BCM-International

Bloom is a moderate-tempo work celebrating the warmth and joy of Spring. The music blossoms from an initial tranquil pulse into a rapturous tide of warmth and beauty. Playable by younger bands this work provides a maturemusical experience for middle school junior high high school and college-level ensembles. (Grade 4) (6:25)Recorded by the Tarleton State University Wind Ensemble on “BCM – Men of Industry” –Steven Bryant conductor

“Sleep My Child” comes from Eric Whitacre's work for musical theater Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings. Originally written for two sopranos and mezzo (portrayed as three angels) it was adapted for band in 2012by Jeffrey Gershman at the request of the composer and is the latest title in a growing catalog of Whitacre's compositions (October Sleep Lux Aurumque and The Seal Lullaby) that illustrate his sincere commitment tocreating lush beautiful music for winds.

The title First Light refers to the arrival of dawn – specifically the composer's experience of dawn in the mountains surrounding Lake Garda in northern Italy. There the light of the sun arrives in distinct stages:the night sky begins to brighten quite early though the sun remains hidden behind the mountains for several hours. Abruptly the first direct ray of sunlight crests the mountaintop bringing with it intense palpable heat. Thetown below nestled in the narrow space between the water's edge and the steep mountain slope remains in darkness for a while longer until the sun ultimately sends light cascading down the mountainside illuminating everything.(Grade 5) Dur: 8:30

Interruptions is a new shorter version of one of Bryant's earliest works Interruption Overture and is filled with quirky humor and musical mayhem! The music begins with a lively melody using familiar “comfortable” harmonies but is soon interrupted by abrupt dissonance. The music resumes its earlier character but these loud interruptions rudely reappear and the music begins to take abrupt turns through differenttonalities. The work finally settles into a four-on-the-floor groove as the opening melody and the interruptive material learn to coexist leading to a climactic conclusion. A thoroughly enjoyable work for young bands!

Interruptions is a new shorter version of one of Bryant's earliest works Interruption Overture and is filled with quirky humor and musical mayhem! The music begins with a lively melody using familiar “comfortable” harmonies but is soon interrupted by abrupt dissonance. The music resumes its earlier character but these loud interruptions rudely reappear and the music begins to take abrupt turns through differenttonalities. The work finally settles into a four-on-the-floor groove as the opening melody and the interruptive material learn to coexist leading to a climactic conclusion. A thoroughly enjoyable work for young bands!

Concert Band - Grade 4 - Score and Parts. This simple chorale-like work captures the reflective calm of dusk paradoxically illuminated by the fiery hues of sunset. The dual nature of this experience is impressive as if witnessing an event of epic proportions silently occurring in slow motion. Dusk is intended as a short passionate evocation of this moment of dramatic stillness.

A wild ride from the composer of October and Ghost Train! Equus is the Latin word for horse and this moto perpetuo perfectly captures the fury and majesty of this magnificent animial. Commissioned by Gary Green and the Universityof Miami Equus is not for the faint of heart! (Grade 5) Dur: 10:00

Score and Parts-For the second year in a row composer Steven Bryant took home top prize in the prestigious NBA/Revelli Composition Contest. The winner for 2008 Suite Dreams draws primarily from the inverted chaconne melody in Holst'sFirst Suite in E-Flat recasting it in a dreamlike atmosphere almost as if (sometimes warped) memories of the original are drifting across the stage. Dur: 8:45 (Grade 5)

Inspired by rock and jazz drummers Sticks & Stones provides an opportunity for a talented drummer to demonstrate his/her skills in FRONT of the concert band. As the featured soloist the drummer's part allows ample opportunity tocreate their own part within a theme and variations structure. (Grade 3)