Vanguard, by Chris M. Bernotas, Grade 3.5
This composition is by one of New Jersey’s own: Chris M. Bernotas, a graduate of William Paterson University, and currently an instru- mental teacher at Mountain Lakes High School, NJ. “Vanguard starts with energy and in a fanfare style with strong brass lines and flourishing woodwind runs that generate excitement. The melodic line develops beginning with m. 25 and passes around the band, along with rhythmic interjections, which keeps the energy flowing. After a brief percussion transition, there is a welcome change in texture with a contrasting legato style section that builds and goes into several interesting harmonic and rhythmic twists before coming to a new theme at m. 94. The new melody grows and leads to another key with the brass presenting the melody with exciting woodwind runs. The opening woodwind flourishes and fanfare styles are brought back before a powerful inish. Vanguard provides an excellent challenge for all students and has opportunities for everyone to shine. Vanguard was commis- sioned for the opening of the Performing arts Academy at West Boca Raton Community High School in Florida, Larry Shane, Director.”
Virgo, by George Sweet, Grade 3
Virgo is an easy piece to perform. It has lush harmonies, a couple of simple melodies, and some inverted pyramid chords for contrast. This would be an excellent composition for a grade 3 band to work on intonation, blend, and dynamics. There are no problems with instru- ment ranges, there are simple meter changes from 2/4 to ¾ and it stays in the key of “C” throughout. It does require a decent mallet player in couple of spots.
The Past Is Always Present, by Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 3 This composition was commissioned by John and Elizabeth Youmans for the Schoharie Valley Concert Band. The Schoharie Valley has
many roots in the Native American culture and the music reflects some of that influence. There are interesting rhythms throughout the piece. The Misterioso and Maestoso sections provide contrasts to the melody. The Allegro sections never get so fast as to make the sections overly dif- ficult, but the alto and tenor saxophones have a few measures which will be a challenge for some bands to perform smoothly.
The Last To Fall, by Tyler Arcari, Grade 3
Tyler has written this composition to represent the transition between the last leaves of fall and winter arriving. The Last to Fall is simply written in 3/4, but requires three mallet percussionists to be effective. This may be a problem for some smaller bands. There are no range or rhythmic problems and it is well written.
The Grey Dawn Is Breaking, by James Meredith, Grade 3 The best description of this piece was written by the composer. “Good music played well inspires the imagination. The beautiful English/
Irish folk song Kathleen Mavourneen is the basis for this ballad. Here is an opportunity for young musicians to stretch their musical muscles by developing expression through dynamics, phrasing, and even rubato at the director’s discretion. Teenagers are all about feelings and this piece will allow them to truly feel as they grow in musicianship.” The few sixteenth note runs in the upper woodwinds are basically scale-like and easily played. This is another piece, however, that also requires a couple of good mallet players which could be a problem for bands that do not have a full instrumentation.
If I Could Fly, by James Meredith, Grade 3
This composition is intended to create the feeling of flying. There are a couple of unifying rhythms that persist throughout the piece that offer a contrast to the flowing melodic line. This would probably make a good closer to the end of the first half of a concert.
Dorian Dialogue, by Joseph Compello, Grade 3
This is a very interesting piece that is performed at a slow, steady march tempo in Dorian mode. There are two melodies that contrast nicely with each other and are performed together at the end. The composition invokes the feeling of the old English folk songs of Holst and Vaughn Williams. This would make an excellent opener for your concert.
Passerine, by Carl Strommen, Grade 3
Passerine is based on a Newfoundland folk song. This piece is interesting because of the excellent use of bassoon and alto saxophone. The melody is based in c minor and flows smoothly through the woodwinds and gradually builds to full band with lush chordal harmonies.
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