Red Shift

SKU: PR.165000970

ISBN 9781491100462. UPC: 680160626717. 9x12 inches.

Commissioned by a consortium of 20 high school and university bands coordinated by Scott Hanna of the University of Texas at Austin, Downshifting is inspired by Welcher’s joy of bicycle riding. Welcher explains in the program note: When I decided to write a piece for band that was basically entertaining and uplifting, it made perfect sense to call it Downshifting... With three gears on the front sprocket and seven on the rear, it’s possible to keep one’s legs going at a constant speed (for me, q = 126) while the bike itself may be moving very slowly or very quickly. I determined to capitalize on this in writing Downshifting, which keeps the same mathematical inner pulse, ‘shifting’ (with a ratchet) as the terrain changes..
One of the joys of life for me is riding my 21-speed bicycle.  As a basically non-athletic person who nonetheless likes to stay in shape, I have found that riding my bike provides just the exercise I need.  The workout is strenuous, but pleasant—and the infinite variety of scenery I pass keeps me alert and wide awake.  When I decided to write a piece for band that was basically entertaining and uplifting, it made perfect sense to call it Downshifting.With three gears on the front sprocket and seven on the rear, it’s possible to keep ones legs going at a constant speed (for me, that’s 126 to the quarter note) while the bike itself may be moving very slowly or very quickly.  I determined to capitalize on this in writing the music, which manages to keep the same mathematical inner pulse, “shifting” (with a ratchet) as the terrain changes.  So Downshifting begins with that steady pulse, on a grid of eighth notes in 2/4 to propel the little vehicle forward.  There’s a joyous little tune in our heads as we begin our ride.  As the initial thrill of riding on the flat gives way to monotony, we stay in that pulse for the first minute or so of the ride.  Then, as the first hill becomes visible, we shift the bike down: even though the eighths are equal, the pulse feels slower (and we’re now in 6/8 time).  Ultimately the compound meter shifts again as the climb begins, and we’re now plodding doggedly up the hill.  (The music reflects all of these changes, with subtitles such as “Working harder—Seeing the climb, ahead”, “Steady and committed…the climb begins!”, “Straining against the grade”, etc.).There are two hills, and two long climbs (but in different keys, reflecting the change in scenery).  When at last the summit of the second hill is reached (“Flying, Over the Top”), we coast at last down the other side at breakneck speed.  The initial joyous melody returns, but now in a spread-out coasting pulse.  At the end of the ride, we slow to a stop—then take one last sprint (shifting five times in the process) in order to end on a biker’s high.Downshifting was commissioned by a consortium of fourteen high school and college bands, overseen by my longtime colleague at the University of Texas, Scott Hanna.  The piece is dedicated to him (and to all bicycle enthusiasts).

SKU: CF.YPS218

ISBN 9781491156568. UPC: 680160915101. 9 x 12 inches.

Personal Note My high school band director, Clarence F. Wroblewski, died on November 24, 2018. In the 1950s, he was a pioneer in the field of public school instrumental music in Baltimore City. He was my mentor and my dear friend. It was his guidance and encouragement that set my young life's course on the path of music. Performance Notes Paradigm Shift is an energetic and aggressive concert piece for young bands with at least one year's training. It is also sophisticated enough for more experienced bands. Pitched in C minor, the piece opens with an energetic introduction which quickly leads to the main theme stated by the Clarinets at m. 9. A brass fanfare in C major ensues at m. 29. The woodwinds' answer to the brass fanfare at m. 39 contains divisi notes in the flute (doubled in the Oboe) which must be played. The music to the introduction is restated at m. 58, but is now shifted to the second beat of the measure by means of an additional beat inserted into m. 57. Younger bands may need some extra instruction in executing this time shift. Overall, the music should be performed boldly and with marcato articulation except where slurs are written.
Personal NoteMy high school band director, Clarence F. Wroblewski, died on November 24, 2018. In the 1950s, he was a pioneer in the field of public school instrumental music in Baltimore City. He was my mentor and my dear friend. It was his guidance and encouragement that set my young life's course on the path of music.Performance NotesParadigm Shift is an energetic and aggressive concert piece for young bands with at least one year’s training. It is also sophisticated enough for more experienced bands. Pitched in C minor, the piece opens with an energetic introduction which quickly leads to the main theme stated by the Clarinets at m. 9. A brass fanfare in C major ensues at m. 29. The woodwinds’ answer to the brass fanfare at m. 39 contains divisi notes in the flute (doubled in the Oboe) which must be played. The music to the introduction is restated at m. 58, but is now shifted to the second beat of the measure by means of an additional beat inserted into m. 57. Younger bands may need some extra instruction in executing this time shift. Overall, the music should be performed boldly and with marcato articulation except where slurs are written.

SKU: HL.14043870

ISBN 9788759832844. 9.5x14.25x0.037 inches. English.

Shifts - Piano Study No. 3 was composed by Poul Ruders in 2014. Dedicated Bo Reipurth.

SKU: CF.SAS10

ISBN 9781491162897. UPC: 680160921645. Key: D minor.

Tectonic Shift refers to Pangea – the supercontinent that geologists believe shifted over time due to plate tectonics, leaving us with the land masses of today. This spirited work for string orchestra depicts this epic earth-shattering event with a dynamic explosion of sound and rhythm. Set in 7/8 time, the contemporary motif will challenge each section rhythmically and melodically. As suggested by the title, all sections have the opportunity to practice shifting as well. Riffing on the “tonic” of D minor, the bass section is featured with a soli section that drives the momentum of this energizing performance piece. Electrifying!

SKU: AP.48075

UPC: 038081557083. English.

Teach shifting with this beautiful melody by Bob Phillips. Shifting Sands is also perfectly suited for the concert stage. The moderate, lyric tempo provides students in the early stages of practicing shifts the time they need to make the shifts successfully. Musically, this piece is very accessible so students can focus on the shifts. Violins will practice 3rd position on the D, A, and E strings. Violas will practice 3rd position on the D and A strings. Cellos will practice 3rd and 4th positions on the D and A strings. Basses will practice 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions on the D and G strings. Shifts for all instruments are introduced by moving the first finger in a sliding (portamento) motion from 1st position up to 3rd position and back again, then progresses to shifting. Correlated to Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Book 2, Level 3. (3:10) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: CF.CPS132F

ISBN 9780825888403. UPC: 798408088408. 9x12 inches.

This piece begins with a long bell striking constant quarter notes, setting up the fast-paced introduction. As the title implies, Time Shift switches rhythmic feels, including a 3 against 2 with changing meters throughout. Its middle section uses segmental chorales, reminiscent of famous band works, before moving back into a quicker time signature. Time Shift is filled with a variety of styles, which create a great amount of interest throughout the work.

SKU: CL.023-5024-00

Graveyard Shift is a catchy, groovin’ novelty tune your beginners will love – and it uses only the first 6 notes learned in band instruction! An infectious melody, cool groove, and interesting playable parts throughout will make this a favorite with both students and audiences. This is one that you will want to save for the end of rehearsal. Fun for all!

SKU: AP.36-50100337

UPC: 659359589584. English.

A minimalist approach makes this a unique work well-suited for teaching of chromatic fingerings. Chris Campbell's Perspective Shift is clever, tongue-in-cheek, and features interesting but not difficult percussion parts. Have your students put on their counting shoes! (3:00).

These products are currently being prepared by a new publisher. While many items are ready and will ship on time, some others may see delays of several months.

SKU: CL.023-5024-01

Graveyard Shift is a catchy, groovin’ novelty tune your beginners will love – and it uses only the first 6 notes learned in band instruction! An infectious melody, cool groove, and interesting playable parts throughout will make this a favorite with both students and audiences. This is one that you will want to save for the end of rehearsal. Fun for all!