New Concert Band Music From Theodore Presser/Carl Fischer
James Bast, Retired
jbast1@verizon.net
Polar Vortex, by Gene Milford, Grade 3 Polar Vortex is a depiction of a winter storm inspired by the poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The Snow Storm.” The listener can hear the
various parts of the storm starting with the quiet opening section which is followed by an energetic, rhythmic section contrasted by a smooth, melodic section. The storm reaches a calm and ends with the motives of the earlier energetic section. The piece is quite playable by most high school bands and the first trumpet ends on a high “A.”
Dawn of the Spartans, by Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 2.5 Dawn of the Spartans was commissioned by the East Syracuse Minoa Education Foundation for the Pine Grove Middle School 7/8
bands. The music is supposed to foreshadow things to come, because this piece was commissioned for the inaugural performance of the newly renovated multi-purpose venue at the school. There is a nice melody that moves around the band, including the low brass, against a rhythmic background. The scoring is very light: 2 clarinet parts, 2 trumpet parts, and only one part for trombone, and alto saxophones. This arrange- ment might be more of a Grade 2 than 2.5.
When Hearts Tremble, by Brant Karrick, Grade 4.5
This composition definitely is intended for the more advanced high school band. The composer was commissioned to write the piece to celebrate the lives of two of the Jefferson High School Band (Georgia) who lost their lives in a car accident. “The first theme is a short, introductory fanfare, strong and bold, to stand for courage. The second dance-like melody features a liltingly
mixed meter to portray a youthful and carefree innocence. This soon changes into a third more song-like, and stately theme intended to pro- vide encouragement as we move forward though life.” The meters change rapidly through 5/8, 3/4, and 6/8. A strong 1st
tion ends going up to high “C.” If you want to challenge your advanced band, this is the piece. Brain Waves, by Grant Michel, Grade 3.5
The composer states: “Brain Waves is a serious and energetic composition for contest and festival performance that uses numerous meter changes and modern harmonies to provide a unique and satisfying experience for performers and listeners alike.” The woodwind parts are very playable with no major fingering problems. If you have a good 1st
trumpet who can play to high “A” and a capable trombonist the composition
should be playable by most advanced high school bands. Dream Engine, by Larry Clark, Grade 2.5
Larry Clark offers the middle school 7/8 bands a chance to play an interesting composition that gives the director a chance to effectively
teach articulation, dynamics, tempo changes, balance, and intonation. The scoring is very light: 2 clarinet parts, 2 trumpet parts, and only one part for trombone, and alto saxophones.
Amazing Grace, arranged by Tyler Arcari, Grade 3 “This setting of Amazing Grace is dedicated to Sean Miller and his family. Sean, a successful band director and emerging composer
passed away January 7, 2015 leaving behind a wife and two children.” The opening theme begins with French Horn and is cued in the alto saxophone. There are many arrangements of Amazing Grace, but I think you will find this selection to be quite different and a great addition to your concert band library.
TEMPO 36 JANUARY 2018 trumpet player is needed as there are many high “Gs” and the composi-
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
