Grade 1-2 Concert Band
...And Goodnight - The famous Brahms Lullaby inspired this wonderfully lyric work and hints of it are heard throughout. With its modest ranges and rhythmic patterns, you'll have ample time to teach valuable musical concepts such as phrasing, tuning, balance, dynamics, and most of all, expression.
Check it out here.
Autopilot - With its catchy melody and exhilarating rhythm, every band member fills an important role in "Autopilot." The rhythmic theme leads to a legato section before the low brass and winds take over with the melody, finishing strong with the full band coming in for a landing.
Check it out here.
Armored Knights - A noble piece of music depicting the mighty protectors of the kingdom. It is an aggressive composition that has engaging parts for all students.
Check it out here.
Air and Jig - Introduce your students to the lyrical style and rollicking feel of traditional Scottish/Irish music. Opening with the memorable melody from Gilderoy, the arrangement transitions to The Jig of Slurs, a lively traditional Irish dance with a melody and feel that are totally infectious!
Check it out here.
Air Force One - Air Force One evokes the proud spirit that is symbolized by the famous Presidential aircraft. With its rhythmic drive and uplifting melody, this will quickly become a favorite of your students and audience alike. Every section of the band will keep busy as they take flight when performing this piece.
Check it out here.
All Fired Up - The title says it all in this spirited, hard-driving piece for young bands. A repeated eighth-note pattern maintains a strong pulse while syncopated rhythms add a thrilling musical element. The percussion section provides exciting and energetic momentum that contributes to this fun piece.
Check it out here.
American Frontier - Start a new life out west: load up your Conestoga wagon and travel to the American frontier. With some western flair, an upbeat tempo, and strong musical lines, this charming piece takes you back to the days of the wagon trains. Perfect for any concert program or contest.
Check it out here.
American Pride - This exciting and fun arrangement of two well-known patriotic songs is perfect for any occasion needed to show pride and appreciation for our country's freedoms. "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "America the Beautiful" will fill your students' and audiences' hearts with American pride. Great for a combined band concert grand finale. You can even invite the audience to sing along!
Check it out here.
Animal Parade - Imagine a procession of creatures from the wild kingdom marching by as you perform this fun-filled piece. Birds float by, followed by the clip-clops of the approaching horses, mighty elephants, and a brief appearance of lions as the parade ends. (Correlates with Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 1, level 4.)
Check it out here.
Attack of the Zombies - This is such a fun composition for beginning students. It is easy to play, with an introduction to some chromatics. Create your own zombie apocalypse for your next concert - your students will never have as much fun learning about music and playing their instruments!
Check it out here.
Battlestar - Spark the imagery in the minds of your students with the thrilling sounds of this creative work. The beginning features driving rhythms and an exciting dramatic melody that will grab everyone's attention from the start. An exciting battle scene and joyous victory follows, closing the piece with a celebratory note!
Check it out here.
Call to The Heroes - Heroes are around us everywhere in life and sometimes it takes extraordinary events to remind us. This piece was inspired by the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and the heroic acts of the first responders. Use this work to pay tribute to our everyday heroes, such as our parents, teachers, and peers.
Check it out here.
Circuits - Circuits is a rhythmically and harmonically engaging piece that will motivate your students and be an excellent vehicle for teaching rhythm and subdivision. The use of driving rhythm, metallic percussion and strong articulations and dynamics your students will be called upon to develop many musical concepts. Precise rhythm is a must when completing the circuit!
Available soon!
Check out the recording here.
Dancing Kites - The light and flowing melodies of this gentle piece will delicately float throughout the expanse of your concert hall. Your students will experience musical subtleties and nuance through the light, memorable melody and rich harmonies. Perfect programming for performing in a lyrical style. This piece is also available for string orchestra.
Check out the band version here.
Check out the string orchestra version here.
Distant Journeys - A strong sense of rhythm, dramatic melodic lines, and tension and release characterize the sound and feel of Distant Journeys. The rhythmic nature of this piece gives the sense of traveling and adventure, perhaps through the hot sands of a desert, or through a thick jungle. Let your students use their imagination to create their own journey through this piece.
Available soon.
Check out the recording here.
Doctor Rhythm - Here's a rocking, fun piece that can be used to help teach students to play with a steady and strong beat. It has a bluesy-rock melody, a groovy accompaniment and, of course, cowbell! An educational and entertaining vehicle for students to learn eighth-note subdivisions, articulations, dynamics, and phrasing in a fun and entertaining way.
Check it out here.
Dolce - is a sweet, lyrical piece that will highlight your ensemble's ability to play with a beautiful, balanced sound. All instruments have engaging parts through the sharing of melodic material, countermelodies, and lovely harmonies. (2:00) Correlated to Sound Innovations, Book 2, Level 2. I also wrote a string orchestra version of this as well. I hope you enjoy both!
Check out the band version here.
Check out the string orchestra version here.
El Toro - Help create all the thrills and excitement of the running of the bulls that takes place every year in the city of Pamplona, Spain. This colorful piece captures all the appealing Spanish flair with moments of harmonic tension and drama along with strong melodies and countermelodies. An exciting way to experience the adrenaline of the run and the celebrations of the fiesta.
Check it out here.
Explorations - Get ready to embark on a musical journey into uncharted territory, abundant with rich harmonies and a multitude of textures. The melody moves along with rhythmic interactions and catchy melodic motives as though following the terrain of a rich landscape. Everyone in the ensemble has an important role in the musical discoveries and can use their imagination to create their own musical expedition.
Check it out here.
Festival Fanfare and March - From the brilliant opening fanfare to the noble march, this little gem sounds more like an adventure movie score than an easy-level band piece. It's a spirited work for introducing students to 6/8 meter. Sounding a lot harder than it really is, this is a very likable piece for opening a concert, or for a music festival.
Check it out here.
Flash Flood - This work pays tribute to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Powerful and engaging, this piece was inspired by the human ability to rise from disaster and persevere with strength and pride after the floods brought on by Hurricane Irene.
Check it out here.
High Octane - Fire all cylinders! Using the optional synthesizer, this piece takes off and races from start to finish. Some dissonance adds a touch of the Doppler effect as you imagine the sound of cars zooming by. The ending builds with energy as the finish line approaches and completes with a victory lap. (Correlates with Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 2, Level 2).
Check it out here.
Heebie Jeebies - This is a fun composition that your students and audience will enjoy, playable at Halloween or any concert of the year. A great study for articulation and dotted quarter/eighth rhythms.
Check it out here.
Holiday Celebrations - Put your students and audience in the holiday spirit with this delightful medley of well-known songs of the seasons. The joyous Jingle Bells, the hauntingly beautiful Coventry Carol, and the driving Oh Chanukah all contribute to make sure this will be a favorite on your next holiday concert.
Check it out here.
In A New Light - A high-energy piece for young bands that musicians will be proud to perform. The opening section actively builds into a nice climax using the distinct thematic material, driving forward with playful interplay between woodwinds, brass and percussion. A section of repose follows, steadily building to a return of the opening material for an energetic and uplifting conclusion.
Check it out here.
March of the Robot Brigade - Here they come marching in... it's the robot brigade! This is a dramatic piece for beginning band that uses only the first six notes students learn. It also contains many meaningful teaching moments that that they're sure to benefit from. The low brass and low winds play a prominent role, keeping everyone active and involved.
Check it out here.
Mythos - This piece captures all the elements of Greek mythology in this exciting piece: the hero; the peril; the adventure and the conquest. This overture has appealing melodies, plenty of contrast and great percussion!
Check it out here.
Night Journey - Invite your students to take part in creating their own musical journey as they perform this exciting work. Powerful melodies and fleeting rhythms propel this piece from start to finish, feeding the imagination with its lively and creative sounds!
Check it out here.
Shadow Warriors - The mystery of the ninja comes to life in this dramatic piece for young band. Students can imagine their own storyline as they perform the strong rhythms and melody of "Shadow Warriors."
Check it out here.
Snowfall - "Snowfall" is a lyrical offering allowing us to reflect upon the peacefulness of snowfall and playfulness of a snow day. Beautiful melodic lines combine with dynamic contours and texture changes which add to the delightful character of the piece.
Check it out here.
Stonybrook Overture - Band students will enjoy rehearsing and performing this very pleasant overture. Both majestic and energetic, it's a perfect vehicle for rehearsing phrasing and articulation.
Check it out here.
Supernova - A Supernova is a massive explosion of a star that creates an immense force and energy. Supernova is an exciting piece that includes interesting harmonies, textures and rhythms. Driven by an energetic percussion section, young musicians will be engaged with strong rhythms are melodic motives. This piece is creative and crafted with student development and artistry combined.
Available soon.
Check out the recording here.
Sussex Anthem - This overture, with optional choir, can be used to honor all of your students for their dedicated pursuit of musical excellence, as well as to the dedicated educators that guide them. With its patriotic sound, memorable melody and feeling of pride, it will surely be a favorite for your students and audience alike as they celebrate their passion for music.
Check it out here.
Temple of Artemis - Artemis was the twin of Apollo and the goddess of hunting and the wilderness. Her images often evoke power and strength. Artist renditions of the great Temple of Artemis show an enormous structure that symbolizes the power of the goddess. This piece is filled with strong open harmonies and powerful rhythms. Block style is utilized as well as call and answer, which will help your students become independent in their performance. Technical challenges are limited, thereby allowing students and directors to focus on the artistic interpretation of the piece.
Available soon.
Check out the recording here.
To The Moon - To the Moon pays homage to the United States achievement of the first moon landing in 1969. To the Moon begins with the excitement and anticipation of the launch, the quiet before the incredible rumble of the engines. After the mood is set we launch and set off on a history changing journey traveling to the moon!
Check it out here.
Tribal Fusion - Head to the jungle with this rhythmically driven work for young bands. The percussion section leads the way as the winds play a melody that evokes images of long lost tribes living in the rainforest. Sure to be a big hit with your young players.
Check it out here.
Winds of Eternity - An exciting and brisk work for young bands. It sounds difficult, but is quite easy to play. 1st clarinets cross the break. 1st trumpet's highest note is D.
Check it out here.
Winter Whispers - There is something about a crisp winter morning that makes one feel at home and at peace. This lyrical original captures that feeling, and gives students an opportunity to perform in a legato style. Intriguing harmonies, a beautiful melody and a just a dash of holiday spirit will help make this one of your favorites.
Check it out here.
With Honor - Everyone in the band will sit a little taller when they play With Honor. The percussion section sets the stage for this proud march where everyone gets a chance to shine. Your students will ask for this piece again and again.
Check it out here.
Wind of the Waves - Take some time out for a musical day at the beach! The flowing musical lines recreate the soothing sounds of ocean waves, gently washing over the shore. The warm harmonies of this beautiful selection add to the emotional calm of this piece and will put you in the middle of this peaceful place.
Check it out here.
Worksite - Get ready to make music in a construction zone! This will quickly become a band favorite as you break out the buckets and garbage cans and place them in center stage for this unique percussion feature. Don't forget to set out the orange cones and yellow construction tape around the stage!
Check it out here.Fire all cylinders! Using the optional synthesizer, this piece takes off and races from start to finish. Some dissonance adds a touch of the Doppler effect as you imagine the sound of cars zooming by. The ending builds with energy as the finish line approaches and completes with a victory lap. (Correlates with Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 2, Level 2).