Keep Calm and Play On

SKU: CF.CPS226F

ISBN 9781491153208. UPC: 680160910700.

Inspired by the memory of an influential music educator, Carol Brittin Chambers has woven a multitude of grooves, colors, and uplifting themes into To Create a Voice. Chambers has attempted to convey distinct moods and emotions that this educator tried to instill in his students. In honor of this dynamic teacher, you will hear Hot Cross Buns cleverly placed throughout the composition.
To Create a Voice was commissioned by the Valley Concert Band in Stockton, California. The piece premiered in October 2017, in memory and celebration of Chris Anderson, a local musician and educator.When writing this piece, I tried to convey certain moods and emotions throughout: soulful at the beginning with calm woodwind chords and solo trombone; increased energy throughout the various sections of the piece; exploration of different grooves and colors; an uplifting, emotional ending that leaves the listener with a sense of how positive and loving Chris was.This piece is largely inspired by a specific quote from Chris:Most people would consider the sounds students first make on their instruments to be cringe-worthy, but to me that’s music to my ears, because that’s the first time students put a voice to their instrument. Over time those voices become stronger; they become clear, more confident, and get to a point where they use those voices to communicate with each other, and to their audiences.To relate to the first notes on the instrument idea, I used motifs based on the first notes most beginners ever play, do-re-mi, which are introduced at the beginning of the piece with the trombone solo, Chris’ instrument. During the section at m. 15, the brass introduce a chorale that I named Chris’ Theme while the woodwinds keep reminding us of do-re-mi. Later in the piece (mm. 71 and 79), I use these notes again, but in reverse, which becomes a reference to the first song most beginners learn, Hot Cross Buns. This section is also meant to portray Chris’ quirky and joking side. In mm. 75 and 83, Chris’ Theme presents itself again a couple of times in response to Hot Cross Buns.Toward the end, at the uplifting moment (m. 97), do-re-mi is heard again, but this time in harmony with mi-fa-sol. This represents the ultimate satisfaction we all feel as musicians when we have finally progressed enough to play in harmony with others. The half-time feeling in 3 at that moment also has significance, relating (rhythmically) to those important three notes again.I really hope you enjoy performing and listening to this piece as much as I have enjoyed creating it!

SKU: CF.YPS259F

ISBN 9781491163993. UPC: 680160922789.

Silent Midwinter’s Noel is a fantasia on three traditional Christmas tunes. The introduction of the piece, an Adagietto, alternates between melodic statements of In The Bleak Midwinter and Silent Night. The second main section of the piece, an Allegro, primarily juxtaposes The First Noel and Silent Night.The tempo markings throughout the score are mostly suggestions. The conductor may choose to deviate within five to ten clicks in either direction on their metronome. During the Adagietto, the conductor may also choose to draw out harmonic cadences for increased tension and resolution.The piece is scored in Eb and F major to allow younger performers to achieve excellent intonation. Performers should strive to produce characteristic sounds, especially when playing melodic statements. The tunes within this piece are all carols, and should be played as such. The conductor may choose to teach the performers how to sing the carols for added educational value. Lyrics for the carols are included below:Silent NightSilent night! Holy night!All is calm, all is brightRound yon virgin mother and child!Holy infant, so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace!Sleep in heavenly peace!In the Bleak MidwinterIn the bleak midwinterfrosty wind made moan,earth stood hard as iron,water like a stone:snow had fallen,snow on snow, snow on snow,in the bleak midwinter,long ago.The First NoelThe First Noel the angel did sayWas to certain poor shepherdsin fields as they lay;In fields as they lay, keeping their sheep,On a cold winter's night that was so deep.Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,Born is the King of Israel.

SKU: FP.FBS03

ISBN 9790570500192.

Sarah Baker is Vocal Composer in Residence at Education Music Services, an ABRSM examiner and a well known composer of songs and musicals for primary schools and massed-choral events.

All this experience has come together in the creation of this album of piano pieces, inspired by growing up in the Chiltern Hills. Suitable for players of around grade 4-5 standard, her evocative sound pieces describe a crash-landing hot air balloon, garden invading cows and a even a snake in a pond!

Air Balloon!: One vivid memory I have as a child is of the day that a hot air balloon passed over our house and made an emergency landing on the road in front! The sound of the gas being blown into the balloon to try to keep it high enough to pass the house sounded so loud and intimidating, and then there was the bustle of the neighbours as we all went out into the street to watch. It was both terrifying and exhilarating to watch the balloon float past and then land so near by.

Buzzards Circling: There is something so calming and restful about watching birds of prey circling in the thermal currents of a summer sky. Growing up in the Chilterns gave me plenty of opportunity to watch buzzards and red kites. This piano solo captures the beauty of their flight as they glide so effortlessly through the air.

There’s A Cow In The Garden Eating The Flowers: Inspired by the memory of seeing an unexpected cow in the garden! This surreal image is captured in a quirky waltz, as I portray both the absurdity of the moment and the sense of wonder I felt as a child, looking out of the window and seeing the cow walking round and eating the flowers. The final phrase articulates my longing: ‘I wish it would come again’.

Watching The World Go By: A short, reflective piece, remembering what it was like to have time to just sit and watch the world go by from my bedroom window.

Autumn Skies: A miniature about the beauty of Autumn skies and the poignant sense of loss for a summer gone. Friends I was fortunate to have several children of my own age living close by. We seemed to be forever making dens, playing out in the street and generally enjoying each other’s company. This piece reflects that sense of well-being.

Snake In The Pond: One hot summer I was astonished and scared to see a grass snake cooling off in our garden pond! I watched, both horrified and fascinated, as it rose up from the depths and then disappeared again. Here I portray the sense of the hazy summer afternoon as I peacefully watched the tiny movements of fish in the pond, contrasted with the fear and excitement of seeing the snake appear.

Morning Commute: I recollect many mornings stuck in traffic as my Dad took me to school on his way to work. There is one main road out of the village where I grew up, and that got more and more congested the closer we got to the town. We may not have chatted a lot, but it was always good to be together with my Dad, lost in our own thoughts.

The Witch’s Cottage: My siblings and I had a fascination with a small cottage nearby. It was set back from the road in a dark part of the woods and we called it 'the witch's cottage’. Every time we passed, I imagined I heard the distant cackle of the witch and wished I could catch a glimpse of her.

These pieces are written to complement my other collection, Night Time Impressions, which also draw on childhood recollections, particularly of the woods behind the house where I grew up. - Sarah Baker 2023.