News & Views Wednesday, December 04, 2024

recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist

Alis Volat Propriis by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 5
A unique work with an opportunity to showcase an optional harp with your strings, “Alis Volat Propriis” (She Flies With Her Own Wings) is a stunning new work by Soon Hee Newbold. Contrasting sections with a lyrical melody and a driving presto section highlight different techniques and interesting lines among all voices. This piece captures elements of contemporary with the classical. An incredible work!

Salut d’Amour by Edward Elgar/arr. Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 4
This well-known and beloved melody has been exquisitely set for strings with beautiful lyrical lines shared by all voices of the orchestra. Originally titled Liebesgruss (“Love’s Greeting”), “Salut d’Amour” is one of Edward Elgar’s most loved and known works. Well crafted with a mature depth of orchestration, this arrangement by Soon Hee Newbold will be extremely memorable to your performers and audience.

Gravitas by Soon Hee Newbold, Grade 3
A grand opening or closing piece for your next concert, “Gravitas” is a powerful work celebrating strength, beauty, and the journey that shapes us. Highly cinematic and inspirational, Soon Hee Newbold’s music includes soaring lines that will take your group to the next level as the adrenaline rushes in. Optional harp and percussion add even more!

“Gravitas” was commissioned by the Columbus Symphony Chamber Strings for their 40th anniversary. The title pays tribute to the organization’s impact and the area, and the larger than life presence of their founder, Dr. Robert Gillespie. Also available in an edition for Full Orchestra.

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About the Author:
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!

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Song of Solace by Ryan Nowlin, Grade 4
“Song of Solace” was written in memory of a specific person, but its message of love and hope in the time of tragedy applies to all of us. A simple melody in the solo flute is expanded into a soaring melody in the horns at the climax. This emotional work allows the band to expand their technique and musicality.

This Is My Crazy Student Life by PinkZebra, Grade 3
This one is a romp! An upbeat and fun piece that depicts the comically over-scheduled lives of modern students and the perseverance they need to make it through an average day. The quirky orchestrations and catchy melodies will resonate with students and audiences alike.

Stay by Randall Standridge, Grade 2
Part of the unBroken Project, this piece is intended to be an anthem of hope, love, and understanding for those who find it challenging to go on in the face of adversity and for those who sometimes feel that the weight of the world is too much to bear. The piece carries a paraphrase of that message at the top of the score and on all of the parts: “Hey you. The one playing this. The world is better with you in it.”

Scream by Randall Standridge, Grade 1.5
“Scream” is a bombastic work for concert band that utilizes three main components to create its soundscape: a 12-tone row, an octatonic scale (created by alternating whole and half steps), and the sounds of screaming (both from our human performers and from a nifty little instrument with the best name ever: The Aztec Death Whistle!). The three elements combine to make a highly dissonant, energetic piece of music whose main purpose is to channel the negative emotions of the performers into something exciting for themselves and the audience.

Hi! by William Owens, Grade 2.5-3
In honor of a student’s signature enthusiastic greeting that extended to everyone they met, this spirited and joyful composition unfolds with engaging melodies, energetic rhythms, and a fun percussion groove. The music ultimately arrives at a tranquil yet cheerful conclusion.

Ascent from Darkness by Rossano Galante, Grade 4
This dramatic, cinematic piece pays homage to the human race that endured the pandemic. A stunning and captivating work with its relentless rhythm and uplifting melodic lines, it is a perfect musical landscape that depicts strength, tenacity, and compassion.

Alegría by Carol Brittin Chambers, Grade 3.5
Carol Brittin Chambers’ latest concert band work, “Alegría,” is a joyous celebration of life and happiness. Drawing inspiration from the word’s meaning in several languages, Chambers’ music takes listeners on a journey of ups and downs, with moments of high energy and lightheartedness. With a nod to circus music and Latin fanfares, “Alegría” showcases Chambers’ skillful use of instrumentation, including the vibrant tambourine!

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!