based on Joy to the World-Every year it is a challenge to find new music in addition to all of the traditional carols and hymns. Stephen Bulla’s Christmas Encounters is a refreshing and surprising Christmas tune based on Joy to the World. A classic with a twist!

Solo for Eb Horn and Brass Band-Irish Mood was written in a classic ‘theme and variations’ construction opening with an Irish-inspired melodic theme which is then followed by four variations of divergent character. After the introduction of the theme by the soloist the cornets and trombones play the main melody in Variation 1 while the soloist provides a flowing counter melody. Next comes the highly extrovert and lively Variation 2 contrasted by an introverted Variation 3 in a minor key. A masterful tutti (Variation 4) then leads the piece toward a brilliant ending.

The many sided and productive Michael Praetorius (1571-1621) is knwon as a composer of dance music sacred music and music for the advent and Christmas time. He worked as Kapelmeister to the court at Wolffenbuttel but he was also asked to serve in other places includin Dresden. Praetorius was valued for the new impulses he gave to music by means of his use of instrumental accompaniment. His main contribution is his theoretical work 'Syntagma Musicum' one of the most important musical refernce books in connection with instruments and instrumentation in the early 17th Century. 'Es ist ein ros entsprungen' is a well known ancient melody which has inspired numerous composers andarrangers througout the Centuries. Otto M. Schwarz has made a choral arrangement.

This theme from the Disney motion picture ‘The Hundred and One Dalmatians’ and now available for brass band. A delight for any audience - anywhere in the world!

This 1994 song from Billy Joel is probably one of his most beautiful hits ever. It was originally intended as a prelude for another song ‘River of Dreams’ with lyrics in Latin. Philip Harper has created a magnificent arrangement for either two Flugelhorns or two Cornets.

A rip roaring dance in two four time that will blow away the cobwebs from the furthest corners of your practice hall. This Galop described by Johan Strauss as a Chinese Galop that should be played as fast as possible will make an ideal humourous closing piece or encore item for any concert.