Ensembles
Brass Quintet
EASY LEVEL
And All Was Well is a lyrical piece which features various players in the ensemble. This composition provides a great opportunity for musicians to develop many performance techniques, such as playing long, legato phrases, intonation and balance, as well as other musical concepts, including syncopated and dotted rhythms.
Barricade is a fun, high energy piece that gives beginning students the opportunity to learn to play with rhythmic precision and demonstrate their abilities as performers.
Ceremonious is a processional piece that focuses on the first seven notes learned in most method books. It is a great way to teach young performers about articulations, relationships between the instruments and their role within the ensemble. All parts are easy to learn, so less time can be spent on learning the music, and more time can be focused on dynamic contrast and balance, articulations, and tone control.
The term celestial has many different meanings: relating to the sky, space or the heavens. All of these things can be used to describe what is brought out by the performance of this piece. This theme goes through a number of transformations throughout the piece and gives the performers the opportunity to work on many elements and styles of performing, from light dynamics and articulations, into something that is meant to be played with more energy and heaviness.
Commemoration is a simple piece that can be used to teach students different articulations, dynamics, rhythmic styles, and balance. Following the fanfare-like introduction, the piece is composed using AABA form, where each instrument is given the opportunity to perform melodic material.
Downfall is a fun and aggressive, yet simply sophisticated piece that focuses on using the first notes learned in most method books. It is the perfect opportunity for performers to develop both individual skills, such as articulations, accidentals, dynamics and ensemble playing such as balance and call and response. Throughout the piece, each part is given the opportunity to shine by performing some form of the main melody.
The title of this piece is the perfect description of what the music conveys: happiness and joy. Every instrument is give the opportunity to perform melodic material, making it a fun performance for all.
This jump swing chart (a la Sing, Sing Sing) came into existence when a young drummer was being helped to learn the different swing beats often used in jazz music, many of which are used throughout this song. There are written out solos included for trumpet and trombone.
Fury of the Storm is a great piece to challenge and introduce beginning musicians to music with multiple elements occurring simultaneously. The piece consists of mainly two themes that are performed at separate points of the piece, and eventually come together in the final measures.
El Camino (The Road) is a Spanish march composed in the traditional style of a pasodoble. This piece is fast paced and energetic from start to finish and sounds more complicated than it seems! This is something a little different in the march category that will have audiences tapping their toes.
The Haunting of Keg Mansion opens by setting up the chilling sensation of a haunted mansion: dark harmonies and powerful dynamics. The main melody is quick and fidgety, much like that of a mischievous presence. The haunting setting continues with the striking chords in the middle contrasting section of the piece.
This is a celebration piece to honour those who risk their lives everyday to make our world a better place to live. Regal and heroic themes are contrasted by lyrical playing.
The Intrepid is a piece that is aggressive in nature, designed to depict someone that is brave, therefore a majority of the music is to be played bold and crisp. Melodies are relatively simple, using mainly the first six or seven notes taught in most method books. Strong rhythmic unisons, fun parts for all and even some clapping make this a hit with students and audiences.
This is a peaceful arrangement of a Canadian folk song that was adapted from a Traditional English riddle song by Nova Scotians. It is hauntingly beautiful and offers the opportunity for some lovely lyrical playing for the brass quintet. This folk song arrangement is part of a collection for young musicians celebrating Canada s 150th anniversary since joining Confederation.
Longships were sea vessels made and used by the Vikings from the Nordic countries for trade, commerce, exploration and warfare during the Viking Age. This piece reflects the expedition of such ships through its music, focusing on using the first six notes learned in most method books.
Mission:Secret is a classic spy tune written using a 12-bar blues form. It mostly comprises of a catchy bass line riff with a simple, sustained melody over top. Although short solos are written for trumpet and horn from measures 57 through 70, these may also be improvised using an C concert blues scale (C Eb F F# G Bb). Super Spy!
This piece is a celebratory work composed to reflect a special occasion. Even though it uses just the first six notes learned by many players, the various articulations and dynamics used make this a terrific piece filled with many teachable moments.
Motitus is Finnish military slang describing the tactic of totally encircling an enemy unit but, in effect, meaning an entrapment or envelopment. This piece is composed to create the musical depiction of an army trapping its enemy in this circle. Using mainly the first seven notes learned in most method books, this piece is great to use with a beginning musicians, or to further develop the musicality of developing musicians.
Scotland's Loch Ness may have the fame as far as lake monsters go but, for many monster searchers, Ogopogo — a creature said to lurk in Canada's Lake Okanagan (in British Columbia) — is most likely the best documented of all lake monsters. The Mystery of Ogopogo is a musical representation of the Ogopogo creature and features the trombone and tuba and is a great opportunity for students to learn and practice the different articulations and dynamics.
Out of the Shadows is a piece that follows the traditional march form, and is easy enough for early musicians to play, by focusing on the first six notes learned in most method books.
This piece, influenced by the music of the Orient, was composed using a minor pentatonic scale and focusing on the first six notes learned in most method books. Following ABA form, this is a perfect opportunity for performers to learn about contrapuntal textures, dynamic contrasts and a variety of articulations, through playing simple, memorable themes. Every instrument in the ensemble gets the opportunity to shine at some point in the performance.
A Peaceful Journey is the perfect description of what this piece is all about: calming, simple, and enjoyable to perform and listen to. This selection was composed with the intention to introduce very beginning band musicians to lyrical music and help them develop tone control and air support.
Reverie is a lyrical piece reflecting someone in a dream-like state. It is a peaceful song using repetitive melodic figures, lush harmonies and simple rhythms. There are a few brief solos but the majority of the piece is the ensemble playing the lush harmonies in various groupings. This is an excellent contrasting piece on a program or contest.
Ancient civilizations represent many things about life as we know it today: power, beauty, intelligence, and ambition. This piece reflects all of these qualities, from the driving force of the ancient armies, to the elegance of ancient architecture.
Ritual and Dance is a simple yet fun piece for young musicians. The opening measures create the dark, ritualistic feel of the piece with the rhythmic figure and open fifths being played by the ensemble. Strong melody and dynamic contrasts make this an excellent original work for beginning brass ensemble.
This piece was composed to reflect a medieval scene of an army attacking a castle. Fun parts to play for all while focusing on using the first six notes learned in most method books.
Through the Eye of the Storm is a piece full of suspense and intensity, describing the fury of a storm. It begins with strong dynamics, articulation and introduces the rhythmic drive that is carried throughout the entire piece. Energetic and exciting - the students will love this one!
Vida del Sol (Life of the Sun) is a straight ahead Latin chart with a catchy groove and interesting parts for all players. With lots of opportunity to work on both technical and jazz skills, young musicians will find this chart both fun and challenging to play. There are written out solos included for both trumpets and trombone.
The heather is one of the national flowers of Scotland. This purple flower flourishes in the damp, rainy weather of Scottish moorland, glens and hills. The piece opens with the instruments imitating the drone of the bagpipes setting the stage for a lone soloist. Throughout the remainder of the work the melody is passed to many voices. It is reflective and expressive.
Featuring a relaxed Latin style, this chart is scored to have fun parts for everyone. The main melody is based on a four note riff that you could literally sing the words ‘You are the one’ to every time you hear it. There are written out solos included for trumpet and trombone.
EASY-MEDIUM LEVEL
Another Mission: Secret is a sequel to the Mission: Secret. Like its predecessor, this chart uses all the qualities of a classic spy tune: 12-bar blues form, catchy bass riff, simple melody and suspenseful dynamics.
This lyrical piece is a modern lullaby. It begins with a peaceful feeling and slowly builds into a beautiful, chorale-like section, reflecting the wonderful dreams we have as we fall into our deepest sleep.
Blessed is a beautiful lyrical piece that uses a chorale style accompaniment to allow the focus to be solely on the melody. Written using the ABA form, the song’s simple stylistic features allow the ensemble to spend more time concentrating on learning the fundamentals of performing lyrical music: breath support, long smooth phrases, ensemble balance, and clear tone production.
This mournful piece is based on a Canadian folk song which is an account of the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, where the British, led by General Wolfe, captured Quebec City from the French, under General Montcalm. This lyrical arrangement makes use of rich harmonies influenced by jazz and pop music.
The Royal Fortune was the name Bartholomew Roberts, otherwise know as Black Bart, gave to the all the flagships of his fleet. He was considered to be the most successful plunderer of the Caribbean. This is fun piratey piece for all. Arggh!
Over time, there have been many great discoveries: inventions, energies, cyberspace, and new lands. This piece reflects the joys and excitement of making that discovery and enjoying its spoils.
The legend of the great city of Troy varies depending on historical or fictional belief. This city was the location of the long lasting Trojan Wars, between the people of Troy and the Greeks. The fall of Troy is probably most accredited to the Greeks plan to build the Trojan Horse, use it to sneak inside cities walls, and defeat Troy’s army while they slept. This story comes alive in music with fanfares, a sweeping lyrical section and the aggressive attack on the Troy. Fun to play and fun to listen to, there is something great to play in each part.
Using the style of Canadian folk songs from the east coast and the story telling features of Newfoundland, this piece is about a trip out into the ocean. The piece opens with the solemn, chorale-like movement Farewell, as the fisherman leaves his home and family to begin the excursion, and closes with Return to Harbour, an up tempo movement representing the worker’s successful homecoming.
“For the glory of my country” describes the passion and loyalty to one’s nation when a women or man joins the military. This piece is composed to reflect many feelings and emotions as a soldier goes off to serve his/her country.
Gods of Egypt is a piece composed with the flare of music of the Middle East. A strong opening using a traditional Middle Eastern scale and counter melody immediately create the feel for this piece.
Innovation is a musical representation of the city of Burlington, Canada moving into the future as an innovative community. As it continues to grow and develop, the city demonstrates its ingenuity through projects and the developments to the downtown core. Bold fanfares and great melodies will make this a successful choice on a concert or contest.
Set in a rollicking 6/8, this is a great piece to work on triple metre, changing articulations, dynamic contrast and many other elements. Very playable by a young ensemble, the musical elements and teachable moments will not only be a good learning experience for the musicians but fun too!
Jubilant Sky Fantasy is a fun, upbeat piece meant to bring joy and liveliness to both the performer and listener. The entire group gets a turn to shine with melody found throughout.Rhythmic and energetic lines help to propel this work from top to bottom.
Landfall is a term that is often used to describe the situation where a severe storm that develops over water, first reaches land. This piece reflects the events of disasters such as these in several ways. Strong melodies and rhythmic material drive this exciting piece from top to bottom.
The last line of defense is a term that refers to the final means of defense before the opponent reaches its goal, particularly in a war situation. This piece reflects that definition, as it has the fierce, excitement of a war and represents the bravery of the men and women that risk their lives to defend what is important to them.
Queen Anne's Revenge was the final ship sailed by Edward Thatch, also known as the pirate, Blackbeard. To give the "Pirate-like" feeling to the music, it has been composed in 6/8 time, as have many pieces about pirates. This is an arrangement of the best selling work for young concert band.
Legacy is a song heroic in nature and is a great way to introduce polyrhythmic texture to a young brass quintet. This piece opens with a high energy feel that can represent a hero, and uses a melody that focuses on a motif that is simple and memorable. Good fun for a developing brass quintet.
Maiden Voyage is a song about celebration. Although the term 'maiden voyage' refers to a boat's first adventure, it can represent any first successful event. Great rhythmic interest and memorable themes make this a fun piece to play and ideal for contest or concert use.
Pride and Valour is composed using a traditional march form, but incorporates the excitement of a bold, concert or festival work. Great melodies and countermelodies make this a strong work for developing brass quintet.
Shimmer is a calm, reflective piece that is reflected by the meaning of the word itself: to shine with a subdued flickering light, as in a reflection on water. The main melody is simple and repeated several times throughout, each time mixed with various harmonies, contrapuntal techniques, rhythmical figures, or counter melodies, to keep the music interesting for performers and listeners.
Sleepwalk is a jump swing chart following the tradition of Sing, Sing, Sing. Repetitive riffs are played by all instruments throughout that are guaranteed to get the performers and listeners excited about this chart.
Something Modal is a laid back jump swing chart. The melodies and backgrounds are very simple, yet very catchy. Chord changes are simple enough to open up opportunities for players to practice and show off their improvising abilities.
This is a highly energetic piece that your quintet and audience will certainly enjoy The piece opens with a mysterious feeling, introducing some of the melodic content, before moving into the fast (and triumphant!) tempo.
Inspired by two folk songs from the arranger’s Dutch heritage, Two Holland Tales is a piece that combines both lyrical and upbeat sections. Daar waren twee koningskinderen (There Were Two Royal Children) is the opening lyrical movement. The piece then moves into Toen ik op Nederlands bergen stond (I Once Stood On the Netherland's Hills). This is a fast movement in 6/8.
Western Fair is an energetic, uplifting piece that can be fun for both players to perform and listeners to hear. It is composed using two main melodies that are performed in many forms, combined in various fragments and supported with different harmonic backgrounds, giving it new life each time it is heard. The piece slowly builds from a simple horn solo into an epic, cut-time feel in the middle before driving to an exciting ending.
Wings of Fortitude is a concert march that reflects that definition: courageous, brave, and having tenacity. A powerful trumpet melody is contrasted with a smoother theme. The trio section features horn and trombone before the return of the trumpet melody punctuated with shot notes in all voices.
Utopia is a musical reflection of the bustling life of a big city. It opens using fanfare-like chords, to represent the perfection of this wonderful place. Melody is found in many sections of the band giving opportunity for all the instruments to shine.
MEDIUM LEVEL
The Conquest is a musical depiction of one going on a successful adventure, all complete with a suspenseful opening, a bold, motivic melody, a tragic, sorrowful chorale, a calming lyrical section, and a strong climactic ending.
Dynasty is a bold and exciting symphonic march. Contrasting theme and powerful low lines keep the energy up throughout this piece. Lightly articulated passages contrast the big, brassy sound making this fun to play and to listen to.
The title of this suite refers to the headdress (the 'glen') worn by the cadets of the Lorne Scots Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps and the 'galley' is the Galley of Lorne, which is displayed on the coat of arms for the Dukes of Argyll. This piece is set in 3 contrasting sections, each with a Scottish feel - The Sapling Grows, Colonel Parker and For Our Heritage.
The word jagged can be defined by either 1) having a rough or harsh quality or 2) having a sharply uneven surface or outline. Both of these definitions are reflected by this piece through the constant changing of feel, irregular rhythmical patterns, sudden dynamic changes, often changing of direction in melodies and motifs. Dramatic, catchy and exciting parts for all in this original piece.
Just Chillin’ is a fun, laid back funk-rock chart with simple repetitive melodies and a catchy accompaniment.
The Lion Heart is a great way to describe one who is brave, be it a soldier, knight, or a member of society who risks their lives everyday to keep others safe. This piece is meant to be strong from start to finish, with some short contrasting sections. This fun symphonic march offers interesting parts for all.
This terrific overture was commissioned by Ramer Wood Public School in honour of the school's 25th anniversary. This piece was composed to reflect both the history of the Ramer family and the celebration of the school's anniversary. It opens with material that is fanfare in nature to mark the special occasion. Fun and energetic, ensembles love playing these strong melodies.
She's Gone Mad has a repetitive riff-like melody that follows the harmonic changes played by the tuba. This chart is a great way to introduce, or reinforce, the concept of call/response and provides ample opportunity for your students to practice their improvising skills using a modal context.
Set in a shuffle style and including elements of New Orleans Jazz, The Way She Moves That Thing is sure to be a winner with both performers and audiences. Chord changes have been included in the trumpet parts to allow for improvisation but there is a written solo as well.
For those who have enjoyed Last Voyage of the Queen Anne's Revenge or Burning of the Royal Fortune, here is another exciting instalment to the pirate theme at a more challenging level.
This piece reflects the title accurately: chaotic, extreme contrasts and loud. Although it presents several challenges, it is a piece designed to capture the interest of both young musicians and listeners. Fiery rhythmic drive and memorable melodies will make this a successful choice on a concert or contest.
You Must Know opens with a fun mixture of syncopated rhythms and the power of a rock chart that will grab anyone's attention. This latin tune is meant to be played with lots of energy using an upbeat tempo to keep the excitement going throughout. The i-V7 chord changes are simple enough for performers to either play the written solos or improvise their own.
MEDIUM-DIFFICULT LEVEL
This piece was influenced by the music of the Middle East and India. Kaalin is the Hindi word for rug, much like the one ridden by Aladdin in the famous story. This piece can even be considered a programmatic piece, as if someone were riding a magic carpet through the Arabic or Indian communities.
The Burlington Teen Tour Band, described as Canada’s Musical Ambassadors, is a marching band which has performed all over the world. Recently the band celebrated its 75th anniversary and this piece was composed to celebrate the benchmark achievement. Set in three contrasting sections, this makes an ideal concert or contest selection. Driving rhythms and memorable melodies gives all players exciting parts throughout.