SKU: MH.0-931329-53-1
ISBN 9780931329531.
Journey back to ancient Greece and view a place of long-gone legend. Follow the trail to the Kingdom of Ithaca, from the heroic palace, to a place of tranquility, to a reckless dance of abandon, to the return of Odysseus. The melodic material used in 200 B.C. is from a two thousand year old Greek hymn to Apollo. The legendary adventures of Odysseus as described by Homer in the Odyssey (ca. 700 B.C.) provide the programmatic material. The music is freely based upon the First Delphic Hymn (or Paen to Apollo), composed ca. 200 B.C. The source is a transcription appearing on pages 363 - 367 of Ancient and Oriental Music, Edited by Egon Wellesz (Oxford University Press: London, 1957). Each movement of the work depicts a key event in the epic Homeric poem, as described below. Movement I: Intrada - The first four notes of this movement, C - Bb - G - Bb, are the melodic and harmonic foundation for the entire work. These pitches, introduced in a simple and direct manner, are subsequently developed in more complex fashions throughout the suite. Following this stately introduction is a militaristic fanfare that introduces the dotted-eighth and sixteenth-note figure later reprised in the second and fourth movements. Indeed, all the musical ideas which will be central to the remaining movements first appear in the Intrada. This movement depicts the grandeur of Odysseus and his kingdom in Ithaca, and establishes the heroic mood of the entire work. Movement II: Ballad - After a brief restatement of the opening dotted-eighth-and-sixteenth fanfare, the second movement extracts the falling third (Bb to G) from the C - Bb - G - Bb motif and extends it and expands it into a haunting solo for alto saxophone. The C - Bb - G - Bb motif appears again (see measures 23 - 33 in trumpets) as counterpoint to this melody, now pulsing through the thick texture of the band. Many performers have come to view the Ballad as the emotional epicenter of the entire suite; my conception of the Ballad is to achieve a union of pathos and strength. Programmatically, this movement depicts Odysseus's son, Telemachos, as he both longs for Odysseus's return and stoically defends his father's kingdom. Movement III: Dance - It will take Odysseus twenty years to return to Ithaca. During his absence, noblemen besiege his palace, violating the sanctity of the household and seeking the hand of his wife, Penelope. This movement depicts the wanton revelries that result. The original four-note motif is chromatically altered and the meter is made irregular. The rapid tempo, driving percussion, and angular meter and melodies combine in an explosion of reckless abandon. Movement IV: March Building from a delicate woodwind ensemble accompanied by finger cymbals to a fully orchestrated statement replete with thundering percussion, this is a resounding march of victory. Odysseus has returned in triumph to restore dignity to his household and to reclaim the throne of the Kingdom of Ithaca. Ensemble instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 8 Flute 1 - 2, 2 Oboe 1 - 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 1, 4 Bb Clarinet 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 3, 1 Eb Alto Clarinet, 3 Bb Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon 1 - 2, 3 Eb Alto Saxophone 1, 3 Eb Alto Saxophone 2, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 1 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpet 1, 3 Bb Trumpet 2, 3 Bb Trumpet 3, 2 F Horn 1-2, 2 F Horn 3-4, 2 Trombone 1, 2 Trombone 2, 2 Trombone 3, 3 Euphonium (B.C.), 2 Euphonium T.C., 4 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 2 Mallet Percussion: Bells, Xylophone, 2 Percussion 1: Snare Drum, Tambourine, 2 Percussion 2: Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Tom-Tom, Finger Cymbals, 1 Percussion 3: Bass Drum.
SKU: CF.YPS187F
ISBN 9781491148099. UPC: 680160905591. 9 x 12 inches.
In the Odyssey, dreams come into the world through one of two gates. If they come through the gates of ivory they are false dreams. However, if they come into the world through the gates of horn they are true dreams that tell the user of things to be, or illuminate truth. The Gates of Horn is a dramatic piece for band that alternates a syncopated fanfare with a bold, yet lyrical theme. These contrasting ideas chase each other throughout the piece.
SKU: CF.BPS96F
ISBN 9781491141991. UPC: 680160630059. 9 x 12 inches.
Ogopogo is a mysterious, aquatic monster said to live in a lake in British Columbia. Though that in itself may inspire a student's imagination, the piece, like its title, is also a musical palindrome. Composer Grant Michel has writtenA,A both the main melody and the main counter-melody as musical palindromes and has hidden other palindromic ideas throughout the piece for students to find. This allows an already intriguing piece to become a wonderfully deep and engaging teaching tool for beginning students.
SKU: CF.YPS115F
ISBN 9780825888045. UPC: 798408088040. 9x12 inches.
At first lush and mysterious, then light and uplifting, The Voyage begins. Newcomer George Sweet brings us some invigorating ideas and harmonic treatments, as well as shifting rhythmic feels from 4/4 to 3/4 time. There is some great interplay between various sections of the band that changes from light woodwind sounds to strong brass interjections. George is a composer to watch in the years to come.
SKU: CF.BPS149
ISBN 9781491163450. UPC: 680160922246.
The word synergize means to combine or coordinate the activity of two or more agents to produce a joint effort that is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Synergize! was written to portray this idea. The beginning of the piece starts with a groove in the low brass and percussion. The main theme is later introduced by the upper winds. The two ideas are synergized together to create this fun piece for young players.
SKU: CF.BPS149F
ISBN 9781491163856. UPC: 680160922642.
SKU: CF.CPS234
ISBN 9781491156346. UPC: 680160914883. 9 x 12 inches.
Mercury - the Roman god of financial gain, commerce, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants, and thieves. A popular deity in Roman culture, he was instantly recognized by his unique winged shoes (talaria) and hat (petasos). With its close proximity to the sun and faster orbit than all other planets, the Romans named this small celestial body after the swift-winged messenger of their culture. It is not surprising that in Holst's major orchestral suite The Planets that Mercury utilizes such light and swift themes. There is some duality to the title of the work. Part of it involves my impression of what a playful chase of the winged messenger sounds like. The other part is the opening motif chasing two themes of Holst around the rest of the work. It was only after developing the first few ideas that I recognized some of the commonalities with some of those same themes from Holst's orchestral work. There are several quotations from that famous piece by Holst (notably as both are stated successively at mm. 13-20). The idea of someone having to chase the Winged Messenger struck me as a unique title around which to craft a work. One of my core beliefs about music is that it can be imbued with meaning by a composer, and as the sonic story unfolds an ensemble, director, and audience members can draw out their own meaning from the experience. Who exactly is chasing Mercury? I leave that up to the wonderfully creative minds of the young ladies and gentlemen who have the opportunity to bring this work to life. The opportunity to compose music and allow student musicians to give this piece new life and draw out different meanings is a humbling experience. Rehearsal Notes and Suggestions As stated earlier, the opening motif (a range of a seventh) comes back frequently in the work in a variety of settings and textures. Throughout the work, it is important for students to recognize the two themes from Holst when they are present in the sound canvas. If the solos (clarinet and alto saxophone) are utilized, the supporting parts around and underneath those lines must be sensitive and play in such a way to properly balance those parts. There are number of muted sections for the trumpet section, and I would advocate for all trumpets acquiring the same mute to contribute to unity in timbre. The bold fanfare sections (the first occurs at m. 37) must be presented with a unified articulation style. As the texture intensifies prior to m. 169, it is crucial for the ensemble to play within themselves and exercise musical courtesy to allow all voices to be heard as they arrive at m. 181. My thanks in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you well as you and your ensemble begin Chasing Mercury!.Mercury – the Roman god of financial gain, commerce, travelers, boundaries, luck, trickery, merchants, and thieves. A popular deity in Roman culture, he was instantly recognized by his unique winged shoes (talaria) and hat (petasos). With its close proximity to the sun and faster orbit than all other planets, the Romans named this small celestial body after the swift-winged messenger of their culture. It is not surprising that in Holst’s major orchestral suite The Planets that Mercury utilizes such light and swift themes.There is some duality to the title of the work. Part of it involves my impression of what a playful chase of the winged messenger sounds like. The other part is the opening motif chasing two themes of Holst around the rest of the work. It was only after developing the first few ideas that I recognized some of the commonalities with some of those same themes from Holst’s orchestral work. There are several quotations from that famous piece by Holst (notably as both are stated successively at mm. 13–20). The idea of someone having to chase the Winged Messenger struck me as a unique title around which to craft a work.One of my core beliefs about music is that it can be imbued with meaning by a composer, and as the sonic story unfolds an ensemble, director, and audience members can draw out their own meaning from the experience. Who exactly is chasing Mercury? I leave that up to the wonderfully creative minds of the young ladies and gentlemen who have the opportunity to bring this work to life. The opportunity to compose music and allow student musicians to give this piece new life and draw out different meanings is a humbling experience.Rehearsal Notes and SuggestionsAs stated earlier, the opening motif (a range of a seventh) comes back frequently in the work in a variety of settings and textures. Throughout the work, it is important for students to recognize the two themes from Holst when they are present in the sound canvas. If the solos (clarinet and alto saxophone) are utilized, the supporting parts around and underneath those lines must be sensitive and play in such a way to properly balance those parts. There are number of muted sections for the trumpet section, and I would advocate for all trumpets acquiring the same mute to contribute to unity in timbre. The bold fanfare sections (the first occurs at m. 37) must be presented with a unified articulation style. As the texture intensifies prior to m. 169, it is crucial for the ensemble to play within themselves and exercise musical courtesy to allow all voices to be heard as they arrive at m. 181. My thanks in advance for your support of this music, and I wish you well as you and your ensemble begin Chasing Mercury!
SKU: CF.CPS234F
ISBN 9781491156353. UPC: 680160914890. 9 x 12 inches.
SKU: CL.120-0176-00
This musical composition is a synthesis of modern percussion ideas with the Baroque suite format in six movements. The music is designed so that any movement can be used as a contest piece or the whole suite may be performed in its entirety for a recital or concert. Instruments needed: I. High Snare Drum, Low Snare Drum, Field Drum II. Timpani (4) III. Gong, Suspended Cymbals (4) IV. Field Drum V. Snare Drum VI. Bongos (2), Toms (2), High and Low Snare Drum, Field Drum, Bass Drum.
SKU: CF.PPS49F
ISBN 9781491152614. UPC: 680160910113.
Exemplary is a mature musical piece for beginning bands. Even though only the first six notes of the Bb-major scale are used with simple rhythms, students and teachers will find many, fun musical challenges that provide opportunities for for growth. As the title suggests, performances of Exemplary should serve as a desirable model, be worthy of imitation, and should represent the absolute best in musicianship.Exemplary is a mature musical piece for beginning bands. Even though only the first six notes of the Bb-major scale are used, and simple rhythms are used to compose this piece, it has many musical challenges that will enhance students’ musical growth. There are some very musical ideas and sections in this piece that should be explored. Just as this title suggests, Exemplary should serve as a desirable model, be worthy of imitation, and should represent the best possible example of its kind. If you describe something as exemplary, it should be extremely good. With all of these challenges, the piece also has some nice melodies and is fun to play.  Notes to the ConductorThere are marcato and legato styles, many dynamic markings (sometimes different between woodwinds, brass, and percussion) major and minor third intervals, and challenging beginning percussion writing (that should not be overplayed). Four-measure phrasing should be observed. When a crescendo occurs, it should connect to the next note without taking a breath. These are teachable concepts that will benefit the musicianship of the students and take them to a higher level of performance.  .
SKU: CF.PPS49
ISBN 9781491151938. UPC: 680160909438.
SKU: PR.416411770
UPC: 680160091508.
I was tempted to call the piece Throw Back because it consciously employs rhythmic and harmonic approaches characteristic of the earlier part of the twentieth century, much of which plays a part in forging my musical personality. Going along with the impetus, I have paid homage by subtly interpolating stylistic or actual references to such unexpected bedfellows as Scriabin, Ravel, Debussy, Piston, Roussel, and Ysaye. I hope I will be musically forgiven. In one continuous movement, there are three definite internal sections: Presto-Largo-Allegro. The first section opens with a very soft percussion cadenza. If the acoustics allow it, the player will use sponge pottery mallets (sponge-headed mallets employed to smooth the interior of a pot as it is being spin-dried). No matter how hard the percussionist strikes the drums, the dynamic cannot go above pp (pianissimo). This cadenza serves as a basis for the first movement. The elements of the cadenza are taken by the orchestra to make the first major statement, similar to the classical concerto; but rather than making a restatement, the soloists, when they come in, begin with variational ideas. The second section is given over to the soloists, and is lyrical. The third section begins with an alternation between strict rhythmic pulsation and free-sounding timbres, as if reluctant to leave the second section behind. The rhythmic aspect takes over more and more as the piece progresses toward its conclusion. Double Play was commissioned by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with financial assistance from the Northwest Area Foundation. It received its premiere on January 7, 1983, in St. Paul, with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra; Pinchas Zukerman, violinist; Marc Neikrug, piano; and the composer conducting.