SKU: CF.YPS203

ISBN 9781491152232. UPC: 680160909735. Key: D minor.

Imagine Bach trying to compose in his studio while being pestered by a spider! Arachnophobia and Fugue exposes students to the Baroque style of music using dramatic contrasts, light articulation, chorale-style sections, and multiple references to Bach's works. The spider is represented by the xylophone and/or marimba supported by the flutes. As a humorous bonus, auxiliary percussion includes rolled-up newspapers to swat the pesky spider throughout the piece.
Good music played well inspires the imagination. Imagine Bach trying to compose in his studio while being pestered by a spider! First and foremost this is educational music exposing kids to the Baroque style of music. Dramatic dynamic contrasts, light articulation, chorale-style, and multiple references to Bach’s works form the basis for the work. Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Sleepers Wake, Little Fugue in G Minor, Sheep May Safely Graze, Dies Irae, and Come Sweet Death are the basis for this look into an imaginary situation with the Great Baroque Master. The spider is represented by either a solo xylophone or multiple xylophones and/or marimba (supported by the flutes.) As a humorous bonus auxiliary percussion use rolled up newspapers to swat the pesky spider throughout the piece in rhythm with the music.

SKU: MH.1-59913-054-8

ISBN 9781599130545.

Royal Coronation Dances is the first sequel to the Fanfare Ode & Festival, both being settings of dance music originally arranged by Gervaise in the mid 16th-century (the next sequel is The Renaissance Fair, which uses music of Susato and Praetorius). Fanfare Ode & Festival has been performed by many tens of thousands of students, both in high school and junior high school. I have heard that some of them are amazed that the music they are playing was first played and danced to over 400 years ago. Some students tend to think that music started with Handel and his Messiah to be followed by Beethoven and his Fifth Symphony, with naught in between or before of consequence. Although Royal Coronation Dances is derived from the same source as Fanfare Ode & Festival, they are treated in different ways. I envisioned this new suite programmatically -- hence the descriptive movement titles, which I imagined to be various dances actually used at some long-ago coronation. The first movement depicts the guests, both noble and common, flanked by flag and banner bearers, arriving at the palace to view the majestic event. They are festive, their flags swirling the air, their cloaks brightly colored. In the second movement, the queen in stately measure moves to take her place on the throne as leader and protector of the realm. In the third movement, the jesters of the court entertain the guests with wild games of sport. Musically, there are interesting sonorities to recreate. Very special attention should be given to the tambourine/tenor drum part in the first movement. Their lively rhythms give the movement its power. Therefore they should be played as distinctly and brilliantly as possible. The xylophone and glockenspiel add clarity, but must not be allowed to dominate. Observe especially the differing dynamics; the intent is to allow much buzzing bass to penetrate. The small drum (starting at meas. 29) should be played expressively, with attention to the notated articulations, with the brass light and detached, especially in a lively auditorium. It is of some further interest that the first dance is extremely modal. The original is clearly in G mixolydian mode (scale: G-A-B-C-D-E-F-G). However, other editors might put in F-sharps in many places (changing the piece almost to G major), in the belief that such ficta would have been automatically put in by the 16th-century performers as they played. I doubt it. I have not only eschewed these within the work, but even at the cadences. So this arrangement is most distinctly modal (listen to the F-naturals in meas. 22 and 23, for instance), with all the part-writing as Gervaise wrote it. In the second movement, be careful that things do not become too glued together. In the 16th century this music might have been played by a consort of recorders, instruments very light of touch and sensitive to articulation. Concert band can easily sound heavy, and although this movement has been scored for tutti band, it must not sound it. It is essential, therefore, that you hear all the instruments, with none predominating. Only when each timbre can be heard separately and simultaneously will the best blend occur, and consequently the greatest transparency. So aim for a transparent, spacious tutti sound in this movement. Especially have the flutes, who do this so well, articulate rather sharply, so as to produce a chiffing sound, and do not allow the quarter-notes to become too tied together in the entire band. The entrance of the drums (first tenor, then bass) are events and as such should be audible. Incidentally, this movement begins in F Major and ends in D Minor: They really didn't care so much about those things then. The third movement (one friend has remarked that it is the most Margolisian of the bunch, but actually I am just getting subtler, I hope) again relies upon the percussion (and the scoring) to make its points. Xylophone in this movement is meant to be distinctly audible. Therefore, be especially sure that the xylophone player is secure in the part, and also that the tambourine and toms sound good. This movement must fly or it will sink, so rev up the band and conduct it in 1 for this mixolydian jesting. I suppose the wildly unrelated keys (clarinets and then brass at the end) would be a good 16th-century joke, but to us, our put-up-the-chorus-a-half-step ears readily accept such shenanigans. Ensemble instrumentation: 1 Full Score, 1 Piccolo, 4 Flute 1, 4 Flute 2 & 3, 2 Oboe 1 & 2, 2 Bassoon 1 & 2, 1 Eb Clarinet, 4 Bb Clarinet 1, 4 Bb Clarinet 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 3, 2 Eb Alto Clarinet, 1 Eb Contra Alto Clarinet, 3 Bb Bass & Bb Contrabass Clarinet, 2 Eb Alto Saxophone 1, 2 Eb Alto Saxophone 2, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 2 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpet 1, 3 Bb Trumpet 2, 3 Bb Trumpet 3, 4 Horn in F 1 & 2, 2 Trombone 1, 4 Trombone 2 & 3, 3 Euphonium (B.C.), 2 Euphonium (T.C.), 4 Tuba, 1 String Bass, 1 Timpani (optional), 2 Xylophone & Glockenspiel, 5 Percussion.

SKU: PR.11540196L

UPC: 680160020430.

While Movements I and II of Dorff’s Concerto for Solo Percussion and Orchestra call for a large set-up, Movement III is a somewhat Russian-sounding bravura piece for Xylophone and Orchestra. This ALLEGRO VOLANTE movement has been published as a 6-minute recital work for Xylophone and Piano, also arranged by the composer for Xylophone and Band, as well as being available as a separate concerto movement for Xylophone and Orchestra.

SKU: CF.CPS214

ISBN 9781491152409. UPC: 680160909902.

Adventure Express is about a train heading out to the old west, seeking new adventures and new opportunities. The piece focuses on the beautiful country sides, breathtaking vistas and the hard work of building a new land. It is a contest style piece by budding composer John Pasternak. It is tuneful and well-scored. Perfect for your next contest/festival performance.
Adventure Express is about a train heading out to the old west, seeking new adventures and new opportunities. The piece focuses on the beautiful countrysides, breathtaking vistas and the hard work of building a new land.The beginning of the piece should have a very marcato feel. Measure 18 should have a lighter feel than the beginning, with the snare drum playing the part of the rail cars going over the tracks. Be sure to pay attention to the accents in the trumpet, xylophone and snare drum lining up with the accents played by the rest of the ensemble. At m. 55, the xylophone should ring out and should be played with intention. At m. 71, the piece returns to a marcato style, and remains until the end of the piece. There are a few sudden dynamic changes that are crucial for effect, so pay close attention to those changes.

SKU: BT.DHP-1063946-010

9x12 inches. English-German-French-Dutch.

The Hida High School is in a highland city called Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Takayama City has some of the highest mountains in Japan, atmospheric rows of houses and streets, and a beautiful landscape. The magnificent views from these mountains can be described as a paradise above the clouds. When the composer visited there in the summer of 2001, the lovely flowers spreading through the valley and the refreshing air welcomed him. The flowers looked as if they were fashionably dressed and fully enjoying conversation and a short summer at a reunion party. The composer was inspired by this scenery to compose this piece. The musical party opens with happy greetings of a reunion andjoyful themes follow one after another. A light xylophone solo, a waltz and an adagio featuring alternate solos by alto saxophone, euphonium and trumpet lead to a brilliant finale featuring brass and percussion played in irregular time. A beautiful musical picture that your band will enjoy performing for many years.

Takayama is een hooggelegen stad in de Gifu-prefectuur (Japan). Het oostelijke stadsdeel Tatamidaira ligt tussen schitterende bergen die behoren tot de noordelijke Japanse Alpen. Toen de componist in de zomer deze plaats bezocht,werd hij ge nspireerd tot het schrijven van Alpine Flowers’ Party! Het muzikale festijn begint met opgewekte klanken, waarna meer vrolijke scènes elkaar opvolgen. Een xylofoonsolo, een wals en een adagio met wisselende solo’svoor altsaxofoon, euphonium en trompet leiden naar een briljante finale met veel maatwisselingen, waarin het koper en het slagwerk de leiding nemen op weg naar een spetterend slot.

Als Itaru Sakai im Sommer 2001 die reizvolle Region um den Berg Tatamidaira in Japan besuchte, wurde er von einem Meer von Blumen empfangen. Sie sahen aus, als würden sie in festlichem Aufzug eine unterhaltsame Party feiern und den kurzen Sommer genießen. Diese Szenerie inspirierte den Komponisten zu Alpine Flowers’ Party! Die musikalische Party beginnt mit einer herzlichen Begrüßung, dann folgt ein fröhlicher Programmpunkt dem anderen. Ein spritziges Xylophonsolo, ein Walzer und ein Adagio mit abwechselnden Soli für Altsaxophon, Euphonium und Trompete führen zu einem brillanten Finale, in dem Blechbläser und Schlagzeug im Vordergrund stehen. Feiern Sie mit!

Séjournant au coeur des Alpes japonaises, Itaru Sakai est surpris par le doux parfum et les couleurs des fleurs. Il se laisse inspirer par la beauté harmonieuse qui se révèle devant ses yeux. Débute alors le délicieux festival des fleurs alpines. La conversation est animée. Un solo de xylophone apporte une touche de légèreté, une valse fait virevolter le développement, puis vient un adagio qui égrène les solos et mène vers un finale brillant.

Soggiornando nel cuore della splendida catena montuosa delle Alpi giapponesi, Itaru Sakai è sorpreso del dolce profumo e dai colori dei fiori. Si lascia ispirare dalla bellezza armoniosa che si rivela ai suoi occhi. Ha inizio il delizioso festival dei fiori alpini. La conversazione è animata. Un assolo di xilofono apporta un tocco di leggerezza, un valzer fa piroettare lo sviluppo del tema, ed in seguito un adagio snoda i soli e accompagna il brano verso un finale brillante.

SKU: CL.023-4318-01

Pure fun describes this clever mallet percussion feature! David Shaffer has once again crafted a novelty piece with clever melodies, crisp percussion writing and a thoughtful brass and woodwind accompaniment, making it a favorite of your students and audiences alike. Although written for 2 solo xylophones, the piece may be performed with multiple mallets on each part, just 1 mallet part or you can utilize any mallet instrument. Time for FUN!

SKU: HL.4007790

UPC: 196288094012.

The Hida High School is in a highland city called Takayama in Gifu Prefecture. Takayama City has some of the highest mountains in Japan, atmospheric rows of houses and streets, and a beautiful landscape. The magnificent views from these mountains can be described as a paradise above the clouds. When the composer visited there in the summer of 2001, the lovely flowers spreading through the valley and the refreshing air welcomed him. The flowers looked as if they were fashionably dressed and fully enjoying conversation and a short summer at a reunion party. The composer was inspired by this scenery to compose this piece. The musical party opens with happy greetings of a reunion andjoyful themes follow one after another. A light xylophone solo, a waltz and an adagio featuring alternate solos by alto saxophone, euphonium and trumpet lead to a brilliant finale featuring brass and percussion played in irregular time. A beautiful musical picture that your band will enjoy performing for many years.

SKU: CF.YPS200F

ISBN 9781491152881. UPC: 680160910380.

Step right up, ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, step right up! See the exotic, the strange, and the magical at the Cirque de L’étrange, or “Circus of the Strange.” This piece evokes a bygone era when circuses and carnivals provided people from all walks of life a chance to see human and animal oddities. Cirque de L'étrange is an original concert march written in standard march form, but its sound is anything but standard. This piece is playable by younger groups and is a great way to expose students to the march form and style without sounding like your typical march.
Step right up ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, step right up! See the exotic, the strange, and the magical at the Cirque de L’étrange. Welcome to the Cirque de L’étrange, known in English as the “Circus of the Strange.” This piece evokes a time of a bygone era, a time when circuses and carnivals provided people from all walks of life a chance to see human and animal oddities that were sources of both delight and horror. While many of these sideshow attractions were deemed fraudulent, it did not deter the crowds from flocking to be shocked and awed. I have always held a special place in my heart for the showmanship of carnivals, because my grandfather dearly loved them. For much of his life, he worked at fairs and carnivals selling cotton candy and candy apples. A large portion of my days when growing up were spent running around fairgrounds and helping my grandfather with his stand. He imparted in me a love for the cunning, magic, and sheer joy that only carnivals and circuses can bring. In Cirque de L’étrange, I sought to capture the the mirthful, yet uncanny mood of the carnivals that I grew up exploring, thus transporting you to a different time.Cirque de L'étrange is an original concert march written in standard march form, but its sound is anything but standard. This piece is playable by younger groups, as it is a great way to expose students to the march form and style while not sounding like your typical march.Opening in D minor, the piece combines the playful feel of a march and a macabre tango. The second time through the First Strain (mm. 5-23), the upper woodwinds and bells add a second counter melody based in D harmonic minor, which heightens the peculiar nature of the piece. The Second Strain (mm. 24-43) by contrast, is a little more upbeat, thus evoking the magical ebullience of a circus, which is further highlighted by the xylophone part. The Second Strain ends in the key of F major and sets up the transition to the Trio in the key of G minor. The Trio (m. 44) begins with the G harmonic minor melody in the clarinets and a counter melody in the bassoon and tenor saxophone. The rest of the woodwinds and bells join in at m. 60 while the percussion adds a Gypsy-like feel with tambourine and triangle. At m. 76 the full band joins in the macabre parade with the trombones and baritones harmonizing the counter melody. The conclusion of the march has the upper woodwinds, adding a second counter melody complete with trills to bring the march to an exciting and dramatic finish.As the World’s Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum, a man my grandfather greatly admired, once said “The noblest art is that of making others happy.” It is my hope that through this piece you will experience the thrill, delight, and fright that only carnivals can bring as you visit the Circus of the Strange!

SKU: MH.1-59913-020-3

ISBN 9781599130200.

Program Notes: Festival in Russia is a transcription for concert band of Anatoli Liadov's dazzling orchestral work, Polonaise (Op. 49). Written at the turn of the century, its energetic dance rhythms and melodic expressiveness will bring a delightful Old World charm to today's audiences. Liadov (1855-1914) was a student of Rimsky-Korsakov at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, and succeeded him as the composition teacher. (One of Liadov's most notable students at the Conservatory was Sergei Prokofiev.) At the time the Polonaise was written (1899), Liadov was at the height of his profession and one of his era's most respected and widely-known composers. The first performance of this transcription for concert band was given by the West Virginia University Wind Symphony at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on February 24, 1988, Don Wilcox conducting. Ensemble instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 4 Flute I, 4 Flute II, 1 Oboe I, 1 Oboe II, 1 English Horn, 1 Bassoon I, 1 Bassoon II, 1 Eb Clarinet, 4 Bb Clarinet I, 4 Bb Clarinet II, 4 Bb Clarinet III, 1 Eb Alto Clarinet, 1 Eb ContrabassClarinet, 3 Bb Bass Clarinet & Bb Contrabass Clarinet, 3 Eb Alto Saxophone I, 3 Eb Alto Saxophone II, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 2 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Cornet I, 3 Bb Cornet II, 3 Bb Cornet III, 2 Bb Trumpet I, 2 Bb Trumpet II, 2 F Horn I & III, 2 F Horn II & IV, 2 Trombone I, 2 Trombone II, 2 Bass Trombone, 3 Euphonium, 2 Euphonium T.C., 4 Tuba, 2 Timpani, 2 Bells & Vibraphone, 3 Chimes, Triangle & Cymbals, 2 Xylophone & Marimba, 2 Snare Drum & Bass Drum.