SKU: HL.4007970
With its height of 4,808 meters, Mont-Blanc is called “the roof of Europe.†The highest mountains on our planet have been insurmountable for a long time. Only in the past 250 years have those giants been mounted. Crystal-hunter Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard, a doctor, were the first to climb Mont-Blanc, in 1786. Many paths lead to Mont-Blanc's peak: the regular ascent goes through the magnificent “voie royale of Saint-Gervais-les- Bains,†which was opened in August 1855 by the Englishmen Hudson, Kennedy, and Smythe. Today's most common route to climb up, starting from Saint-Gervais via Aiguille du Gou ter (3,863m), Do me du Gou ter (4,304m), and Are te des Bosses (4,547m), was first used in 1861. Otto M. Schwarz composed this work inspired by “the roof of Europe†with its luminous and huge glaciers. Early in the morning, mountain climbers set off to the peak; they witness the sunrise, and experience the hazards that the journey up to the summit brings along. A snowstorm and falling rocks at Are te des Bosses aggravate their journey. A sudden change of weather, however, enables them to reach the top after a strenuous ascent. This piece invites you to an imaginary journey from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains via the “voie royale†to the top of Mont-Blanc.
SKU: CF.CPS210
ISBN 9781491152362. UPC: 680160909865.
A driving composition from Sean O'loughlin,?Commence!?begins with a spirited theme that oscillates between triple and duple meter. After developing into a heartfelt lush brass chorale, the lilting theme returns again. The composition concludes with a dramatic return of the B theme and a rousing finale. A beautiful piece,?Commence!?is a?strong choice for any contest or festival.
Commence! was commissioned by the Lynden High School Class 2017-2019 and the Lynden, WA Community, and is dedicated to Steve Herrick in celebration of his retirement. Mr. Herrick and I first collaborated on a commission in 2006, and I was immediately taken by the community and the music program in Lynden. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the country and full of musical inspiration at every turn.
This piece is a loving tribute to Mr. Herrick and his amazing contribution to the students of Lynden for over thirty years. The music begins with a spirited section oscillating between 6/8 and 2/4 time. It should maintain a pulsing feeling throughout. The main melody appears at m. 25 and has a lilting, reminiscing quality to it. After some further development, it moves to a B-section at m. 41 with some warm brass passages. The woodwinds should soar over the top with their counter line. The lower voices take over the melody at m. 59. The harmony becomes more discordant at m. 71 with passages trading between the brass and woodwinds.
This tension releases into a slow section that features a flowing, heartfelt melody. This builds to the big moment at m. 112. The timpani ushers us back to the 6/8, 2/4 section. The melody is now accompanied by some flowing counterpoint at m. 153 which leads to the B-section again at m. 169. This time the woodwinds take the lead and the brass provide the counter line. A final big moment at m. 194 is the culmination and high point of the composition. A brief fast section puts a bow on the piece for a rousing finale.
SKU: CF.CPS210F
ISBN 9781491153048. UPC: 680160910540.
SKU: FJ.B1237S
English.
This musical celebration embraces our human nature to constantly strive higher. Everyone must climb a personal mountain, and this metaphor reminds us to continue our journey and never stop - even when we think we've reached the summit.
About FJH Concert Band
Designed for high school groups and upper-level middle school groups. Independence is encouraged, but many lines are cross-cued. Usually includes an expanded percussion section. Grades 3 - 3.5
SKU: AP.BD9678C
ISBN 9780769299662. UPC: 029156220957. English.
High atop a red mountain overlooking the magnificent city of Birmingham, Alabama, stands an iron sentinel---a monument of Vulcan that keeps watch over the City of Steel. Through the Vulcan's Eye is comprised of four melodies, each aurally describing a view from the top of the mountain and inspired by the composer's childhood experiences in Alabama's largest metropolis. Broad brush strokes of sound blanket the work, enhanced by brilliant solo passages and total involvement from the percussion. A grand work on a grand scale! (7:09).
SKU: CL.011-4462-00
Embark upon a musical adventure when you board the trans-Siberian railway in Moscow! Let your imagination roam as you travel through the Ural Mountains, the geographical line between European Russia and Asian Russia. Visualize the snow covered reaches of Siberia and the vast plains. Take a quick stop at Baikal, the worlds’ largest and deepest freshwater lake for a swim that local legend says can add years to your life. Conclude your excursion in Vladivostok by the Sea of Japan. Let the music take your thoughts on the trip of a life-time! A perfect cross-curricular connection for your students studying the eastern hemisphere.
About C.L. Barnhouse Command Series
The Barnhouse Command Series includes works at grade levels 2, 2.5, and 3. This series is designed for middle school and junior high school bands, as well as high school bands of smaller instrumentation or limited experience. Command Series publications have a slightly larger instrumentation than the Rising Band Series, and are typically of larger scope, duration, and musical content.
SKU: CL.011-4462-01
SKU: FJ.B1786S
Embark on an exhilarating climb up a mountain trail with this compelling work that explores both quiet, thoughtful moments and big, powerful themes. After exerting a ton of energy during the ascent, the climber reaches the top and the piece ends as it began while the climber stares breathlessly at the incredible view from the top.
About FJH Young Band
Appropriate for middle school and smaller high school groups. Second clarinets usually stay below the break. Parts are written with more independence, and instrumentation increases slightly. There is still adequate doubling in the lower voices. Grades 2 - 2.5
SKU: FJ.B1786
UPC: 241444405154. English.