News & Views Thursday, October 02, 2025

recommended by Ken Tilger and Austin Swack, Band Education Specialists

Wings of Wonder by Tyler S. Grant, Grade 2
Hope and joy are at the center of this charming work, inspired by the whimsical behavior of hummingbirds! Beginning with a melody that explodes into a flurry of activity, “Wings of Wonder” by Tyler S. Grant pairs light-hearted moments with powerful declarations. While very approachable, the colorful orchestration gives this piece a uniquely sophisticated sound. Delightful!

Empire by Tyler S. Grant, Grade 0.5
Your beginning band will journey through time to a futuristic empire! “Empire” by Tyler S. Grant brings advanced-sounding concepts to the most accessible levels. Engaging rhythms and memorable melodies will keep every musician appropriately challenged and engaged to the very end. Dramatic! (Also included: Unison Rhythm & Melody Exercises, optional percussion parts, and more!)

Joy of Love and Life by Tyler S. Grant, Grade 4
Add some bluegrass to your next concert with this joyful celebration of love and life! Traditional bluegrass harmonies, paired with colorful orchestrations, will make “Joy of Love and Life” by Tyler S. Grant an instant hit with your students. An optional washboard part creates a unique visual experience that will be memorable for audiences. Simply exhilarating!

In Your Wildest Dreams by Tyler S. Grant, Grade 3
Bring your students’ dreams to life in this explosion of colorful energy! “In Your Wildest Dreams” by Tyler S. Grant sends the message that “any dream is possible.” The themes will be memorable to both students and audiences alike, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to be in the spotlight. Suitable for any occasion and highly inspiring!

Shadow Realm by Tyler S. Grant, Grade 1.5
Step into a world filled with shadows and mystery! Eerie melodies and distant textures in “Shadow Realm” by Tyler S. Grant create a soundscape unique to pieces at this level. Engaging percussion writing, paired with shifting tonal centers, gives everyone a glimpse of this dark, shadowy underworld. Equally appropriate for your fall concert and for contest/festival. Thrilling!

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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!

recommended by Austin Swack, Instrumental Education Specialist

Groove King Wenceslas arr. Aaron Fryklund, Grade 1
Get your groove on with the Good King to rock around the Christmas tree! This twist on the favorite holiday carol gets a fun beat from the optional drum set as the original festive melody is transformed in funky E minor. Players get to practice easy notes and finger patterns with lots of unison rhythms and doubling of sections for a big, full sound. Light up the concert hall with this toe-tapping winter concert feature.

In Dulci Jubilo arr. Larry Clark, Grade 1.5
A truly accessible 1.5 arrangement of this Christmastime classic, brought to life by arranger Larry Clark. Everyone in the orchestra gets a moment to shine, and the composed intro material is sure to be an earworm! This piece is a winner for their first concert of the year!

Gesu Bambino arr. Erik Morales, Grade 3
The melody of the beloved holiday carol “Gesu Bambino” flows effortlessly throughout the ensemble with this fresh adaptation of a timeless classic. This arrangement by Erik Morales is the perfect choice to set the mood at your next holiday concert and bring an enduring sense of peace to your audience.

Galician Carol arr. Joe Derhake, Grade 3
Situated in the northwest corner of modern Spain, Galicia is an autonomous region and distinct nationality under Spanish law. It was Celtic land for about 1000 years until it was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 19 BC. This carol reflects both the Celtic and Hispanic heritage of the Galician people. While the opening tune fairly resembles an Irish jig, the key change to minor and the accompaniment of castanets and tambourine displays the distinct Hispanic influence. Traditionally the tune is often played on the Galician gaita, the generic term for Spanish bagpipes, which has drone and chanter pipes like its Irish and Scottish cousins. This arrangement includes a part for optional tambourine and castanets which can be performed by a single percussionist. Careful consideration was taken in scoring interesting parts for all players and every instrument in the orchestra plays significant sections of the melody.

Jingle Through the Night by Mekel Rogers, Grade 1.5
What happens during the holidays after all the children go to sleep? The elves come out to party through the night. “Jingle Through the Night” takes several holiday favorites and reimagines them in minor modes, giving the usually jolly tunes a darker midnight feel. Pay close attention to the various changes of style and dynamics throughout the work for maximum effect. Be sure to bring out the low string melody beginning at measure 22. Consider adding sleigh bells or even haunting sound effects to enhance the ambiance.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

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!