SKU: BT.DHP-1002127-040

Valon is a one-part composition. The surprising opening measures describe the sudden entrance into another world. After these initial measures, we hear a choral-like melody, which is repeated three times in different instrumentations with increasing intensity. This represents the procession of the ghosts dwelling in the underworld of Avalon, headed by the mighty magician Merlin.The exalted sound is then suddenly interrupted by a fast movement, in which ostinato figures alternate with bi-tonal motives. This represents the attempt of some evil characters to invade Avalon. Mordred is the leader of this horde and together they disturb the peace and quiet in the otherwisecalm Avalon. The flourish of trumpets heralds the entrance of the Knights of the Round Table who drive away the intruders and return to their castle, Tintagel, in a triumphal procession. Upon their return, the next problem presents itself. An inexplicable disease plagues the resting ghosts.The Knights and the Council of the Wise are convened to find out the cause of this problem. Musically this can be heard in the repetition of the initial themes. The Knights and the Council of the Wise determine that the presence of mortals is the reason that the resting ghosts are suffering. There is simply no room for mortal souls in Avalon. After a powerful statement by King Arthur, we hear a glissando referring to the very first measures, and… we are back in the normal world. The journey through the underworld has come to an end and a dream is over.

Avalon est une pièce dont le décor et les personnages sont empruntés aux légendes arthuriennes. L’œuvre débute par quelques mesures surprenantes qui nous font entrer subitement dans un autre monde. Une mélodie produisant l’effet d’un chœur représente la procession des fantômes et des esprits qui vivent dans l’île magique d’Avalon, avec, leur tête, le puissant magicien Merlin. Soudain, des figures ostinato et des phrases bitonales expriment la tentative d’une horde maléfique conduite par Mordred d’envahir le monde paisible d’Avalon. Après que le Roi Arthur soit intervenu avec force, on entend un glissando qui rappelle les toutes premières mesures, et… noussommes de retour dans le monde réel. Le voyage se termine et un rêve prend fin.

SKU: CL.012-4440-75

Brimming with energy and anticipation, this musical adventure stirs up images of nature's most majestic landscapes and mountain ranges. The journey begins with a majestic call and response theme divided amongst the sections, chasing after one another. Lighter versions of the themes appear, signifying the discovery of a breathtaking view at the summit. The intensity and excitement builds, hinting that the adventure continues - or perhaps begins, Beyond the Summit..

SKU: PR.UE045611

SKU: BT.9780713663440

ISBN 9780713663440. English.

This book contains 59 tried and tested songs about topics including the world, the seasons, being a friend and caring for animals. There are tuneful hymns and thought-provoking subjects, just what's needed to fill the musicslot in assembly or at Sunday school. Includes CD of backing tracks.

SKU: GI.G-10368

ISBN 9781622776276.

This is a fascinating and important book for everybody even remotely interested in the history of American bands. Bryan Proksch has done some painstakingly thorough research in putting together an amazing assemblage of documents… This is a must-have book! —Jon Ceander Mitchell     The Wind Music Research Quarterly: Mitteilungsblatt der IGEB     (March 2022), 14–15 For the scholar, each entry presents an opportunity for expansion. For the teacher, this work provides source readings for courses on wind band history or for complementing Strunk or Weiss-Taruskin in university music history courses. That said, these documents stand as an enriching and entertaining read in their own right for anyone interested in the subject. —Michael O’Connor     Historic Brass Today 1/2 (Spring 2022), 32 The Golden Age of American Bands is ideally suited for courses on the history and literature of bands in America. Indeed, this volume could suffice as a textbook for adventuresome teachers in that it touches on the major musicians, instruments, ensembles, and functions expected of such a course. . . . Both private and classroom band instructors will find compelling glimpses into the history of their craft. [It is] bursting with opportunities to inspire curiosity in their students while effectively supporting their own curricular goals. —Benjamin D. Lawson and James A. Davis     The Journal of Music History Pedagogy Proksch’s new collection of documents is a most welcome step in the direction of getting [the story of bands] under control. The juxtaposition of documents from so many levels and types of ensembles proves to have a cumulative effect: one begins to see the subtle and long-lasting connections among them despite the big differences. It is easy to envision it as a supplemental text in a course on band history and literature, but the book is also just an absorbing read. There is much to learn here, and much to enjoy. —Ken Kreitner     Notes 79/2 (December 2022): 217-218 This is the story of the American wind band, told chronologically by those who experienced it in real time from 1835 to 1935. How did bands become bands? How did they rise in popularity? Which figures had insights and specific impacts on the development of the genre? Through source documents and articles, Bryan Proksch takes us on an extraordinary journey from the time of the first brass bands in the 1830s, through the Civil War and the golden ages of Gilmore and Sousa, to the cusp of the wind ensemble just before World War II. Hear from a young Frederick Fennell about his efforts to create the first band at Eastman. Read the outline of Allessandro Liberati’s unpublished trumpet method book. Eavesdrop on Karl L. King as he muses on the fate of bands after the death of Sousa. See Patrick Conway’s first undergraduate music education curriculum. Gawk as trombonist Fredrick Neil Innes embarrasses “world’s greatest cornetist” Jules Levy at Coney Island. Explore as Alan Dodworth revolutionizes bands. Retreat with a military band in the middle of a Civil War battle. Find out what it felt like to sit in a Sousa Band rehearsal. Ask Herbert L. Clarke why he thinks you should be playing a cornet instead of a trumpet. Find out how P. S. Gilmore managed to pull off the biggest concert events in American history. The book includes numerous rare and unknown illustrations to show you the places where band history happened. The documents include rare periodical excerpts, handwritten letters, and other writings taken from archives throughout the United States. These first-person accounts are certain to further refine and deepen our understanding and appreciation of American band history on a grand scale. Contents: Beginnings (1835–1859) The Civil War (1860–1865) The Jubilees (1866–1879) The Gilded Age (1880–1896) The Band Age (1897–1914) World War I (1915–1919) Transition and Decline (1920–1935)   Click here to download a FREE addenda. Bryan Proksch is a distinguished faculty lecturer and associate professor of music history and literature at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. This is his third book. His A Sousa Reader: Essays, Interviews, and Clippings (GIA Publications, 2016) explores the documents relating to the life and career of John Philip Sousa.