Results
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£34.95When Thunder Calls
When Thunder Calls was commissioned by Dr Nicholas Childs and the Black Dyke Band for their performance at the Gala Concert of the Swiss Open Championships in September 2011. When composing this piece, I decided to focus on both the music and the stage presentation. The way the piece has been composed and designed makes it a very effective way of starting a concert or a second half of a concert.At the start of the piece, the percussion enter the stage and take their positions in their usual place behind the band. They begin playing the piece without a conductor. They keep repeating the opening section while the Basses, Horns, Baritones and Euphoniums march onto the stage.This group of musicians take their seats with the Horns, Baritones and Euphoniums sitting where they usually sit in the band but the Basses sit where the solo cornets usually sit, forming an inner semi-circle of lower brass. When seated and when the music gets to the end of bar 4 the piece continues onto section A. All performers keep repeating this next 4-bar phrase until the trombones march onto stage and stand at the front of the stage with the Bass Trombone standing in between the other two trombones.All performers then play from figure B to C with the trombones taking the lead at the front. When the performers get to rehearsal figure C they repeat this section (the same as section A) while the trombones move from the front of the stage and take their positions where the Basses would normally sit (between the horns and the percussion) and remain standing. Meanwhile, the flugel enters the stage and stands at the front of the stage (standing where the trombones did). When in position the flugel soloist picks up into rehearsal figure D.When the flugel soloist finishes playing, just before rehearsal figure F they then move to their normal seat in the band. At figure F the cornets march onto the stage from either side, they turn and stand side by side each other facing outward towards the audience forming two 'fanfare' lines either side of the lower brass. The conductor follows the cornets on stage and on cue they lift their instruments at the same time and perform when the piece gets to figure G.There is no more moving around from this point on other than the solo cornet to move forward with the solo euphonium and perform their duet at letter H. Also the horns are required to stand and play at letter I and then sit just before J.When performed with all the choreography, this piece makes for an exciting addition to any concert repertoire both for the performer and the audience.Suitable for 3rd Section Bands and Above
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£10.00Perseverance
DescriptionPerseverance was commissioned by Middleton Band to mark their 140th anniversary in 2016, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and featured on Middleton Band's CD of the same name.The title is taken from the original name of the 1876 band, the Middleton Perseverance Drum and Fife Band. According to the band's historical records, the Drum and Fife band was formed by six Middleton youngsters eager to learn music but short of funds. Following a whip round, they visited a music shop in Oldham where they purchased a 'one key flute' for six shillings and sixpence, and ('later on') a drum.This determination to make music despite the odds has been a characteristic of the band ever since; at the end of the second world war the band was again down to six players, who rebuilt the 'Middleton Borough Band' back to twenty-six players. After a period of some considerable success throughout the sixties and seventies culminating in winning the National Third Section title in 1983 the band hit hard times again in the late eighties and was down to only four members in 1987 before again being brought back to life. In recent decades the band has built a strong relationship with the East Lancashire Railway, another organisation which has battled sometimes mighty obstacles in its struggle to survive, and has maintained a thriving and successful youth band.The band's will to survive through adversity is reflected in the music, which builds from a sextet of four brass and two percussion players three times, only to fall back to the sextet twice. In the central slow movement the bass drum plays a 'heartbeat' rhythm as the remaining players remember those lost in the war. The relentless pace of the final section culminates in the band triumphing over the adversity which has curtailed the previous two sections. As a former member of Middleton Band (and one of the team that regained the National Third Section title in 2007) it is my pleasure to dedicate this work to the 'Pop and Ale Boys', Middleton Band.You can read more about the piece here.To view the accompanying video by Andy Marshall, designed to precede the piece, clickhereand find out more about the link between the video and the music here.Recording with Score VideoPerformance NotesIn performance the four brass members of the sextet (soprano, solo horn, solo trombone and solo euphonium) should stand at the sides of the band - soprano and horn behind the cornets, trombone and euphonium behind the trombones. Percussion may stand with them at the conductor's discretion, but only if the band has TWO snare drums and TWO concert bass drums available, as these are also needed at the back of the band in the tutti sections. In the second sextet snare drum should be muffled with a heavy cloth OR have the snares turned off (not both).Percussion and mutesPercussion required:snare drum (muffled with a heavy cloth at one point)concert bass drum, kit bass drum, hi-hat, suspended (crash) cymbal2 x tom-tomswood blockclash cymbals3 x timpanitam-tamglockenspielSoprano cornet, repiano and 2nd cornets, flugel and all trombones require metal straight mutes. Soprano, Solo Cornet 3/4, Repiano 2nd and 3rd cornets require cup mutes. Solo Cornet 1/2, Repiano, 2nd and 3rd cornets require harmon mutes.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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Blue | Gansch arr. John Doyle
A truly stunning piece of music written by the world famous Thomas Gansch of Mnozil Brass, and artfully arranged for Brass Band. The stage performance of this piece includes a Solo septet of three trumpets,tenor horn, two trombones and a tuba. The main band fills in the accompaniment. Trumpet 1 has a tricky part to play, but all other parts are straightforward. First performed by the Leyland Band at Music in Concert 2014, this is a real favourite, and a stunning show piece. Instrumentation: Solo Septet: Trumpets 1, 2 and 3 Solo Tenor Horn Trombones 1 & 2 Bb Tuba Main Band: Soprano, Solo, Repiano, 2nd and 3rd Cornets Flugelhorn 1st and 2nd Tenor Horns 1st and 2nd Baritone 1st, 2nd and Bass Trombone Euphonium Eb and Bb Basses Drum Kit Tambourine Bongos ISMN: 979-0-708127-94-9
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£113.00Mahalageasca - Mahala Rai Banda
Mahalageasca is a piece that make you happy both to listen and perform.It's possible to play the piece as a stage entrance piece. Repeat bars 1 to 8 several times. You might let the Drum set and some Percussion start alone. After basses have played their first eight bars, move on to bar nine.It is also possible to perform is as an ancore where you might change positions for the brass players but use the same pattern with Percussion as above.Here's a suggestion for set-up:Backrow sits in front of the conductor (on horn chairs)Soprano and Solo Cornets standing behind them.Trombones sits at the conductors right (on Euphonium/Baritone-chairs)Basses sitting behind the TrombonesFlugelhorn and horns on the left (sitting on the solo cornet chairs)Euphoniums and Baritones behind the horns.Please do not play too loud on mf. A bit press on the start of the slurs often better the emphasis (some marcatos written as well)Bars 96 to 136 is challenging for mallet percussion. They can be played as solo, or two players might share it in a convenient way.
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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£44.95Princethorpe Variations (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Downie, Kenneth
Colourful harmony, rhythmic flair and melodic invention are the hallmarks of this excellent set of variations by Kenneth Downie, based on the well known church tune, Princethorpe.This major work demonstrates the well-known characteristics of the composer: colourful harmony, rhythmic flair and melodic invention, all encapsulated in scoring which is engulfing both to players and listeners alike. Following a presentation of the theme there are five variations culminating in what can be described as either a finale or coda.Theme. The composer shows his originality in the harmonic sense of this introduction. Perhaps it could be suggested that over-indulgence of rubato may be a temptation to be avoided.Sections A to F. Relentless rhythmic drive is of paramount importance in this first variation. Conscientious observance of dynamics is of course an essential requirement in conveying the exciting quality of the music; there are moments of sudden contrast of which all will need to be aware. Moving between the time-signatures of 5/4 and 6/4 these sections are built from strong easily-identifiable fragments of the theme. These is a significant increase in temp at letter F which will further the exciting impact of the music.Sections G & H. In a pastorale style this short, gentle variation affords a contrast in style between the previous and succeeding ones. The gentle undulating character of the melodic lines is governed by the Allegretto grazioso directive.Sections I to M. Commencing two bars before letter I the music is now exuberant and the tempo and style is that of a march in compound time. In this exhilarating movement there are moments of contrast and indeed of delicacy which are a foil to the more energetic moments. Rhythmic control will be essential to maintain a consistent tempo. As elsewhere in the work, the percussion section will contribute much to the success of the performance there are bars where this section alone is heard and there are important entries for glockenspiel.Sections N & O. With emotional content this Adagio variation has the first two notes of the melody as its melodic impetus. Apart from just over two bars at O (where there is an interpolatory phrase from Cornets and Trombones), the melodic line is entrusted to the plaintive sounds of the horn section. Cornets and Trombones provide a change of tone colour at the beginning of section O. Under a poco rall, this very expressive variation is concluded; there is an important link supplied by Eb Bass.Sections P & Q. A lively march-tempo is launched immediately and these sections are in the nature of an introduction to the final variations. There is a quickening of pace at Q which assists the generation of excitement which should be an essential part of the performance. Solo Cornets introduce a melodic line at Q which anticipates the compound time of the following section.Sections R & S. The Solo Cornet theme of the previous section is now a contrapuntal line accompanying the theme tune. With an elongation of the notes in the melody, the conductor will need to call on the sustaining powers of the band and at no time should the interesting accompanying lines be allowed to detract from the sonorous presentation of the basic theme.Sections T, U & V. Following a poco rit, the finale begins at letter T with the directive, molto vivace. There is much detail to be rehearsed, not least being the dynamic contrasts which are encountered. As throughout the work, the listener should have no difficulty in identifying the thematic sources of the composer's music.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£22.50
Princethorpe Variations (Brass Band - Score only) - Downie, Kenneth
Colourful harmony, rhythmic flair and melodic invention are the hallmarks of this excellent set of variations by Kenneth Downie, based on the well known church tune, Princethorpe.This major work demonstrates the well-known characteristics of the composer: colourful harmony, rhythmic flair and melodic invention, all encapsulated in scoring which is engulfing both to players and listeners alike. Following a presentation of the theme there are five variations culminating in what can be described as either a finale or coda.Theme. The composer shows his originality in the harmonic sense of this introduction. Perhaps it could be suggested that over-indulgence of rubato may be a temptation to be avoided.Sections A to F. Relentless rhythmic drive is of paramount importance in this first variation. Conscientious observance of dynamics is of course an essential requirement in conveying the exciting quality of the music; there are moments of sudden contrast of which all will need to be aware. Moving between the time-signatures of 5/4 and 6/4 these sections are built from strong easily-identifiable fragments of the theme. These is a significant increase in temp at letter F which will further the exciting impact of the music.Sections G & H. In a pastorale style this short, gentle variation affords a contrast in style between the previous and succeeding ones. The gentle undulating character of the melodic lines is governed by the Allegretto grazioso directive.Sections I to M. Commencing two bars before letter I the music is now exuberant and the tempo and style is that of a march in compound time. In this exhilarating movement there are moments of contrast and indeed of delicacy which are a foil to the more energetic moments. Rhythmic control will be essential to maintain a consistent tempo. As elsewhere in the work, the percussion section will contribute much to the success of the performance there are bars where this section alone is heard and there are important entries for glockenspiel.Sections N & O. With emotional content this Adagio variation has the first two notes of the melody as its melodic impetus. Apart from just over two bars at O (where there is an interpolatory phrase from Cornets and Trombones), the melodic line is entrusted to the plaintive sounds of the horn section. Cornets and Trombones provide a change of tone colour at the beginning of section O. Under a poco rall, this very expressive variation is concluded; there is an important link supplied by Eb Bass.Sections P & Q. A lively march-tempo is launched immediately and these sections are in the nature of an introduction to the final variations. There is a quickening of pace at Q which assists the generation of excitement which should be an essential part of the performance. Solo Cornets introduce a melodic line at Q which anticipates the compound time of the following section.Sections R & S. The Solo Cornet theme of the previous section is now a contrapuntal line accompanying the theme tune. With an elongation of the notes in the melody, the conductor will need to call on the sustaining powers of the band and at no time should the interesting accompanying lines be allowed to detract from the sonorous presentation of the basic theme.Sections T, U & V. Following a poco rit, the finale begins at letter T with the directive, molto vivace. There is much detail to be rehearsed, not least being the dynamic contrasts which are encountered. As throughout the work, the listener should have no difficulty in identifying the thematic sources of the composer's music.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£67.00
Stealing Apples - Fats Waller - Reid Gilje
"Stealing Apples" is an old swing-tune written by Fats Waller. Performances by Benny Goodman and his big band made the song very popular.In this arrangement for brass band, the mallet percussion is very essential. Mallet Percussion presents the melody from letter A and is also featured as soli-instruments from letter L to P. These parts can alternatively be played as vibraphone solo.Please be aware of the balance at letter A. Horn and Trombones must play piano but well articulated. Letter D must sound sparkling and fresh with articulated and powerful trombones and cornets (using straight-mute).Make shue that the 8th-notes are not played too dotted two bars before letter G. Almost even 8th-notes accentuated on the start of the slur is a good tip.Watch the balance at letter H. This part have to sound homogeniously.The soloistic Soprano Cornet at letter Q must be played in the style of Benny Goodan. The accompaniment must not be too powerful from letter R to S. Best of luck with the performance!
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£44.95Patterns (Brass Band - Score and Parts) - Gregson, Edward
Building musical paragraphs using short, irregular rhythmical patterns became a favourite Gregson formula in the early 1970s. Patterns is the clearest and most disciplined example. By limiting himself to a single musical motif, heard at the outset on trombones, Gregson offers a true test of technique and musicianship in a concise three part structure. The opening is another Gregson prelude with alternating patterns of 3s, 4s, 5s and 7s that are bonded by a constant quaver pulse. The music here possesses a neo-classical, pristine quality. In the central episode, the same triadic figure is transformed into a lilting barcarolle-like dialogue beginning on solo cornet and horn. When the whole band becomes involved, the trombones add a moment of bi-tonal ambiguity, which sets in motion an exuberant Latin dance and final flourish.Patterns was commissioned by the Butlins Youth Brass Band Championships for the 1974 competition at the Royal Albert Hall.Duration: 5.00
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£30.00Icebreaker - Tom Harrold
Icebreaker was originally scored for brass dectet and percussion and was completed in March 2012. The work begins with tumultuous fanfare written for the four trumpets, shrouded by thick chords in the lower brass. This fanfare-like material leads to a biting statement from the trombones. An 'icy' gritty section, once again played by the trombones grows in energy, punctuated by the return of the trumpets' fanfares. The horn, providing a little respite, emerges in a quiet restrained solo line, which is coloured by the rest of the ensemble. Before fully coming to fruition, the horn is quickly cut-short and subsumed by the sudden return of the energetic material from the instruments, which grows to the end of the piece.
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£99.50Stealing Apples - Fats Waller
Stealing Apples is an old swing-tune written by Fats Waller. Performances by Benny Goodman and his big band made the song very popular. In this arrangement for brass band, the mallet percussion is very essential. Mallet Percussion presents the melody from letter A and is also featured as soli-instruments from letter L to P. These parts can alternatively be played as vibraphone solo. Please be aware of the balance at letter A. Horn and Trombones must play piano but well articulated. Letter D must sound sparkling and fresh with articulated and powerful trombones and cornets (using straight-mute). Make shue that the 8th-notes are not played too dotted two bars before letterG. Almost even 8th-notes accentuated on the start of the slur is a good tip. Watch the balance at letter H. This part have to sound homogeniously. The soloistic Soprano Cornet at letter Q must be played in the style of Benny Goodan. The accompaniment must not be too powerful from letter R to S. Best of luck with the performance!
Estimated dispatch 5-14 working days
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