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Concert Band and Wind Ensemble
| The tradition of the wind band has developed in several directions. Military bands have remained intact as concert bands, brass bands and wind ensembles continue to grow in popularity. These ensembles have gained recognition for being both interesting and versatile. The EASTMAN WIND ENSEMBLE is the most famous of the current wind ensembles. The beauty of this size of group is that with only one player to a part it has a more chamber ensemble sound, with 40 or so players, than what is known as the concert band, which can have as many as 150 players. This wind setting has some real potential to win over audiences as much as chamber string groups have for centuries. |
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Eighth Note Publications now has RealAudio sound files of the concert band songs for our customers to preview before purchasing. You must have NIGHTFALL IN CAMP
Arranged by Tom Wade West
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Nightfall in Camp is a very clever arrangement that combines The Last Post, and the hymn tune Unto the Hills. The band parts are very reasonable for young players but the solo part should be played by a more advanced player. This piece can be performed at Remembrance Day services, or on other solemn or dignified occasions.
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O CANADA by Calixa Lavallée Arranged by David Marlatt |
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Over the years there have been surprisingly few arrangements of the national anthem of Canada. This version is quite unique and will prove to be extremely useful in all kinds of performance situations. This is not an arrangement for only one difficultly level, it is for four! There are four versions found in everyone's part:
- Unison - this edition has been transposed into a comfortable range for all players.
- Grade 1 1/2 - in this version the melody passes through several sections in a very playable arrangement.
- Grade 2 - more complex moving lines are introduced.
- Grade 3 - this utilizes fanfares in the trumpets and places more range and technical demands on all players.
See our "O Canada" Series page for more versions of Canada's national anthem.
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SUITE from "WATER MUSIC"
by G.F. Handel
Arranged by David Marlatt
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This arrangement introduces students to one of the most famous sets of music ever written. This provides the opportunity to briefly discuss Handel, the Baroque era or other musical aspects that will broaden their understanding. The variety in tempos and the tuneful melodies have made the Water Music a favourite of audiences since the first performance. The movements selected from the three Suites to form this new Suite are Minuet, Air, and Allegro.
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TRUMPET VOLUNTARY
by J. Clarke
Arranged by David Marlatt
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This incredibly famous Trumpet Voluntary (often attributed to Henry Purcell) is one of the most often requested wedding pieces of all times. This arrangement features a trumpet duo (or optional solo) and band. The band parts are very reasonable and the solo parts could be performed by members of the ensemble or could feature guest soloists such as an older student or even the conductor! The popularity of this melody is sure to win over audiences and it gives an opportunity to show off the talents of a pair of students or other guest soloists.
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COMING HOME by Jeff Smallman |
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This piece by Jeff Smallman shows off his ability to write interesting and musical parts for young musicians. Your students will come into band class asking to play Coming Home every day. The driving bass line combined with fun and interesting melodic material make this a great piece for young band. It is a piece that can be learned in a short period of time and then catchy tune will be enjoyed by both players and audiences.
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THE GYPSIES
by J.F. Burgmuller
Arranged by David Marlatt
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This popular piano solo has now been adapted for the concert band. It is a character piece depicting the mysterious nature of gypsies on their travels. The mysteriousness of the work makes it an excellent choice for a concert band around Halloween time. All sections of the band play a portion of the melody but none are too difficult. There are huge dynamic contrasts and contrasting melodic material that keep this short piece interesting and unique.
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MEN OF HARLECH
Traditional
Arranged by David Marlatt
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Men of Harlech is a folksong from Wales. It is a stirring and bold march that shows off every section in the band. There are percussion interjections, trumpet fanfares and large dynamic changes. This is a great band tune that develops many important ensemble playing skills. This will prove to be a popular selection with both audiences and members of the band.
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BELIEVE ME IF ALL THOSE ENDEARING YOUNG CHARMS
Traditional
Arranged by David Marlatt
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This tune is one of the favourite and most often recorded folksongs of the British Isles. The arranger has given the beautiful flowing melody to the flutes with the clarinets and alto saxophones providing interesting and almost wandering accompaniment. Melody flows from the flutes to the trumpets and even to a short duet in the clarinet section. This famous tune offers a new lyric piece for young band on your next concert. Believe Me if All Those Endearing Young Charms would also make a great warmup and tuning piece for bands of any level.
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A LA CLAIRE FONTAINE
Traditional
Arranged by Donald Coakley
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Donald Coakley has created a colourful and harmonically interesting arrangement of the French-Canadian folksong A la Claire Fontaine. Melodic material is found throughout the ensemble and none of the parts is too technically difficult. As the piece progresses, variations in the melody and accompaniment are introduced to maintain interest and propel the work along. This is a great new arrangement for bands in their first year or so of playing.
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BREAK OUT by Donald Coakley |
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Break Out is conceived in a Boogie Woogie style. This fun piece provides the opportunity to have young bands
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RONDEAU
by J.J. Mouret
Arranged by David Marlatt
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This Rondeau by Jean Joseph Mouret is recognized today as the opening theme song to Masterpiece Theatre. This famous trumpet solo features the first trumpet section in the band. Alternating sections between brass choir (plus some covering parts) and the complete band make this piece a fun one to play. Rondeau is an audience favourite and this stately piece is sure to be known by all. With typical Baroque articulations and sudden dynamic contrasts, this piece is excellent for not only featuring a section, but working on tight ensemble playing.
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WOODCREST OVERTURE by David Marlatt |
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Pure fun. This original composition is sure to become a favourite with bands everywhere. The range of all parts is limited but the excitement generated through the rhythms is not! This piece is designed in layers. Each layer is stated throughout the composition then all the various melodic units are layered one on top of another to bring the piece to an exciting conclusion.
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HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO
by G.F. Handel
Arranged by David Marlatt
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This version of the famous Hail the Conquering Hero opens with a solo trumpet, gradually adds voices and builds in dynamic, then the sound drops to a solo tuba (which is also cued in other voices) and begins to grow again to a stirring climax.
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THIS OLD MAN VARIATIONS
Traditional
Arranged by David Marlatt
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This favourite children’s song has been cleverly arranged for band in some different musical styles. The melody is first in the trumpets, moves to a waltz section then finally a Calypso feel. This is fun music that is not too difficult.
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REESOR PARK by David Marlatt |
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Reesor Park is an energetic overture full of rhythmic drive and interest for all players. A majestic opening quickly turns into a driving energetic section with shifting rhythms and colourful percussion. The gentle slow section brings a sense of calm with the flute melody floating over harmonies in the clarinets. The brass have a short turn with this slow melody before the return of the fast energetic material. The piece drives toward an exciting ending. Ideal for contest use!
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MARCH MILITAIRE
by F. Schubert
Arranged by David Marlatt
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This incredibly famous melody will quickly become a favourite with beginning musicians. This would make an excellent first piece after working through a method book. The clarinets are below the break, the brass range is reasonable but this arrangement will sound great with these developing players.
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AMAZING GRACE with THE LAST POST
Traditional
Arranged by Tom Wade West
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This is a very clever arrangement that combines The Last Post and the hymn tune Amazing Grace. The band parts are very reasonable for young players but the solo trumpet part should be played by a more advanced player. This piece can be performed on Remembrance Day or Veterans Day services, or on other solemn or dignified occasions.
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FANTASTIC OVERTURE
by Ryan Meeboer
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Fantastic Overture is a musical depiction of a knight's battle, against an evil force, for the love of a woman. All instruments get colourful and interesting parts with the percussion helping to maintain the energy and the medieval mood. This is an ideal piece for a very young band to play and be introduced to programmatic music.
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LAND OF THE SILVER BIRCH
Canadian Folk Song
Arranged by Donald Coakley
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The origin of this haunting folk song is not known. It was very popular in the northern lake country of Ontario, Canada. It was a well known song in the summer camps of the region, because of its evocation of the native peoples of North America.
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ABAJA
by Paul Llew-Williams
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In certain African countries it is common for people to gather together to celebrate. Many will bring their percussion instruments and a spontaneous outpouring of sounds and emotions will help heal or rejuvenate the community. This is an Abaja. Its harmony and instrument ranges are simple and within the abilities of most first or second year band students.
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REGAL SALUTE
by Donald Coakley
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Regal Salute is a stately march in a processional style. Strong melodic material supported with a steady rhythmic feel propel this work. This piece would make a great first march for a young band.
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© 2006 Eighth Note Publications