FJH MUSIC CONCERT BAND 2010 - 2011
FJH Symphonic Band Series Grade 4-5
Dakota Fanfare - Erik Morales. Explode into a flurry of sound with this riveting work based on a driving rhythmic pulse. Incredible trumpet flourishes open the work (and are surprisingly easy to play as they alternate strictly between first and open fingerings!) before the woodwinds take over to state the infectious main theme. After a whirlwind of meter changes and ensemble hits, the music returns to the opening material before a dramatic and intense accelerando, bringing the fanfare to a fiery conclusion. Stunning! (B1423) $90.00
Declaration and Dance - William Owens. Experienced ensembles will take quickly to this exuberant, technical showpiece! With something for all sections, this work promises to deliver all the power and excitement that great band music should. Appropriate for any type of performance, it will satisfy even the most voracious musical appetite! (B1433) $95.00
Elements - Brian Balmages. This medium-length four-movement work is structured in the same form as a traditional symphony (though much shorter) and corresponds with specific elements. Air, the first movement has a minimalistic quality to it and the entire movement develops around a four-note motif. The second movement, Water, is very impressionistic and describes a quiet body of water with a glass-like surface. The third movement, Earth, is a light and playful scherzo that pays homage to Holst’s Mercury from The Planets. The final movement, Fire, is aggressive and relentless as dissonance and rhythm become the focus before a wildly powerful fugue ensues. Dramatic and engaging! (B1437) $95.00
Silence Overwhelmed - Brian Balmages. This mature lyrical work uses complex harmonies and textures amidst a sea of colors and timbres. Great opportunities for chamber playing exist throughout, with solos provided for oboe (cued elsewhere) and trumpet. From the softest and darkest of sounds to the most powerful and soaring lines, this work is certain to take you on an incredible emotional journey. (B1429) $65.00
FJH Concert Band Series Grade 3-3½
But Joy Comes... - William Owens. "...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." This beautiful verse is the center of this haunting work dedicated to a vibrant young lady whose life ended all too soon. While not technically difficult, the potential for musical expression and maturity is vast. Very captivating! (B1424) $65.00
Country Bandstand - James Syler. Bring the sounds and history of the traditional town square into your concert hall with this excellent work by award-winning composer James Syler. Based loosely on several American folksongs, the three movements are titled March, Chorale, and a riveting Barn Dance reminiscent of Aaron Copland. A wealth of musical styles with exciting opportunities for the entire ensemble! (B1446) $70.00
A Frontier Fought and a City Found - Travis J. Weller. The struggle of the Seven Years War unfolds in this new work that chronicles the eventual conquest and establishment of Fort Pitt by British Forces in 1758. The opening solemn section gives way to vigilant and driving exchanges between various instrument groupings in the ensemble. Bold fanfares from the brass and a flurry of woodwinds bring this work inspired by the history of Pittsburgh to a fantastic conclusion. (B1434) $55.00
The Heart of Madness - Mark Lortz. Celebrate the bicentennial of Edgar Allan Poe’s birth with this spine-chilling work depicting three of Poe’s tales: The Bells, The Raven, and The Tell-Tale Heart. Buyer beware, this piece creates an ominous musical setting that is an adventure in mystery and macabre. An ideal way to have your English and Music departments collaborate, this highly programmatic work is sure to be a tremendous hit with students and audiences! (B1436) $70.00
Journal for a Soldier - Brian Balmages. The lyrical lines of this heart-wrenching composition were inspired by a letter from an 8-year-old girl to a soldier overseas. Using elements of Brahm's Lullaby, Eternal Father Strong to Save, and Echo Taps, it tells the story of a father with incredible courage, yet he also longs to be able to tuck his daughter in at night. You will not have a dry eye in the house, including your own. (B1443) $60.00
March of the Patriots - Erik Morales. This riveting concert march pays homage to the great march composers of the past while adding a few contemporary elements to set it apart and give it a fresh sound. Exciting melodies, modern harmonies, and all the elements of a traditional march combine to deliver an outstanding new work for your next concert or festival performance. Outstanding! (B1455) $65.00
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FJH Young Band Series Grade 2-2½
Escape From the Deep - Brian Balmages. Commissioned by the same group that premiered Moscow, 1941, this incredible new work chronicles the World War II miracle involving the only Americans to ever escape from a sunken submarine. Beginning with dark chords and a military field drum, the music evokes thoughts of honor and integrity. As events unfold, tempo becomes much faster and dissonant lines emerge. Excerpts from America occur in various forms, first in adrenaline-packed moments, then in a brief moment of solitude and calm. The final burst of energy portrays the daring escape. An incredible portrayal of courage, leadership, sacrifice, and survival against all odds!
(B1450) $55.00
Give My Regards to Broadway - Chris Sharp. This musical salute to Broadway is designed for performance by a wide range of ensembles including accomplished middle school to community and professional groups. Styled after a typical Broadway overture, the arrangement covers a variety of styles including lyrical, two-beat, soft-shoe, and a Dixieland-style segment featuring solo clarinet, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and percussion. A grand finale reminiscent of John Phillip Sousa brings this to a rousing conclusion. Exciting! (B1445) $55.00
Honor Before Honors - James L. Hosay. This bold and musical processional is ideal for graduations, assemblies, and a wide array of occasions where ceremonial music is necessary. After a majestic introduction and broad statements by the brass, the music becomes more subdued and reflective. Ultimately, the theme becomes quite dramatic and powerful before the opening fanfare returns one final time to depict the true meaning of honor! (B1440) $50.00
Kitsune: The Fox Spirits - Brian Balmages. Inspired by Japanese folklore, this incredibly colorful work is based on two authentic folksongs that are both related to the mythical kitsune, or “fox spirits.” The use of alto and soprano recorders and unique keyboard / percussion effects helps create timbres and textures not often found in works at this level. A mysterious opening portrays an owl guarding a forest against wolves and kitsune. This moves into a vivid and wild depiction of the malicious yako (the mischevious trickster). The music then relaxes to depict the zenko, the benevolent kitsune. Eventually, the two compete against each other as the music comes to a riveting conclusion and your percussionists transform into a massive taiko drum ensemble. Incredible sounds for young bands! (B1432) $55.00
Kitty Hawk, 1903 - Willie Owens. The very first groundbreaking flight made by the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk comes alive through this stunning programmatic work. Beginning slowly with eager anticipation, the melody soon takes off, giving a truly euphoric feeling of flying. The introspective slow section focuses on Wilbur and Orville themselves before the rousing conclusion. Unique and unparalleled! (B1454) $55.00
Soaring! - Erik Morales. Showcase your band with this short and energetic work that captures the very essence of its title. The sweeping melodic lines are supported by a fascinating blend of harmony, rhythm, and orchestration. This ideal concert opener will grab and hold your audience’s attention while leaving your players with plenty of endurance for the rest of the program. Superb! (B1453) $50.00
Sprit of Liberty - William Owens. This intrepid concert march will thrill students and audiences alike from beginning to end! Catchy, upbeat melodies and engaging percussion parts come together to provide a march for young bands like no other. Absolutely fabulous! (B1430) $50.00
Tales of a Medieval Warrior - Travis J. Weller. This short three-movement work chronicles the epic life of a medieval knight in dramatic fashion. The first movement, A Call for Knights, portrays the sounding trumpets calling forth the knights. The expressive second movement, Courting a Lady, is a delightful opportunity to showcase some chamber music within the full ensemble. Brash and bold fanfares open the third movement, Winning the Joust, as the knight rides to victory atop unrelenting statements for the winds and driving percussion parts. Epic! (B1438) $55.00
FJH Developing Band Series Grade 1½
Egyptique - William Owens. Experience the beauty and mystique of all things Egypt through this skillfully crafted programmatic work. Exotic harmonies and colorful percussion scoring contribute to the magical nature of the piece. A mysterious opening quickly develops into a lively melody that is as intriguing and enchanting as the Great Land itself! (B1439) $45.00
Stampede - Brian Balmages. This innovative work uses optional audience participation to create the sound of a massive stampede moving through the concert hall. Beginning with simple harmonies to depict life on the open range, a distant bass drum roll indicates the beginning of the stampede. Members of the band (and audience) soon join in as the music continues to build. An aleatoric section with temple blocks simulates the sounds of racing horse hooves. Incredibly exciting with a multitude of original sounds! (B1449) $45.00
FJH Beginning Band Series Grade 1
Colliding Visions - Brian Balmages. Lyrical melodies meet powerful fanfares in this emotionally-charged work that tells the true story of a world premiere and a band program’s final performance. Sweeping harmonies push the threshold of the typical young band sound before the music charges forward in spirit and excitement. A final section slowly moves toward silence, leaving the audience in wonderment as to what will lie in the future. Mature sounds for young bands! (B1452) $40.00
Corps of Discovery - William Owens. Rich harmonies and bold melodies are at the center of this exciting program piece based on the epic expedition of Lewis and Clark and their entourage known as the Corps of Discovery. After the Corps' enthusiastic departure, a lush slow section soon finds our heroes Westward Bound. The music returns to its triumphant opening themes as they begin The Journey Home. Strong and powerful with ample opportunities for cross-curricular study! (B1428) $40.00
El Pato Loco (The Crazy Duck) - William Owens. Add some south-of-the-border flare to your next concert with this whimsical novelty work! Dedicated to those wacky, web-footed waterfowl that wander innocently through our parks vying for a quick snack, the music is based on Latin-style rhythms that are supported by an array of percussion instruments. You’ll even hear moments alluding to the great Toreador as the crazy duck comes for you! Lots of fun! (B1441) $40.00
FJH Starter Series Grade ½
Attack of the Garden Gnomes - Timothy Loest. This mischievous original tells the story of angry garden gnomes that carry out an attack against humanity. A bugle call sounds the charge as the diabolical mob marches into battle. Interesting percussion effects, accompanied by foot stomps and screams, will have your audience running for cover. A musical riot! (B1427) $40.00
Casey's Last Run - Timothy Loest. This heart-stopping work depicts the legendary train wreck of Casey Jones and Engine No. 382. Railroad warning bells and the release of steam announce the train's departure. Complex harmonies weave through various textures as the audience feels the clickety-clack of the railroad tracks. The suspense continues until the unavoidable impact in which students play any note. Amazing and substantive, yet with only six notes! (B1447) $45.00
Creatures in the Attic - Brian Balmages. "I have a little secret that I’ll no longer keep. Explaining lots of little sounds when everyone’s asleep..." So begins the poem that can be read by a student or faculty member before the performance. Mysterious effects and easy aleatoric passages combine to create a sinister background from which the creatures emerge. Imaginative and fun writing for the youngest of bands! (B1451) $40.00