Club Stomp! by JaRod Hall, Grade 3 ColorFlex
Experience a New Orleans vibe with this exciting, parade-inspired crowd-pleaser! “The Country Club Stomp!” is based on an infectious rhythmic groove and spirited melody. JaRod Hall uses elements of jazz as well as a strong reference to the West African circle dances from which this music evolved. Stellar writing that is fun, catchy, and informative!
Fanfare for the Common Man by Aaron Copland/arr. Robert Longfield, Grade 3 Flex-Band
Composed in 1942, here is Aaron Copland’s iconic fanfare arranged for flexible instrumentation. Scored a 4th lower than the original, and authorized by the Copland estate, this edition can be performed by brass ensembles, or a variety of mixed ensembles depending on your band’s specific needs.
Forgotten Tales of the West by Adrian B. Sims, Grade 3.5 ColorFlex
This powerful work pays tribute to the many battles fought between the Native Americans and Europeans. “Forgotten Tales of the West” moves between Native American-influenced themes and western harmonies before adapting into an amalgamation of the two. Incredible writing by Adrian B. Sims, who was a teenager when he composed this piece!
Glorioso by Ed Huckeby, Grade 3 Build-a-Band
The creative combination of interesting themes and fresh contemporary harmonies interjected with subtle meter changes produces an appealing composition for mid-level bands that is both challenging and yet accessible. The composer has adapted this “best seller” for the Build-A-Band series for bands with limited or unusual instrumentation.
A Hymn for Band by Hugh M. Stuart/arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 3 Flex-Band
Hugh Stuart’s classic composition from 1985 has remained popular through the years and continues to be a great teaching tool for lyric style playing and musical sensitivity. Here is an authentic adaptation for flexible instrumentation perfect for smaller or mixed ensembles.
Kyiv, 2022 by Brian Balmages, Grade 2.5 ColorFlex
“Kyiv, 2022” was written as a powerful sequel to “Moscow, 1941,” one of Brian Balmages’s most well-known pieces. This work changes the narrative, where the theme from Moscow now becomes the aggressor, and the heroic people of Ukraine are represented by the Ukrainian National Anthem and the powerful “Prayer for Ukraine.” Certain to spark discussions about humanity, history, and culture.
The Legend of Lorelei by Larry Clark, Grade 3 Flexcel
This programmatic work, based on the ancient and legendary warrior Lorelei, is a great new work for contest & festival performance. Scored with reduced instrumentation with only 2 Bb Clarinet & Trumpet lines and limited Saxophone, Horn in F and Low Brass, this exciting new work for band will work great for smaller bands and still sound big and full with larger ones.
Saturn: The Ringed Planet by Rob Romeyn, Grade 3.5 Build-a-Band
An absolutely stunning programmatic piece depicting a futuristic voyage to the sixth planet, “Saturn: The Ringed Planet” has become a classic for concert and festival use! Powerful scoring, stark musical contrasts, driving rhythms, and varied textures all combine to portray the dramatic journey, as well as the beauty and mystique of this mysterious and alluring planet. This arrangement for the Build-A-Band series ensures success even with the most awkward of instrumentation. Creative use of percussion greatly adds to the drama and intensity.
Sea Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams/arr. Ed Huckeby, Grade 3.5 Build-a-Band
Originally written as part of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite, “Sea Songs” has become a standard in classic band literature. Ed Huckeby has maintained all the melodies, harmonies, and nuances of the original tunes, including “Princess Royal,” “Admiral Benbow,” and “Portsmouth,” in this masterfully adapted Build-A-Band series arrangement for bands with limited instrumentation. Great music specially arranged for those bands with awkward or incomplete instrumentation!
Variations on an African Hymnsong by Quincy Hilliard/arr. Jimi Bergeron, Grade 3.5 Build-a-Band
One of Quincy Hilliard’s most exciting compositions, “Variations on an African Hymnsong” has been skillfully arranged for the flexible instrumentation Build-A-Band series by Jimi Bergeron. Based on a Nigerian folk hymn, this very appealing selection features interesting harmonies, beautiful tone colors and driving polyrhythms, all combine to make this a stunning work for band, especially for groups with large percussion sections.
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!