INTROSPECTUS ET EXULTE for Solo Oboe with Band
WASHINGTON POST MORTEM (rhapsody on a well-known march theme)
AMERICAN CIVIL WAR FANTASY (Peer-Southern Music) – (GRADE 4)
Rhapsodic treatment of traditional American folk-songs, tracing the history of events leading up to, and through the American Civil War, culminating with a dramatic setting of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”. 2011-2012 marks the 150th Anniversary of that historic event.
AMERICAN VARIATIONS (GRADE 4)
A musical portrait of the United States as a series of ethnic variations on a single theme – in this case, one of the earliest popular songs of the original Colonies: “Barbara Allen”.
THE BAND PLAYED ON (GRADE 4) – WITH NARRATOR
A light, humorous display of EVERY INSTRUMENT in the modern concert band (with optional cuts for those that might not be part of the performing ensemble)
“BLOCK M” MARCH – (Belwin Music) – (GRADE 4)
Voted one of the 100 greatest concert marches, known and performed all over the world, generating strong audience response.
THE BOYS FROM LIVERPOOL – (Hal Leonard Music) – (GRADE 4)
A contemporary concert rhapsody based on the brilliant music created by THE BEATLES.
CARIBBEAN CRUISE (GRADE 4)
Musical portrayal of a typical holiday cruise through the Caribbean, culminating with a rhythmic fugue recalling the early days when Havana, Cuba was the “hot spot” everyone wished to visit!
CORTEGE (GRADE 4)
Dramatic processional march in ¾ time, originally commissioned by the U.S. Military Academy Band, features an optional “Drum and Bugle Corps” addition (which can be covered by the trumpet and percussion sections if desired), and builds to brilliant finish.
DETROIT RIVER Suite (GRADE 4)
A four-movement Suite depicting musically various scenes along the only waterway on which Canada is actually SOUTH of the United States, culminating in a salute to the two good neighbors via “The Ambassador Bridge”.
THE DRUMS OF AFRICA (GRADE 4)
Actually a mini “concerto” for percussionists performing on authentic African instruments (or conventional equivalents if more practical), the work is a musical portrait of the journey of this stirring music from Africa to the New World.
FANTASIA FOR FLUTES (GRADE 4)
Melodic show-piece for the entire FLUTE SECTION of the Band – showing off the instrument, but without undue challenge.
FIRST FUGUE FOR BAND (GRADE 4)
Prelude and Fugue in traditional form, but with more contemporary harmonies, exploiting the unique ability of the concert band to recreate, and even surpass, the towering sonorities of the great pipe organs.
THE FORTY-NINTH STAR (GRADE 4)
Modern, exciting concert march in 6/8 meter, written in honor of the admittance of Alaska into the United States.
JOHN DENVER – A SYMPHONIC PORTRAIT – (Cherry Lane Music) – (GRADE 4)
A rhapsodic salute to the beloved singer/composer based on some of his most popular hits.
LAND OF THE CZARS – (Peer-Southern Music) – (GRADE 2)
Three-movement suite musically depicting various elements of historic Russia.
THE LINE – (GRADE 4)
Original work with dramatic opening ultimately building to a thematic marching-song, commissioned for the 200th Anniversary of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
MAGNA CUM LAUDE (GRADE 4)
Commissioned for the dedication of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theater and Dance, this is a brilliant, highly dramatic processional march, building constantly to a towering finale.
MARCH OF CAROLS – (Peer-Southern Music) – (GRADE 3)
While originally scored for Marching Bands (popular in various Thanksgiving-day parades!), this makes an exciting, sonorous selection for concert band as well – perfect for the holiday season.
OVERTURE AL FRESCO – (Jenson Music Publications) – (GRADE 4)
Brilliant, rhythmic composition commissioned for the anniversaries of Phi Mu Alpha and Kappa Kappa Psi, the band honorary societies. An “Ensemble Concerto” featuring the entire Cornet and Trumpet section, with the band accompanying.
RHAPSODY ON RUSSIAN FOLKSONGS – (Peer Southern Music)
Created specifically for the first cultural exchange between the U.S and U.S.S.R., this dramatic setting of some of Russia’s most popular folk-songs created such a reaction from audiences, it had to be repeated before the concerts could continue!
SARABANDE (GRADE 4)
Dramatic concert piece featuring repeated rhythmic pairs in opposition to a soaring melody.
SCENES FROM “LA BOHEME” – (Hal Leonard Music) – (GRADE 4)
Created with special permission from the original publisher as a final, personal request from the famed conductor, William D. Revelli, presents the beloved melodies in rhapsodic form.
SHENANDOAH (GRADE 4) – WITH NARRATOR
A totally unique setting of the beautiful, traditional American Folk-song that becomes a symbolic illustration of contemporary ecological issues (presaged by an introduction by the Narrator), then resolves to a stirring emotional climax, before subsiding.
SUITE ITALIENNE – (Peer Southern Music) – (GRADE 2)
Surprisingly effective and fun to play three-movement work featuring a “Pines of Rome” type finale.
SYMPHONIC ESSAYS – (Composers Editions from Jenson Music) – (GRADE 5)
Four contrasting movements, each portraying a fundamental human characteristic: Emotion, Wisdom, Movement, Laughter.
SYMPHONY FOR BAND (GRADE 5)
Classical in form, but contemporary (yet tonal) in harmonic language, this three-movement work has been performed and praised all over the world, and its stirring final movement usually brings the audience to its feet!
THEY WALKED IN DARKNESS (GRADE 4) – WITH NARRATOR
Commissioned by Wayne Stated University in Detroit, this highly dramatic narrative with music traces the history and struggle of African Americans as they move towards a brighter future. The combination of narrative and music leaves a profound impression on audiences everywhere.
THE TRAILS OF TEXAS (GRADE 4)
The most popular traditional folk-songs of the “Old West” are woven together into a musical journey through the history of the “wide open spaces”.
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (GRADE 4)
Something different for a Holiday Concert – the traditional song presented via a set of variations and development sections expressing the joys of Christmas. Generates tremendous audience response.
VILLA LOBOS SUITE – (Peer Southern Music) – (GRADE 2)
Arrangements of several delightful children’s pieces by the famed Brazilian composer. Not overly challenging, but still musically expressive.