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EASY – EASY-MEDIUM – MEDIUM – MEDIUM-DIFFICULT
EASY
A HERO’S PROCESSION
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.
AND ALL WAS WELL
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.
AT FIRST LIGHT
At First Light is a lyrical composition and is as calming as a morning sunrise. Written in AABA form, the piece evolves from a quiet and peaceful opening to an exuberant ending, as the sun fully illuminates the horizon.
ATTACK OF THE DRONES
In music, a drone is a repeated or sustained pitch that provides a harmonic foundation for melodies and harmonies to build around it. This definition describes this piece perfectly as the entire piece revolves around the aggressive drone introduced in the opening of the piece. This is full of energy and exciting parts for all players.
BARRICADE
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.
BENEATH THE GOLDEN SKY
Beneath the Golden Sky is a lyrical song that allows an ensemble to develop its skills playing in 3/4 metre. Each part is given the opportunity to play melodic material at some point in the piece.
CELESTIAL
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.
CEREMONIOUS
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.
COMMEMORATION
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.
DARK SHADOWS
Picture a circus, with creepy clowns, an evil ringmaster and fierce animals, and you get Dark Shadows: a fun, yet twisted piece filled with interesting melodies and animated accompaniments. The opening sets the dark tone of the piece through a simple melody played above a drone before moving into the driving, circus style music.
DARKEST HOUR
The Darkest Hour is a musical depiction of an orc army ready to storm a castle. Intense and dramatic crescendos and suspenseful chords are complimented with strong themes in all voices. Lots of energy and excitement is created with limited notes suitable for this level of player. Fun to play and great for an audience to enjoy, this title is an ideal concert or contest selection.
DOWNFALL
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.
ECHOES IN THE TUNDRA
Echoes in the Tundra was composed to paint a musical picture of someone trying to survive in a dark, vast, snowy plain. Much of the piece uses call and response to represent the echoes in this environment. It is a simple, yet catchy and repetitive piece, making it the perfect first choice for any beginning ensemble to learn and perform.
EL CAMINO (SPANISH MARCH)
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.
EUPHORIA
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.
FRIDAY NIGHT SWING (WITH OPTIONAL DRUM SET)
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
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.
THE HAUNTING OF KEG MANSION
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.
I WILL GIVE MY LOVE AN APPLE
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.
THE INTREPID
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.
LAST VOYAGE OF THE QUEEN ANNE’S REVENGE
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.
LONGSHIPS
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 *Also available for Brass Quartet*
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 in the trumpet and trombone , these may also be improvised using an C concert blues scale (C Eb F F# G Bb). Super Spy!
MOMENTOUS OVERTURE
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
Mottos 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.
THE MYSTERY OF OGOPOGO
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.
ON THE MOVE
On the Move is the perfect song to transition students from the method book to playing ensemble music. Composed mainly using the first seven pitches learned in most method books and nothing faster than a quarter note, this piece uses unison rhythms with block harmonies to give performers more experience reading music that is not monophonic.
OUT OF THE SHADOWS
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.
PARADE OF THE EMPEROR
Parade of the Emperor is a perfect introductory piece into ensemble music. Not only does it primarily use the first six notes learned in most method books, but it focuses on using simple rhythms, a moderate tempo, and a repetitive and memorable melody that every member of the ensemble has the opportunity to play. It is also a great opportunity to introduce students to dynamic contrast, slurs and accents, and polyrhythmic texture.
A PEACEFUL JOURNEY
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
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.
RISE OF THE ANCIENTS
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
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.
SERENITY
Serenity is the perfect word to describe this lyrical piece: calm, peaceful and simple to perform. This selection was composed with the intention to introduce very beginning musicians to lyrical music and help them develop tone control and air support.
THE SIEGE
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
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!
TWILIGHT’S GLOW
Twilight’s Glow is a lyrical song that is a great option to introduce a developing ensemble to 3/4 metre. Composed using ABA form, this piece moves the melody through various sections to create different emotions and give the sensation of the final glimmer of light at the end of the day.
VIDA DEL SOL (WITH OPTIONAL DRUM SET)
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.
A WARRIOR’S DEPARTURE
As a brave warrior leaves their home to venture on a quest, they leave behind friends and family in search of honour and glory. This composition represents the emotions that are felt by A Warrior’s Departure.
THE WIND THROUGH THE HEATHER
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.
YOU ARE THE ONE (WITH OPTIONAL DRUM SET)
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
A FISHERMAN’S TALE – INSPIRED BY THE MUSIC OF NEWFOUNDLAND
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.
A NEW DAY
A New Day is a celebratory piece where the melodies, feel, and harmonies are bright and uplifting. Sweeping, grand themes are supported by light articulated passages.
ANOTHER MISSION: SECRET
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.
AS THE RIVER FLOWS
This lyrical piece is composed using ternary (ABA) form and gives every section an opportunity to shine. Filled with rich use of harmony and a flowing melody, As the River Flows is a great way to teach an ensemble expressive style.
AS WE SLEEP
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
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.
BRAVE WOLFE
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 BURNING OF THE ROYAL FORTUNE
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!
CHINOOK WINDS
This lyrical piece was composed to reflect the open plains and nature of the Prairie province of Saskatchewan, Canada. The melodies are moving, singable and memorable with every player featured at some point.
DISCOVERY
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 FALL OF TROY
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.
THE FINAL DESCENT
The term ‘final descent’ has many meanings. This composition is a musical representation of the last push to achieve a goal: it is suspenseful, dramatic, exciting, emotional and most importantly, fun to play!
FOR THE GLORY
“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.
THE GODS OF EGYPT
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
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.
INTO THE DARKNESS
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
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
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
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.
LEGACY
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
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.
OF FATE AND FORTUNE
Of Fate and Fortune is a great piece that focuses on one main theme that is manipulated to take on several forms throughout. The opening introduces both the main theme and the dark and powerful nature of the piece. It moves to a quick and driving tempo with contrasting countermelodies. Melody and fun parts are found throughout the ensemble.
PRIDE AND VALOUR
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
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 (WITH OPTIONAL DRUM SET)
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
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.
THE SPECTACLE
The Spectacle is a fast and energetic piece composed to reflect the excitement of witnessing something astonishing or ‘spectacular’ for the first time. This feeling is carried from the opening measure until the final chord is struck.
SPECTRE DANCE
Imagine what it would be like to walk through a graveyard just as the spirits awaken to have a party: dancing demons, skipping skeletons and frolicking phantoms. Set in a minor mode and using a waltz metre, Spectre Dance sets the mood of such a scene.
STORM THE KEEP
Storm the Keep is a fun, energetic piece that is perfect for introducing young musicians to playing in 6/8 metre. The rhythmic figures used are simple enough to help performers learn the feel for the time signature and all the parts easily interact with each other to allow musicians to follow along and play together as an ensemble.
TRIUMPHANT
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.
TWO HOLLAND TALES
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.
UTOPIA
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.
WESTERN FAIR
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
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.
MEDIUM
THE CONQUEST
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
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.
GLEN AND GALLEY
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.
JAGGED
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’ (WITH OPTIONAL DRUM. SET)
Just Chillin’ is a fun, laid back funk-rock chart with simple repetitive melodies and a catchy accompaniment.
THE LION HEART
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. The piece is meant to be strong from start to finish, with some short contrasting sections. This fun symphonic march offers interesting parts for all.
RAMER WOOD OVERTURE
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.
A RIFT IN TIME
The title, A Rift in Time, represents this piece perfectly, as it is a great way to introduce developing musicians to the 7/8 (2+2+3) metre, with the ‘rift’ being the extra beat in the ‘time’ signature to give the song the distinctive feel. Great rhythmic parts and memorable melodies are found throughout.
SHE’S GONE MADE
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.
THE WAY SHE MOVES THAT THING (WITH OPTIONAL DRUM SET)
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.
THE TIDES OF FATE
For those who have enjoyed Last Voyage of the Queen Anne s Revenge or Burning of the Royal Fortune, here is another exciting installment to the pirate theme at a more challenging level.
TURMOIL
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 (WITH OPTIONAL DRUM SET)
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
KAALIN’S FLIGHT
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.
PRIDE AND TRADITION
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.