Artistry First
 

WIND ENSEMBLE/BAND

Works are alphabetized by title.
To hear a work click on the "play" button.
For a brief biography, click on the composer's name.
Instrumentation is for standard wind band unless noted otherwise.

• See Index of Works by Programming Type
• See Index of works by Composer.

Angel’s Journey, The (1999) by James Lentini

    This fresh and sophisticated one movement work is full of beautiful contemporary sounds that keeps the listener involved and offers a variety of soloistic and ensemble opportunities.  The writing respects the wind ensembles coloristic potential through sensitive orchestration.  An excellent serious minded work to balance out a contemporary program.  Lentini brings his own unique background as a guitarist to bear on this work and has been able to produce a fresh sound.

Standard instrumentation + harp, piano/celeste
Duration: 12’    Gr. 5     Full Set $125.    Extra Score $20.

    If you're looking for a highly dramatic work that almost explodes this is it.   Features nine percussion in a single movement inspired by Dante's Inferno.   Dense sonorities are used that only a wind band can produce and percussion writing that ranges from subtle to highly aggressive.  This is exciting music with tonal relief coming near the end.  An excellent way to feature percussion.

Picc, 2 fl, ob, Eb cl, 3 cl, a cl, b cl, bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp, 4 hrn, 3 trb, bar hrn, tba - timp, 8 perc
Duration: 12'    Score for Sale $25.     Parts on Rental $175.

    "Canto IX is a wonderfully crafted composition which provided the listener with a most interesting palette of colors.   Scearce has captured his creative expression in a dramatic fashion."  --Ray Cramer, Director of Bands, Indiana University

    "... a colorful journey through the darkest hell.  I loved the challenge it gave my band to grow both technically and musically."  --Grant Okamura, Director of Bands, University of Hawaii

    This one movement work inspired by American painter Andrew Wyeth's haunting image of Christina Olson is smooth, haunting and filled with color.  By producing a unique sound world this work sounds fresh and subtle.  It springs out of it's own compositional material and shows the colorful sensuous sounds available to the wind ensemble.  Fuch's is Director of the School of Music at the University of Oklahoma and an active composer with a diverse output.

Standard instrumentation + harp
Duration: 11'    Gr. 5-6    Full Set $125.    Extra Score $20.

    A one movement masterful display of the variety of sounds available in the wind ensemble.  Contemporary techniques are used to create a challenging exciting work with bite and a big energy driven finish.  This work, along with Music for Agamemnon, represent the only two works for winds by this important American composer.  Compact and very exciting.

2 picc, 2 fl, 2 ob, Eb cl, 4 cl, a cl, b cl, 2 bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp, 4 hrn, 2 trb, b trb, bar hrn, 2 tba - cb, 6 perc
Duration: 12'   Score for Sale $20.    Parts on Rental $175.
Other Works by this composer

    A three movement "small concerto" for tuba and winds that is a welcome addition.  Any tubist will attest to the few choices available in this repertoire and this work proves to be exciting and energetic while remaining technically accessible for students or guest artists. The energetic first movement is in sonata form, followed by a beautiful ABA song form slow movement and concluding with an exciting rondo.  A perfect work for spotlighting a faculty, guest artist, or student soloist.

Duration:15'    Gr. 5    Full Set $150.     Extra Score $30.
Other Works by this composer

    One of the few contemporary, yet very playable, flute concertos with wind ensemble.   Employs some extended techniques and nontraditional effects within the context of tonality and traditional three movement form.  The solo part showcases both technical and lyrical extremes.  An exciting work that can be used with a guest artist or flute instructor.  Displays the wind ensemble as a serious context for extended works.

Solo fl - picc, 2 fl, 2 ob, 3 cl, a cl, b cl, 2 bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp, 4 hrn, 3 trb, bar hrn, tba - timp, perc
Duration: 22'    Score for Sale $40.    Parts on Rental $200.
Other Works by this composer

    "The 'Flute Concerto' by Glazer is very accessible to both listener and performer, while making no compromise in technical or musical demands.  It is a joy to prepare and hear.  The effort required to perform the work pays rich dividends."  --Michael Stoune, Professor of Flute, Texas Tech University

    Winner of the 1984 National Band Association Composition Contest and the 1986 Virginia CBDNA Composition Award, this three movement concerto uses densely chromatic, yet accessible language.  Challenging and serious, giving all sectoins an opportunity to display their virtuosity.  A great showcase of contemporary music.

Picc, 2 fl, 2 ob, 3 cl, b cl, 2 bsn 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp, 4 hrn, 3 trb, bar hrn, 2 tba -pno, timp, 3 perc
Duration: 13'    Score for Sale $25.    Parts on Rental $185.
Other Works by this composer

    This exciting work uses a contemporary musical language and style within the grade 4 boundaries in the form of a four movement modern suite.  It captures sophisticated compositional writing that is still accessible to most ensembles.  Featuring programmatic movements like "The Fanfare of Chaotic Good" and "Dance of the Alien Creatures" it will conjure up strong visual images as well.  Full of bite, humor and wit it is a perfect work to open any program.  If you've been looking for a work to introduce students to a more advanced  musical style this would be a good starting  point.  Rhodes, a graduate of Duke University and Yale University, is Composer-in-Residence at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Duration: 8'   Gr. 4   Full Set $100.     Extra Score $13.
Other Works by this composer

    A beautifully lyrical 8 minute fantasy on the Irish tune O Danny Boy that pushes beyond the original material in a transparently orchestrated setting.  This work is smartly scored for color and clarity and the solo saxophone has ample room to develop the original tune.  A subtle fantasy that develops the folk tune, rather than repeating it through numerous variations, and in the process the work takes on a life of its own.  Perfect for spotlighting a guest artist, faculty saxophonist, or advanced student.  Emerson is a noted young composer and a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music.  He currently resides in Sandown, New Hampshire.

Duration: 8'   Gr. 5   Full Set $100.     Extra Score $13.

    This ingenious work of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic development by American composer Dudley Buck (1839-1909) is a popular orchestral rental in the Fleischer Collection at the Free Library of Philadelphia.  This transcription is meticulously based on the corrected orchestral version. A noted organist and composer of sacred music, Buck was also an organ instructor at Yale of a young student named Charles Ives.  Exciting and full of great contrapuntal writing.  An excellent concert opener.

Duration: 7'   Gr. 5   Full Set $100.    Extra Score $13.

    "Kennedy's transcription is a gourmet entree. This transcription presents for the wind world the most enjoyable aspects of the original - from the skillfully crafted upper woodwind lines that reflect the giocoso string writing to the thunderous final tutti section.  Given that so much of the early American wind band's most cherished repertoire is transcribed from orchestral, vocal or keyboard music, this fine modern transcription reflects the intersection of histories that is the contemporary band world."  --Thomas Duffy, Associate Dean and Director of Bands, Yale University

    A mysterious abstract Adagio for wind ensemble.  Exploits the sonorities of the woodwind and brass choirs by separating them on stage.  Further spatial sound is achieved through an off-stage right flugelhorn and off-stage left percussion.  A dramatic quiet ending requires the ensemble to briefly sing and fuse together separate blocks of woodwind and brass chords.  An excellent work to develop skill in sustaining an Adagio and capture a dark numinous sound world.

2 fl (1 dbl picc, 1 dbl a fl), 2 ob (1 dbl eng hrn), 3 cl (1 dbl Eb cl), b cl, 2 bsn (1 dbl c bsn), s sax, a sax, t sax, b sax - 4 trp (1 dbl picc trp, 1 dbl flug hrn), 4 hrn, 3 trb, b trb, bar hrn, tba - cb, pno, hp, 3 perc - solo flug hrn
Duration: 12'    Score for Sale $20.    Parts on Rental $175.
Other Works by this composer

    "... utilizes the fullest diversity of the wind and percussion sonorities, yet remains accessible to players and the listener.   Syler's innovative writing reflects a dramatic complexity and subtleness rarely experienced in compositions for this medium."  --Richard Johnson, Director of Bands, Salisbury State University

    "A provocative piece that will stir the emotions of both the ensemble and the audience.  Another winner by this talented composer!"  --Lt. Col. Richard Shelton, Conductor, United States Air Force Band of Flight

    This never before published work of American composer Arthur Bird (1856-1923) is the composer's only surviving work for military band.  It's been edited for standard instrumentation and brought back to life with a new set of parts and score.  Bird was a student of Liszt, spent most of his life in Berlin and wrote in a late Romantic style.   This work is a rousing French theater style galop, expertly orchestrated, with a flowing lyrical Trio section.  A perfect way to open a concert or include as an encore.  Previously unavailable to the band literature until this publication.

Duration: 3'30"   Gr. 4   Full Set $70.    Extra Score $10.

    "If you're looking for that 'tasty novelty' to send folks home with a smile on their face, try this setting of Bird's 'Galop'.  Great fun!" --James Croft, Director of Bands, Florida State University

    "An outstanding find!  A superb performance edition and important addition to the wind literature.  Bird's 'Galop' is a delightful gem playable by high school and university groups , and the only the extant work by this overlooked American composer.  Don't miss it!" --Artie Clifton, Director of Bands, Jacksonville University

    Winner of the 1993 Arnald Gabriel Award and the 1993 National Band Association Composition Contest, this six movement work is full of drama and lyricism.   Dramatically conceived after the poem of the same name, its writing style is rooted in postmodern eclecticism.  Uses an antiphonal trumpet and provides an excellent opportunity for exposure to minimalism, 12-tone and singing lyricism within the context of a programmatic work.

Picc (dbl fl), 2 fl, 2 ob, eng hrn, Eb cl, 3 cl, a cl, b cl, cb cl, 2 bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - solo trp, 3 trp, 2 cor, 4 hrn, 3 trn, b trb, bar hrn, 2 tba - cb, pno, timp, 4 perc -  optional 2 vc
Duration: 19'    Score for Sale $40.    Parts on Rental $200.
Other Works by this composer

    "Using a variety of styles the composer has created a work that is beautifully expressive and dramatic."  --Frank Battisti, Conductor, New England Conservatory of Music

    "Syler is a masterful orchestrator and utilizes a wide variety of styles with skill and imagination."  --Malcolm Rowell, Director of Bands, University of Massachusetts

    "... a masterfully crafted work by this gifted young composer.  It is a challenging composition destined to enrich the contemporary wind band repertoire..."  --Arnald D. Gabriel, Conductor Emeritus, United States Air Force Band

    From the composer of Aegean Festival Overture this exciting two-part work is rooted in the composer’s Greek heritage and reflects a unique compositional style.  The work builds to mult-meter dance and ends with a big finish.  This is a contemporary work that balances its forward looking language with accessible traditional dance elements.  The type of work that can fit into any program.   Makris, now retired, was for many years a violinist in the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC.

Duration: 6’    Gr. 5     Full Set $100.     Extra Score $13.

    Commissioned by a consortium of  23 high schools and colleges this 7 minute grade 4 work is perfect for high schools, colleges, or as a new work to take along when invited to guest conduct  honor bands.  After a calm introduction it moves into a four-part overture with strong melodic themes and contrapuntal writing.   All smartly orchestrated to make any ensemble sound good.  What sets this work apart from so many others at this level is its avoidance of formulas and trite musical material.   Likeable, sophisticated music at a very playable level.   Adderley is a noted composer working in a variety of forms and currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina.

Duration: 7'   Gr. 4   Full Set $100.    Extra Score $13

    Commissioned by the University of Wyoming, this daring one movement work uses aleatoric techniques and contemporary melodic-harmonic language to create a unique work full of unexpected sounds and textures.  Also uses a synchronized electronic tape.   There are few serious works available for trombone quartet and winds - this one is a great contribution.  Adventurous and challenging.  You'll hear things you never thought possible.

3 fl, 2 ob, 3 cl, b cl, 2 bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 4 trp, 4 hrn, 2 tba - solo trb qt (1 b trb) - tape, timp, 3 perc
Duration: 12'    Score for Sale $20.    Parts on Rental $175.
Other Works by this composer

    Commissioned by the United States Air Force Band this one movement Third Stream fusion-type work explores the relationship between jazz and Baroque styles. In a concerto grosso setting it employs bebop and contemporary styles in a highly energized work that "smokes".  No improvisation required.  Surprise ending has the full ensemble on a "tutti blow".  A kind of  Ives meets Charlie Parker.   Challenging.

Solo quartet: s sax, a sax, t sax, b sax - 2 fl (1 dbl picc, 1 dbl a fl), 2 ob, eng hrn, Eb cl, 3 cl, b cl, ca cl, 2 bsn (1 dbl c bsn) - 4 trp (1 dbl picc trp, 1 dbl flug hrn), 4 hrn, 3 trb, b trb, 2 bar hrn, 2 tba - cb, pno, hp, 4 perc - tape, optional 2 vc
Duration: 10'    Score for Sale $20.    Parts on Rental $175.
Other Works by this composer

    "What a romp!  Any serious conductor who's also a true lover of bebop should know about this work.  It's eclectic, but great fun - artistically conceived and skillfully orchestrated."  --Stephen Squires, Conductor, Northern Illinois University

    "The audience thoroughly enjoyed the fresh sounds of this piece.  Syler has achieved a pleasing marriage of the bebop idiom and the sonic possibilities of the wind band.  His use of simultaneous musics is extremely effective."  --Fred Allen, Director of Bands, Stephen F. Austin State University

    If you're looking for a crowd pleasing, barn burnin', hoedown this is it.   Based on an old American square dance fiddle tune, this work is pure fun and expertly crafted with alternating rhythmic woodwind and brass writing.  Even includes an optional solo fiddle part.  Out-of-print for many years it's available again and will reintroduce the next generation to the exciting writing of this significant American composer.  Reed retired in 1976 as Professor Emeritus in Theory and Composition from Michigan State University and now resides in Arizona.

Duration: 5'   Gr. 5    Full Set $90.    Extra Score $13.
Other Works by this composer

    "Reed's 'Missouri Shindig' is one of the few works that can truly be called Americana.  The flavor of Copland's 'Hoedown' resonates through this charming yet challenging opus.  This is contemporary music with the composer's mind on the audience.  I am so happy that this music will again be available.  It is a joy to perform!"  --Stanley DeRusha, Director of Orchestral Activities, Butler University; Resident Conductor, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

    A concentrated and dramatic work commissioned by Ingolf Dahl in 1966.  It follows the Greek play of murder and in retrospect is a prophetic metaphor of its era.   Many works of the 50's and 60's are being reexamined in light of our current eclecticism.  This work still sounds fresh after thirty years.  An excellent work to introduce contemporary compositional language and abstract musical concepts.

Picc, 2 fl, 2 ob, eng hrn, Eb cl, 4 cl, a cl, b cl, 2 bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp, 4 hrn, 2 trb, b trb, bar hrn, tba - cb, timp, 4 perc
Duration: 6'    Score for Sale $10.    Parts on Rental $100.
Other Works by this composer

    This exciting work was discovered at the Colcultura National Institute in Bogota, Colombia by Dr. Kenneth Singleton of the University of Northern Colorado.  The composer has transformed the melodic and rhythmic fabric of Colombian and  South American folk music into a sophisticated contemporary concert work. Consisting of five movements, this 13 minute work offers a wide variety of emotions within a unified structure.  Atehortua was a student and orchestrator for Alberto Ginastera and has also studied with Aaron Copland, Luigi Nono, Oliver Messiaen and Iannis Xenakis.  He is one of South America's most respected composers.  This is the first in a series of works from South America.

Duration: 13'   Gr. 6   Full Set $125.     Extra Score $20.

    A beautiful Andante work full of lyricism and rich harmony by one of America's most important composers.  Chadwick himself indicated that each of the four movements could be performed separately.  This work has a warm lyrical folk-like melodic character and is a welcome addition, particularly as an alternative to the standard Christmas works.  Chadwick (1854-1931) was a leading figure in the Second New England School of composers, a conductor, teacher, and for many years director of the New England Conservatory in Boston.  Not simply a holiday piece, but a colorful opportunity to display rich sonorities and lyrical playing.

Duration: 7'    Gr.4-5   Full Set $100.     Extra Score $10.

    "Although there is a great deal of Christmas music arranged for concert band, it is very challenging to find artistic music appropriate to the season.  Chadwick's 'Noel' has worked very well for us in that regard and I have grown to appreciate its beauty as we have been able to uncover melodies and colors in our preparation."  --Jeffrey Doebler, Director of Bands, Valparaiso University

    A one movement work that uses a meteorlogical term as a metaphor for the musical processes at work in the piece.  Layers of music converge and diverge, change and evolve.  Uses contemporary techniques in an accessible eclectic language.   Eleven connected sections give it enough space to develop its material.  Very exciting and a unique work without being obscure.

Picc, 4 fl, 2 ob, eng hrn, Eb cl, 6 cl, b cl, 2 bsn, c bsn, s sax, a sax, t sax, b sax - 4 C trp, 4 hrn, 3 trb, bar hrn, 2 tba - cb, pno (celeste), hp - timp, 5 perc
Duration: 17'    Score for Sale $30.      Parts on Rental $185.

    A mature late work by the composer of La Fiesta Mexicana that emphasizes color and minimalist techniques in a lyrical tonal setting.  Near the end a men's chorus (or taped chorus) enters on a Latin chant to create an ethereal ending.  A very subtle work, beautifully orchestrated to heighten its impressionistic shimmer.

Picc, 3 fl, 2 ob, 3 cl, a cl, b cl, ca cl, 2 bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp (dbl 5 tuned glass crystals), 4 hrn, 3 trb, bar hrn, tba - timp, 4 perc, men's chorus (or taped chorus)
Duration: 9'    Score for Sale $18.    Parts on Rental $150.
Other Works by this composer

    Based on the ancient Christmas day text, this one movement work requires very controlled wind playing and attention to balance with the soprano vocal.  Dramatic intensity is achieved through the Latin text , ethnic hand percussion and by holding back the wind sound.  Originally a choral work, it can be performed with chorus and/or the organ part.  An excellent lesson in beauty through controlled intensity.

Solo soprano - 2 fl, ob, 3 cl, b cl, 2 bsn, s sax, a sax, t sax, b sax - 4 trp, 4 hrn, 4 trb, bar hrn, tba - cb, pno, hp - 4 perc - optional organ, chorus
Duration: 12'    Score for Sale $20.      Parts on Rental $175.
Other Works by this composer

    There are very few works for solo trombone and wind ensemble.  This is a worthy contribution in three movements that gives ample space to the soloist and maintains an interesting accompaniment in the winds.  Presents a strong balance between rhythm and lyricism.  Perfect for an advanced student, faculty member or guest soloist.  The kind of work you won’t find anywhere else.

Duration: 12’     Gr. 5    Full Set $125.    Extra Score $20.

    Ms. Lee was born in Seoul, Korea and brings to her compositions a unique synthesis of East and West.  Scored for solo piano, 10 orchestral winds and 3 percussion, it is a tour de force.  Spiky, powerful and very energetic with a slow movement that is remarkably beautiful in a nonwestern way.  This is a superb serious work and a major contribution to the repertoire.  Challenging and worth the effort.  Lee currently teaches at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio.

Picc (dbl. fl), fl (dbl. alto fl), 2 cl, tpt, 2 hrn, trb, bs. trb, tba, 3 perc.
Duration: 22’    Gr. 6     Rental $225.     Extra Score $40.

    An elegant and very playable work that has sweep and emotional intensity.  Too many works at this level fall into formula and tired clichés, but Frantzen has captured a sound that is fresh and moving. It also breaks from the five to seven minute tradition by allowing itself to stretch out and capture a longer line.  Frantzen currently resides in California and is devoting himself full time to composition.

Duration: 12’    Grade 4     Full Set $125.    Extra Score $18.

    Commissioned by the University of Illinois Band, this exciting work represents the artistic and creative imagination of this significant American composer.  Based on a three note motive, this ternary one movement is a large ensemble showcase full of lyricism, quartal harmony, contrapuntal lines and rhythmic punch.  It is representative of significant band literature from the previous generation that has fallen out-of-print.  Available again, it will thrill players and audiences alike.   Reed retired in 1976 as Professor Emeritus in Theory and Composition from Michigan State University and now resides in Arizona.

Duration: 8'30"   Gr. 5    Full Set $110.     Extra Score $13.
Other Works by this composer

    "A very attractive work by one of our most important composers.  A mature ensemble will find the musical, rhythmic and technical challenges of the piece to be extremely worthwhile.  It is great to have this outstanding composition back in print!"  --John Whitwell, Director of Bands, Michigan State University

    Commissioned by Robert Reynolds at the University of Michigan where Ms. Sandler recently completed her doctoral studies, this is a high energy metallic romp written as a tribute to the women of WW II and their work in the war effort of WW II.  The percussion battery is focused on metallic sounds and the ensemble has opportunities ranging from aggressive dissonance to warm relief.  An excellent centerpiece or conclusion to any program.

Duration: 10'    Gr. 6    Full Set $135.    Extra Score $20.

    Winner of  two national composition awards this work is no average concert overture.  Full of exciting contrapuntal writing and contemporary harmony, the title refers the Baroque notion of an ornamented melody.  An excellent alternative to the standard overture that builds to a thundering climax.  Gottschalk is on the faculty of the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston, Texas.

Duration: 5'    Gr. 5    Full Set $85.     Extra Score $12.
Other Works by this composer

    "A tightly controlled use of musical materials constructed in a Hindemithian style. There is a plethora of band music that never gets beyond homophonic writing and as a result fails to provide the student musician the opportunity to play independently.  This work is just the opposite, giving players solid angular lines and fugal material in a powerful and exciting work that builds to a big finish."  --James Syler, Composer

    A dramatic 12 minute work completed in 1997 by Tyler Goodrich White,composer/conductor and director of Orchestral Activities at the University of  Nebraska.  As a tribute to the children of the war torn former Yugoslavia, the music is contemporary, big and bold without loosing its way.  This is exciting music that avoids all the usual cliches and formulae by being tightly composed and always driving forward.

Standard instrumentation + piano
Duration: 12'   Gr. 5-6   Full Set $125.    Extra Score $20.

    A singing expressive work full of impressionistic color is what this work is about. Commissioned by Eastern Michigan University it is a very playable grade four work scored or clarity and harmonic richness.  It uses some simple aleatoric techniques within a context of moving lyrical lines and colorful chord progressions.  Perfect for teaching, developing blended sonorities and phrasing of espressivo lines.  Has a beautiful turn to major near the end and a quiet close.  Glazer is a composer and Chairman of the Department of Music at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.

Duration: 7'30"   Gr. 4    Full Set $100.     Extra Score $13.
Other Works by this composer

    "Glazer has an ear for color and texture, and the talent for scoring which makes 'Shadows of Uncounted Journeys' a wonderful addition to the wind band repertoire.  Technically within the capability of accomplished school groups, the challenges in the piece lie in the realization of the sonorities and timbres imagined by the composer."  --Max Plank, Director of Bands, Eastern Michigan University

    Another excellent contribution to the grade 4 repertoire that avoids formula writing and clichés.  Highly lyrical and packed with counterpoint to produce a flowing work that gives off a sense of joy without being sentimental.  All within a very playable level of technique.  Bazsali is a young composer of the next generation and is already producing honest music of significance.

Duration: 6’    Grade 4      Full Set $100.    Extra Score $13.

    This three movement work is titled after the Esperanto word for "spirit states". It begins with a fanfare based first movement, followed by a chamber music based slow movement, and concludes with a joyful dance-like finale.  A very accessible work that isn't overly difficult and doesn't forsake contemporary styles in its playability.

Picc, 3 fl (dbl a fl), 2 ob, 2 bsn, Eb cl, 3 cl, a cl, b cl, cb cl, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp (dbl flug hrn), 4 hrn, 2 trb, b trb, 2 bar hrn, tba - timp, 3 perc
Duration: 12'    Score for Sale $20.    Parts on Rental $175.

    "...an excellent composition for the small college band that has strong principal players.  It could be placed anywhere on the program and Gaines' orchestration makes the composition a joy to hear and perform."  --Harlan Parker, Conductor, Peabody Conservatory of Music

    Commissioned by a nine university consortium, this extended one movement work uses early jazz styles common to New Orleans to intensify the reality of despair in this infamous prostitution district.  The ensemble setup is reconfigured to a mixed choir approach with winds in mixed trios and percussion up front.  Contemporary techniques mixed with early jazz musics and a quiet dramatic ending by an off-stage soprano voice.   Intended as a companion to Minton's Playhouse.

Solo alto sax, solo soprano - 2 fl, 2 ob, 8 cl, b cl, 2 bsn, s sax, t sax - 3 trp, flug hrn, 4 hrn, 4 trb, bar hrn, 2 tba - cb, hp - 4 perc
Duration: 17'    Score for Sale $30.    Parts on Rental $185.
Other Works by this composer
 

    "Through a brilliant use of the wind ensemble colors, Syler has captured the expression of Storyville and its people.  He is a truly gifted and creative young composer whose contributions to wind band literature are to be cherished.  'Storyville' is a particularly moving and emotional experience." --Bobby Francis, Director of Bands, Texas A&M-Commerce University

    This grade 3 work is the first in the new Young Band Editions series and provides many of the teaching points necessary for building fundamental musicianship. Contrapuntal lines, color, full ensemble sounds, independence and rhythmic playing all within a work that doesn't lower it's musical standards.  Detailed musical notes are included to aid the conductor in the pedagogical aspects of the piece.  This work was long out-of-print, but is available again exclusively from Ballerbach.

Duration: 5'    Gr. 3    Full Set $80.     Extra Score $12.
Other Works by this composer

    A large five movement 35 minute work for soprano soloist, wind ensemble and chorus that was commissioned by a consortium of 42 universities and colleges from around the United States. Created in an oratorio like form, it has the grandeur and long line needed to sustain itself.  Clear orchestration, big melodies and sweeping lyricism produce a work that is apart from the traditional band or choral repertoire.  Requires stylistic maturity and a large chorus.  Syler is active as a composer of wind, choral and orchestral works and is the founder and publisher/editor of Ballerbach Music.

Standard instrumentation + harp, celeste, solo soprano, SATB chorus
Duration: 35’    Grade 6     Rental $450.    Extra Score $50.
Other Works by this composer

    A three movement work that gives everyone a chance to shine.  The first movement is in traditional sonata-allegro form, the second is  lyrical and angular, and the third is more minimalistic with melodic lines from the opening movement.  Ranges and technical demands have been kept reasonable to make this work sound well and playable by most ensembles.  Employs meter changes, four active percussion and some simple contemporary techniques.  An excellent work to introduce the symphonic form in a brief accessible work.

Picc, 2 fl, ob, 3 cl, a cl, b cl, cb cl, bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp, 4 hrn, 4 hrn, 3 trb, bar hrn, tba - cb, pno, hp, 4 perc
Duration: 12'    Score for Sale $20.    Parts on Rental $175.

    "... a challenging work in three movements that is accessible to mature bands.  This is a lyrical work with expressive opportunities for soloists - well crafted and should not create a problem for ensembles that have performed contemporary music. "  --Dennis Zeisler, Director of Bands, Old Dominion University

    This 28 minute, six movement work, is a major contribution to the wind literature.  Premiered at the University of Texas where Korte is an Emeritus Professor of Composition, it displays the maturity and craft of a lifetime of composing.  Using an eclectic compositional language, this work has everything - rhythmic drive, harmonic bite, emotion and humor.  A true showcase requiring a committed ensemble.

2 picc, 4 fl, 2 ob, eng hrn, Eb cl, 6 cl, b cl, 2 bsn, c bsn, 2 a sax (dbl s sax), t sax, b sax - 4 C trp, 4 hrn, 4 trb, bar hrn, tba - synth, cb, timp, 3-4 perc
Duration: 28'    Score for Sale $50.    Parts on Rental $275.

    "An imaginative work full of Korte's always fascinating orchestration.  Audiences and performers will respond with great enthusiasm.  I urge you to consider 'Texarkana'."  --Jerry Junkin, Conductor, Dallas Wind Symphony and the University of Texas at Austin

    Although this arrangement may seem odd at first, it offers such excellent teaching points in Classical style, form and contrapuntal independence that it can't be passed up.   A set of five variations on a theme taken from the String Quartet No. 5 composed by Beethoven between 1798 and 1800.   Expertly transcribed by composer H. Owen Reed for standard symphonic band it provides an antidote to our common musical populism.  Can be programmed anywhere on a program and would be welcomed in the class room as a reading piece or exercise in developing blend, intonation and traditional tonal concepts.

Duration: 7'   Gr. 4   Full Set $80.     Extra Condensed Score $8.
Other Works by this composer

    Available for the first time exclusively from Ballerbach Music is this set of three marches for 12 winds by Mendelssohn as edited by Roger Garrett.  Found in the Bodleian Library, Oxford it includes extensive historical notes by musicologist Dr. John Michael Cooper from the University of North Texas.  A perfect work for a chamber winds program or as an opening work.  Composed while Mendelssohn was the Music Director for the city of Dusseldorf it is representative of the early stages of music for wind instruments.  A historically  important contribution to the wind repertoire and a "must have" for any library.

Duration: 9'   Gr. 4   Full Set $35.     Extra Score $8.

    Commissioned by the National Band Association this is one of the few 12-tone pieces that has become popular.  Out-of-print for many years it is now available again and will no doubt continue to appear on state contest lists.  Three brief movements based on a wedge shaped tone row give this work a compact energized sound.  An excellent very playable grade four work that can introduce students to the 12-tone technique without losing them in the process.  Rhodes, a graduate of Duke University and Yale University, is Composer-in-Residence at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota.

Duration: 5'   Gr. 4    Full Set $85.     Extra Score $12.
Other Works by this composer

    "I was very pleased to see that Ballerbach has re-issued 'Three Pieces for Band' by Rhodes.  This excellent piece is worthy of study and performance by all serious band conductors.  I hope Ballerbach will be able to make other out-of-print works available to the profession in the future."  -Gary Speck, Director of Bands, Miami University (OH)

    Pure musical fireworks!  This famous organ finale by the great French organist-composer Charles Marie Widor (1844-1937) is the end all in finales and encore works.  Arranged for standard symphonic band in the original key of F major, it is true to the original in power, virtuosity and brilliance of color.  Careful attention has been given to dovetail the woodwind parts to make it more playable.  What better instrumentation than the wind band to accentuate the sound of the pipe organ, which is essentially a grand wind instrument.  Challenging, but worth it.

Duration: 6'   Gr. 6    Full Set $95.     Extra Score $13.

    This 14 minute work is a substantial and exciting addition to the grade 6 repertoire.  Talking as its point of departure the virtuosic vocal style of 14th century Italy this work takes vocal melisma into instrumental terms to produce a work that is a marvel of contrapuntal writing.  The work grows in intensity to a dramatic and superbly paced ending.   Contained in a one movement form and consisting of several interconnecting sections that each deal with a specific rhythmic, harmonic, coloristic or contrapuntal idea.   A spectacular way to finish a program.   Stern is on the faculty at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Duration: 14'   Gr. 6    Full Set $130.     Extra Score $25.

    A variation on the hymn to St. John the Baptist, Ut Queant Laxis, this exciting work uses contemporary notational practices and a men's chorus (or taped chorus) near the end singing the original Latin chant.  Crisp rhythmic brass puntuate and woodwinds build clusters to create a sound texture that is both modern, yet very appealing to the ear.  Another expertly crafted work and unknown work by this significant American composer.

Picc, 4 fl, 4 ob, 4 cl, b cl, 3 bsn, 2 a sax, t sax, b sax - 3 trp, 4 hrn, 2 trb, b trb, tba - cb, timp, 3 perc, men's chorus (or taped chorus)
Duration: 8'    Score for Sale $18.    Parts on Rental $150.
Other Works by this composer