Creative Variations

SKU: BT.CAMCM234

Creative Variations provides musicians with the opportunity to explore and develop their own musical ideas in the preparation and performance of contemporary compositions. Each piece offers a different approach to'variation on a theme' either through demonstration or by composition or improvisation. Even fully notated sections are open to musical interpretation and musicians should feel free to add their own dynamics, phrasing andarticulations.

Written by Jeffery Wilson and Malcolm Miles, this volume is for Treble or Descant Recorder and includes a playalong CD.

SKU: BT.CAMCM235

Creative Variations provides musicians with the opportunity to explore and develop their own musical ideas in the preparation and performance of contemporary compositions. Each piece offers a different approach to'variation on a theme' either through demonstration or by composition or improvisation. Even fully notated sections are open to musical interpretation and musicians should feel free to add their own dynamics, phrasing andarticulations.

Book and CD.

SKU: BT.CAMCM179

Produced specifically for the Guildhall Exams syllabus, the Creative Variations series provides students with the opportunity to explore and develop their own musical ideas in the preparation and performance of contemporarycompositions.

This voume is for jazz flautists of intermediate to advanced standard or grades 6-8.

A free CD is provided to give full-length demos of each piece and a separate track to play along with.

SKU: BT.CAMCM181

This collection of tuneful and engaging pieces ranges from Grades 1-5 in standard and is an ideal introduction to developing improvisation. 'The classically trained musician is often nervous about trying to improvise jazz. Volume1 should help to allay those fears...the greatest advantage has to be the CD...The performances are short and fairly simple allowing you just to copy in the first instance. Recommended' (Music Teacher).

SKU: BT.CAMCM233

This collection of tuneful and engaging pieces ranges from Grades 1-5 in standard and is an ideal introduction to developing improvisation. Includes parts for both Treble and Descant recorders as well as a CD which givesfull-length demos and tracks to play along with.

SKU: PR.110418370

ISBN 9781491135075. UPC: 680160686247.

Compo sed as an organ solo by the 17-year-old Ives for his own performance purposes, the beloved Variations on America is a treat for any occasion, whether a holiday concert, a serious recital, or other special event. Danny Holt’s transcription for Piano, Four Hands adds a dazzling new option to play at home or on stage, taking best advantage of Ives’ tremendous contrasts in color, dynamics, and texture.
Composed when Charles Ives was a teenager, Variations on “America” is both a convenient introduction to Ives’ body of work, and an early example of his iconoclastic musical voice and creative genius. Just a few years after composing this piece, Ives would leave home to study music at Yale. But until then he had been taught by his father, George (who had been a bandmaster in the Civil War). George subjected the young Ives to experiments such as singing a song in one key while being accompanied in another, or arranging for two marching bands to converge on a town center, with the resulting cacophony that ensued.The Variations exemplifies an early period of experimentation in Ives’ work, spurred on by the unusual pedagogy of his father. The piece is particularly notable for its use of bitonality in the two interludes, subtly foreshadowing more well-known examples by Stravinsky, Bartók, and others by approximately two decades.The bitonal interludes were so ahead of their time, in fact, they were omitted from the first copy that was submitted to a publisher in 1892. (Alas, the piece was rejected even despite these “shocking” elements having been left out, and it wasn’t published until more than five decades later.) There is some ambiguity about when exactly Ives added the interludes into his manuscript copy, though ample evidence suggests he had performed the piece with the interludes around the time he notated the piece in 1891-92. In any case, in light of this piece and his other polytonal explorations from the last decade of the 19th century, it seems fair to give Ives credit for being a pioneer in this area!This arrangement for Piano, Four Hands, closely follows Ives’ original version for organ, setting aside William Schuman’s popular adaptation for symphony orchestra and William Rhoads’ band transcription of the Schuman orchestration. Pianists will find that the piece translates well to the instrument. Ideally, the choreography and logistics of elbow-to-elbow four-hands playing approximates the wild joy one gets from watching an organist play the piece (e.g., the elaborate pedal part in the final variation).In preparing this publication, attention was paid to details in the dual Critical Editions (Presser 443-41003) of both Ives’ manuscript edition and the 1949 publication edited by organist E. Power Biggs (who is credited with discovering what had been a long-lost, forgotten work.) But as with much of Ives’ output, attempting to create a true ‘urtext’ score is a futile endeavor, and especially with a piece such as this one – in which Ives incorporated improvisation in live performance – seems unnecessary anyhow. True die-hards are of course encouraged to consult the critical editions and even find inspiration in the orchestrated version. Generally, performers are advised to be wild, have fun, and not to be too rigid in their interpretive choices.Dynamics in this arrangement mostly follow the organ score closely. Pianists will use good judgment about pedaling throughout, which should be straightforward and intuitive. Courtesy accidentals have been provided frequently – without parentheses – balancing the need for extra clarity in the context of Ives’ murky musical language, and a desire to avoid unnecessary clutter.A few notes that might inform interpretive decisions:mm. 15-16: There are inconsistencies here between Ives’ original manuscript and the 1949 Biggs edition, regarding the top voice in m. 15, beat 3 (C# vs. Cn) and m. 16 (D Major vs. D Minor).mm. 76-84 & 143-146: In both Interludes, Ives emphatically notates extreme dynamic contrast, in order to highlight the bitonality. Although it may seem counterintuitive (or even a misprint, as has apparently been misconstrued by some), performers are urged to follow the composer’s marking!m. 109: Two-note slurs have been added here for clarity and consistency with other similar passages, though they do not appear in either the original manuscript or Biggs.m. 112: The last two eighth notes of Primo appear as 16ths in the original manuscript.mm. 183-186: The original manuscript has a slightly different bass line.mm. 184 & 186: Primo gestures have been re-written to be slightly more idiomatic for Piano, Four Hands.m. 186: The breath mark at the end of this bar does not appear in either the manuscript or Biggs, but is an editorial suggestion – aside from being appropriately dramatic, it will indeed be necessary in a reverberant hall!I would like to thank Steven Vanhauwaert, the other half of my piano duo, 4handsLA, for his input on early drafts of this arrangement.— Danny Holt, April 2022.

SKU: KJ.WB211

CALYPSO VARIATIONS, uses syncopation throughout the work with the eight note/ quarter note/ eight note rhythm. Written in theme and variations form, this light and carefree melody is based on the West Indies folk song Tinga Layo. Use CALYPSO VARIATIONS to expand the multicultural and interdisciplinary horizons of students as you simultaneously develop their rhythmic and performance skills.

About Standard of Excellence in Concert

Th e Standard of Excellence In Concert series presents exceptional arrangements, transcriptions, and original concert and festival pieces for beginning and intermediate band. Each selection is correlated to a specific page in the Standard of Excellence Band Method, reinforcing and expanding skills and concepts introduced in the method up to that point. Exciting parts with extensive cross-cueing are presented for every player. Accessible ranges, appropriate rhythmic challenges, and creative percussion section writing enhance the pedagogical value of the series.

Sold individually, each In Concert selection includes a full Conductor Score and enough student parts for large symphonic bands. Each student part also includes correlated Warm-Up Studies. The Conductor Score comes complete with rehearsal suggestions, a composer biography, program notes, a rehearsal piano part, several ready-to-duplicate worksheets and a duplicable written quiz.

SKU: SP.TS236

ISBN 9781585609871. UPC: 649571002367.

Creat ive Jazz Piano Arranging for Real Fake Book Tunes is a method and songbook written by Michael Tarro. This new title for Jazz Piano is a culmination of more than thirty years of experience in teaching piano. It contains musical concepts and explains many techniques for any jazz pianist to develop their own interpretive style. This instructional collection teaches how to create variations of simple melodies of many well-known standards as written in every Fake-Book which includes: A phenomenal collection of the most popular jazz standards ever written. Complete original jazz piano arrangements clearly notated with precision. Improvised solos are transcribed in their entirety with strict adherence to detail offering incredibly valuable jazz piano techniques for developing interpretive skills. A recording of every arrangement performed by the author, Michael Tarro with A bonus track of Tarro's award winning Big Band single, Traveling Theme. Creative Jazz Piano Arranging provides a logical approach towards creating arrangements of simple well-known melodies. This powerful tool in developing performance excellence is one of the first steps toward becoming an incredible jazz pianist. Gentle Rain by Louis Bonfa, Don t Blame Me by Jimmy McHugh, Sharp Nine Blues and Traveling Theme by Mike Tarro, My Romance and Hello Young Lovers by Rodgers and Hammerstein, When Sunny Gets Blue by Marvin Fischer, Days Of Wine and Roses by Mancini and Johnny Mercer, Nearness Of You and Georgia On My Mind by Hoagy Carmichael, Sweet Georgia Brown written by Ben Bernie, Maceo Pinkard and Kenneth Casey, When I Fall In Love by Victor Young, and Don't Get Around Much Anymore and I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good by Sir Duke Ellington.

SKU: AP.48097

UPC: 038081557144. English.

Barnyard Variations by Andrew Dabczynski is a creative set of humorous variants on the familiar Old MacDonald folk song. Every orchestra section is featured in a variation, each musically imitating a different barnyard animal. Students explore contemporary techniques with a bluegrass flare. This piece makes an excellent opening or closing piece for concerts, or an introduction to the instruments in recruiting or educational programs. (3:45).

SKU: AP.48097S

UPC: 038081557151. English.

Barnyard Variations by Andrew Dabczynski is a creative set of humorous variants on the familiar Old MacDonald folk song. Every orchestra section is featured in a variation, each musically imitating a different barnyard animal. Students explore contemporary techniques with a bluegrass flare. This piece makes an excellent opening or closing piece for concerts, or an introduction to the instruments in recruiting or educational programs. (3:45).

SKU: GI.G-9971

ISBN 9781622773879.

The best way to develop ensemble musicianship is through the thoughtful exploration and performance of great literature. In this spirit, Dr. Peter Folliard presents The Bach Initiative, a collection of twenty-six wonderful Bach chorales for instrumental ensembles of any type, size, or level. The Bach Initiative includes each chorale in its original four-part harmonization for all members of the ensemble, giving instrumentalists the unique yet important opportunity to see the full score—and to better understand how each part interacts with the whole. As a result, players naturally develop greater awareness, sensitivity, and intuition. The chorales are intentionally transcribed for flexibility, so any individual may play any part at any time. And while the pedagogical applications are virtually endless, Folliard provides more than a dozen creative variations for rehearsing these chorales that are certain to enhance multiple aspects of ensemble musicianship. The Bach Initiative also offers pedagogical information, including insightful scholarship about intonation, instrument ranges, and appropriate articulation. Folliard also provides a succinct discussion of chord analysis, non-chord tones, and voice leading. The undisputed quality and relative brevity of the Bach chorales make them perfect for the rehearsal room and the concert hall. And the convenient and creative way in which they are presented in The Bach Initiative is certain to inspire new levels of musicianship in bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles of all levels. This is the B-Flat Instruments edition. See G-9931 for the Director's Edition.

SKU: GI.G-9972

ISBN 9781622773886.

The best way to develop ensemble musicianship is through the thoughtful exploration and performance of great literature. In this spirit, Dr. Peter Folliard presents The Bach Initiative, a collection of twenty-six wonderful Bach chorales for instrumental ensembles of any type, size, or level. The Bach Initiative includes each chorale in its original four-part harmonization for all members of the ensemble, giving instrumentalists the unique yet important opportunity to see the full score—and to better understand how each part interacts with the whole. As a result, players naturally develop greater awareness, sensitivity, and intuition. The chorales are intentionally transcribed for flexibility, so any individual may play any part at any time. And while the pedagogical applications are virtually endless, Folliard provides more than a dozen creative variations for rehearsing these chorales that are certain to enhance multiple aspects of ensemble musicianship. The Bach Initiative also offers pedagogical information, including insightful scholarship about intonation, instrument ranges, and appropriate articulation. Folliard also provides a succinct discussion of chord analysis, non-chord tones, and voice leading. The undisputed quality and relative brevity of the Bach chorales make them perfect for the rehearsal room and the concert hall. And the convenient and creative way in which they are presented in The Bach Initiative is certain to inspire new levels of musicianship in bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles of all levels. This is the E-flat Instruments edition. See G-9931 for the Director's Edition.

SKU: GI.G-9969

ISBN 9781622773855.

The best way to develop ensemble musicianship is through the thoughtful exploration and performance of great literature. In this spirit, Dr. Peter Folliard presents The Bach Initiative, a collection of twenty-six wonderful Bach chorales for instrumental ensembles of any type, size, or level. The Bach Initiative includes each chorale in its original four-part harmonization for all members of the ensemble, giving instrumentalists the unique yet important opportunity to see the full score—and to better understand how each part interacts with the whole. As a result, players naturally develop greater awareness, sensitivity, and intuition. The chorales are intentionally transcribed for flexibility, so any individual may play any part at any time. And while the pedagogical applications are virtually endless, Folliard provides more than a dozen creative variations for rehearsing these chorales that are certain to enhance multiple aspects of ensemble musicianship. The Bach Initiative also offers pedagogical information, including insightful scholarship about intonation, instrument ranges, and appropriate articulation. Folliard also provides a succinct discussion of chord analysis, non-chord tones, and voice leading. The undisputed quality and relative brevity of the Bach chorales make them perfect for the rehearsal room and the concert hall. And the convenient and creative way in which they are presented in The Bach Initiative is certain to inspire new levels of musicianship in bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles of all levels. This is the C Instruments - Treble Clef edition. See G-9931 for the Director's Edition.

SKU: GI.G-9973

ISBN 9781622773893.

The best way to develop ensemble musicianship is through the thoughtful exploration and performance of great literature. In this spirit, Dr. Peter Folliard presents The Bach Initiative, a collection of twenty-six wonderful Bach chorales for instrumental ensembles of any type, size, or level. The Bach Initiative includes each chorale in its original four-part harmonization for all members of the ensemble, giving instrumentalists the unique yet important opportunity to see the full score—and to better understand how each part interacts with the whole. As a result, players naturally develop greater awareness, sensitivity, and intuition. The chorales are intentionally transcribed for flexibility, so any individual may play any part at any time. And while the pedagogical applications are virtually endless, Folliard provides more than a dozen creative variations for rehearsing these chorales that are certain to enhance multiple aspects of ensemble musicianship. The Bach Initiative also offers pedagogical information, including insightful scholarship about intonation, instrument ranges, and appropriate articulation. Folliard also provides a succinct discussion of chord analysis, non-chord tones, and voice leading. The undisputed quality and relative brevity of the Bach chorales make them perfect for the rehearsal room and the concert hall. And the convenient and creative way in which they are presented in The Bach Initiative is certain to inspire new levels of musicianship in bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles of all levels. This is the F Instruments edition. See G-9931 for the Director's Edition.

SKU: GI.G-9931

ISBN 9781622773824.

The best way to develop ensemble musicianship is through the thoughtful exploration and performance of great literature. In this spirit, Dr. Peter Folliard presents The Bach Initiative, a collection of twenty-six wonderful Bach chorales for instrumental ensembles of any type, size, or level. The Bach Initiative includes each chorale in its original four-part harmonization for all members of the ensemble, giving instrumentalists the unique yet important opportunity to see the full score—and to better understand how each part interacts with the whole. As a result, players naturally develop greater awareness, sensitivity, and intuition. The chorales are intentionally transcribed for flexibility, so any individual may play any part at any time. And while the pedagogical applications are virtually endless, Folliard provides more than a dozen creative variations for rehearsing these chorales that are certain to enhance multiple aspects of ensemble musicianship. The Bach Initiative also offers pedagogical information, including insightful scholarship about intonation, instrument ranges, and appropriate articulation. Folliard also provides a succinct discussion of chord analysis, non-chord tones, and voice leading. The undisputed quality and relative brevity of the Bach chorales make them perfect for the rehearsal room and the concert hall. And the convenient and creative way in which they are presented in The Bach Initiative is certain to inspire new levels of musicianship in bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles of all levels. Check out this video of the wind ensemble at The Copland School of Music at Queens College reading a chorale from The Bach Initiative without a conductor. Learn more about this resource in the promotional video below:.

SKU: GI.G-9974

ISBN 9781622773909.

The best way to develop ensemble musicianship is through the thoughtful exploration and performance of great literature. In this spirit, Dr. Peter Folliard presents The Bach Initiative, a collection of twenty-six wonderful Bach chorales for instrumental ensembles of any type, size, or level. The Bach Initiative includes each chorale in its original four-part harmonization for all members of the ensemble, giving instrumentalists the unique yet important opportunity to see the full score—and to better understand how each part interacts with the whole. As a result, players naturally develop greater awareness, sensitivity, and intuition. The chorales are intentionally transcribed for flexibility, so any individual may play any part at any time. And while the pedagogical applications are virtually endless, Folliard provides more than a dozen creative variations for rehearsing these chorales that are certain to enhance multiple aspects of ensemble musicianship. The Bach Initiative also offers pedagogical information, including insightful scholarship about intonation, instrument ranges, and appropriate articulation. Folliard also provides a succinct discussion of chord analysis, non-chord tones, and voice leading. The undisputed quality and relative brevity of the Bach chorales make them perfect for the rehearsal room and the concert hall. And the convenient and creative way in which they are presented in The Bach Initiative is certain to inspire new levels of musicianship in bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles of all levels. This is the Viola edition. See G-9931 for the Director's Edition.

SKU: GI.G-9975

ISBN 9781622773916.

The best way to develop ensemble musicianship is through the thoughtful exploration and performance of great literature. In this spirit, Dr. Peter Folliard presents The Bach Initiative, a collection of twenty-six wonderful Bach chorales for instrumental ensembles of any type, size, or level. The Bach Initiative includes each chorale in its original four-part harmonization for all members of the ensemble, giving instrumentalists the unique yet important opportunity to see the full score—and to better understand how each part interacts with the whole. As a result, players naturally develop greater awareness, sensitivity, and intuition. The chorales are intentionally transcribed for flexibility, so any individual may play any part at any time. And while the pedagogical applications are virtually endless, Folliard provides more than a dozen creative variations for rehearsing these chorales that are certain to enhance multiple aspects of ensemble musicianship. The Bach Initiative also offers pedagogical information, including insightful scholarship about intonation, instrument ranges, and appropriate articulation. Folliard also provides a succinct discussion of chord analysis, non-chord tones, and voice leading. The undisputed quality and relative brevity of the Bach chorales make them perfect for the rehearsal room and the concert hall. And the convenient and creative way in which they are presented in The Bach Initiative is certain to inspire new levels of musicianship in bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles of all levels. This is the Keyboard edition. See G-9931 for the Director's Edition.

SKU: GI.G-9970

ISBN 9781622773862.

The best way to develop ensemble musicianship is through the thoughtful exploration and performance of great literature. In this spirit, Dr. Peter Folliard presents The Bach Initiative, a collection of twenty-six wonderful Bach chorales for instrumental ensembles of any type, size, or level. The Bach Initiative includes each chorale in its original four-part harmonization for all members of the ensemble, giving instrumentalists the unique yet important opportunity to see the full score—and to better understand how each part interacts with the whole. As a result, players naturally develop greater awareness, sensitivity, and intuition. The chorales are intentionally transcribed for flexibility, so any individual may play any part at any time. And while the pedagogical applications are virtually endless, Folliard provides more than a dozen creative variations for rehearsing these chorales that are certain to enhance multiple aspects of ensemble musicianship. The Bach Initiative also offers pedagogical information, including insightful scholarship about intonation, instrument ranges, and appropriate articulation. Folliard also provides a succinct discussion of chord analysis, non-chord tones, and voice leading. The undisputed quality and relative brevity of the Bach chorales make them perfect for the rehearsal room and the concert hall. And the convenient and creative way in which they are presented in The Bach Initiative is certain to inspire new levels of musicianship in bands, orchestras, and other instrumental ensembles of all levels. This is the C Instruments - Bass Clef edition. See G-9931 for the Director's Edition.

SKU: CL.012-4841-01

The creative genius of Pierre La Plante has never been better showcased than with Variations On A Merry Tune. Based on a theme from Robert Schumann, known variously as The Jolly Farmer and The Happy Farmer’s Return From Work, this delightful work will bring smiles to all! Pierre takes this cheery tune all throughout the ensemble, creating opportunities for every section to shine. A charming selection for concert band, and a wonderful audience pleaser as well. Our highest recommendation!

SKU: MN.10-035

UPC: 688670100352.

This creative and well-constructed music would be useful for a recital or a worship service. Sometimes the melody is stated straight out, sometimes it's charmingly disguised or altered. Duration 7:00