Strike the Cymbal

SKU: MN.50-9421

UPC: 688670594212.

This two-part arrangement will provide a welcome contrast to the more usual SATB texture, and can be performed equally effective by two-part men, two-part women and two-part men and women.

SKU: CF.PPS60

ISBN 9781491163429. UPC: 680160922215.

An ancient world calls… Spirit of the Warrior explores both the beauty and the power of a forgotten civilization; man’s mighty force amidst nature’s gentle majesty. It is dedicated to all soldiers and warriors, past and present, who give their all to protect home and nation. The warrior shows courage in the face of danger, and loyalty to a cause beyond self-interest. The warrior sees life’s fragile beauty with eyes few others can understand. Long after warriors fall in battle, their spirit lives on in the people and lands they have protected.  Using only the first six notes of the concert Bb scale, Spirit of the Warrior begins boldly. Separated notes in the low brass and winds represent the warrior’s power. Nature’s inspiring beauty is represented by the high woodwinds and bells, which play in counterpoint to the lower instruments.  Fully separate the staccatos, and shape the accents throughout to help the music feel powerful without being overly heavy or loud. At m. 29, be sure that the countermelody played by the clarinets and alto saxophone can be clearly heard.If you have additional percussionists, consider doubling the snare drum part on a low tom-tom. Experiment with the gong to find the sound you prefer: strike closer to the edge for a brash “crash” sound, or closer to the center for a more mysterious tone. The piece ends with the sound of the sustaining gong . Enjoy the drama and let the sound fade without (much) dampening.  .

SKU: CF.SPS95F

ISBN 9781491161845. UPC: 680160920525.

Written to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet, Remembering Pearl Harbor is a stirring tribute honoring the heroes of the date which will live in infamy- December 7, 1941. Like flying over the Pacific, the opening bars seemingly soar back in time. The composition takes the listener on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the fateful attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath. The musical voyage begins with chimes, signifying the hour of the attack that Sunday morning, developing into the heroic main theme representing the Spirit of America. A rousing version of Anchors Aweigh takes us to the naval base at Pearl Harbor and the activities of the day. By the end of Anchors Away, the mood seems to change, foreshadowing the fate of the U.S. fleet. Next, the haunting theme of the Japanese National Anthem is heard and the distant sound of propellers as they approach. When the planes arrive, the battle rages until there is total destruction. Countless people lost their lives on this tragic day. The playing of Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save is presented as an homage to those who perished. Following this solemn moment, the American spirit begins to rise as they come together to defeat the enemy. As the U.S. triumphs in the end, we hear fragments of many American tunes depicting the strength and resilience of the American People. You may want to consider using portions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's famous speech to enhance your performance. The following sections are suggested: Measure 46: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. Measure 83: The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. Measure 105: No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory..
Written to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet, Remembering Pearl Harbor is a stirring tribute honoring the heroes of the “date which will live in infamy”- December 7, 1941. Like flying over the Pacific, the opening bars seemingly soar back in time. The composition takes the listener on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the fateful attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath.The musical voyage begins with chimes, signifying the hour of the attack that Sunday morning, developing into the heroic main theme representing the Spirit of America. A rousing version of Anchors Aweigh takes us to the naval base at Pearl Harbor and the activities of the day. By the end of Anchors Away, the mood seems to change, foreshadowing the fate of the U.S. fleet.  Next, the haunting theme of the Japanese National Anthem is heard and the distant sound of propellers as they approach. When the planes arrive, the battle rages until there is total destruction. Countless people lost their lives on this tragic day. The playing of Taps and the Navy Hymn, Eternal Father, Strong to Save is presented as an homage to those who perished.Following this solemn moment, the American spirit begins to rise as they come together to defeat the enemy. As the U.S. triumphs in the end, we hear fragments of many American tunes depicting the strength and resilience of the American People.You may want to consider using portions of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s famous speech to enhance your performance.  The following sections are suggested:Measure 46: “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.”Measure 83: “The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost.”Measure 105: “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”.

SKU: CF.BAS55

ISBN 9780825888816. UPC: 798408088811. 8.5 x 11 inches. Key: E minor.

Off in the distance you hear the storm begin, the lightning strike, the thunder roar and then Storm Chaser takes off to dramatically depict a terrible storm! Educator and composer Kevin Mixon gives us a daring and aggressive new piece that includes the sounds of finger snapping as raindrops and thunder. The melody is angular and strong, which the students will love and play brilliantly in a contest or festival setting.

About Carl Fischer Beginning String Orchestra Series

This series of Grade 1 pieces is designed for first year string groups. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Limited parts (often 2nd violin and viola are the same part, cello and bass are same part)
• Limited keys and rhythms - only simple 8th note patterns
• Limited independence of parts
• Playable after limited study time
• First position and natural bowings
• Piano for rehearsal and reinforcement

SKU: CF.BPS115F

ISBN 9781491152690. UPC: 680160910199.

The Gauntlet is a piece written to sound bold and exciting while also being accessible to young performers with a limited range. Simple yet bold rhythms add excitement, heightened by the fact that every section has an opportunity to play melodic content. The interesting “development” section provides a contrast to the opening and helps to build the suspense before the return of the main theme. The percussion helps to drive the energy of the piece by providing a variety of colorful sounds including a gong solo at the end to signal the knight’s triumph.
A knight gallops over the rise of the hill into battle, determination shining in his eyes. He must charge through the treacherous lines and survive in order to preserve his kingdom and his honor. The pounding of the battle drums echoes the desperate pounding of his heart. Swords clash and the hooves of the horses strike the muddy ground. He must run this torturous gauntlet. Will he succeed before it is too late?The Gauntlet is a piece written to sound bold and exciting while also being easy for young players to perform due to the piece’s limited range (comprised of the first seven notes in most method books). Simple but bold rhythms add an air of excitement. This is heightened by the fact that every section has an opportunity to play melodic content, even the low brass. The interesting “development” section provides a contrast to the opening section and helps to build some intrigue and suspense before the return of the main theme. The percussion helps to drive the energy of the piece by providing lots of colorful sounds including a gong solo at the end to signal the knight’s triumph.

SKU: CF.YPS12

ISBN 9780825839863. UPC: 798408039868. 9 X 12 inches. Key: F minor.

A musical tribute to the tallest mountain on the earth, this brilliant mono-thematic work has striking bell-like effects in the brass and makes superb use of a large percussion section. Contrasts in texture and articulation are numerous and the music is alternately bold, aggressive and haunting. This is another fine selection that can be considered for contest and festival use. Duration: 5'30.

SKU: CF.CPS132F

ISBN 9780825888403. UPC: 798408088408. 9x12 inches.

This piece begins with a long bell striking constant quarter notes, setting up the fast-paced introduction. As the title implies, Time Shift switches rhythmic feels, including a 3 against 2 with changing meters throughout. Its middle section uses segmental chorales, reminiscent of famous band works, before moving back into a quicker time signature. Time Shift is filled with a variety of styles, which create a great amount of interest throughout the work.

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.

SKU: CF.CPS68F

ISBN 9780825864780. UPC: 798408064785. 9 X 12 inches. Key: Eb major.

From the brilliant fanfare figures of its opening through the various transformations of the 6/8 melody introduced by the alto saxophone, Spirals of Light charts an invigorating course that expertly exploits the kaleidoscope of colors available from the modern concert band. In addition, this dazzling selection makes striking use of the contrast between simple and compound time and is sophisticated in its use of syncopation and modern harmony.

SKU: CF.CPS2

ISBN 9780825837258. UPC: 798408037253. 9 X 12 inches. Key: Eb major.

A boldly rhythmic and strikingly tuneful piece by a gifted young composer, Days Of Glory, written in the style of a concert overture, is destined to be a favorite for contest/festival use. The middle section has a soaring lyrical idea that is richly scored and makes memorable and sonorous use of the full band at the climax. Duration: 6'.

SKU: CF.SPS30

ISBN 9780825864872. UPC: 798408064877. 9 X 12 inches. Key: Eb major.

Using the musical styles and forms of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, Mike Forbes has written a striking and powerful three movement suite that is a major addition to serious band literature. The music is entirely original, but the style and approach is similar to such pieces as the Courtly Dances from Gloriana by Benjamin Britten, and makes effective use of the coloristic possibilities of the modern concert band.