The Promise of Light

SKU: HL.35031960

ISBN 9781540014870. UPC: 888680722654. 5.0x5.0x0.083 inches.

Set hearts soaring with this joyful Christmas cantata based on American folk songs, spirituals, bluegrass-styled carols and original gospel songs. Traditional choral elements dance easily with the rustic qualities of the mountain music and the results are pure joy. Designed to be performed either with piano alone or with the unique bluegrass consort, this work is a celebration of light. Even the narration has a gentle folk quality, adding to the dramatic potential of your presentation. Experience the work that, after its Carnegie Hall debut, left New York critics ebullient with praise! Songs include: Hear the Wondrous Story; The King Shall Come; Star of Promise, Light of Glory; A Morning Star Will Rise; Mary Went a-Riding; O Little Town; Here Comes the Light; A Christmas Answer; A Little Light Was Born. Score and Parts (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, upright bass, drums) available as a Printed Edition and as a digital download.

SKU: HL.35031963

ISBN 9781540014900. UPC: 888680722685. 4.75x5.0x0.941 inches.

Set hearts soaring with this joyful Christmas cantata based on American folk songs, spirituals, bluegrass-styled carols and original gospel songs. Traditional choral elements dance easily with the rustic qualities of the mountain music and the results are pure joy. Designed to be performed either with piano alone or with the unique bluegrass consort, this work is a celebration of light. Even the narration has a gentle folk quality, adding to the dramatic potential of your presentation. Experience the work that, after its Carnegie Hall debut, left New York critics ebullient with praise! Songs include: Hear the Wondrous Story; The King Shall Come; Star of Promise, Light of Glory; A Morning Star Will Rise; Mary Went a-Riding; O Little Town; Here Comes the Light; A Christmas Answer; A Little Light Was Born. Score and Parts (fiddle, banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, upright bass, drums) available as a Printed Edition and as a digital download.

SKU: HL.365819

UPC: 840126962109. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches. Daniel 12:3, Matthew 2:2, Psalm 19:1, Psalm 85:8.

This rustic approach to the early-American tunes WARRENTON and NETTLETON will raise the joy level in your sanctuary! The original text has a sprinkling of Wesleyan lyric thrown in for good measure and comes wrapped up in a surprising choral/bluegrass jubilee. A contrasting middle section delivers a lyrical pause in the dance, but the joy soon returns as the anthem races to a decisive ending. Score and Parts (fdl, bjo, mndln, ac gtr, up b, dm) available as a digital download.

SKU: AP.48033

ISBN 9781470642716. UPC: 038081554600. English.

The three movements of Spring Promises highlight the energy of spring that follows a long winter. The first movement, A Garden's Promise, features a lyrical melody line over a chord progression that includes a descending bass line. It portrays the beauty of the flowers that begin to appear with the warmer weather. Staccato fifths and grace notes suggest the image of Soft Rains in the A section of the second movement. Triplets in the B section give a stronger sense of movement. The final movement---Spring Fever!---is a rondo that uses root position and second inversion chords in a lively setting. The staccato chords alternate with more lyrical lines to provide contrast.

SKU: CF.YPS252

ISBN 9781491161357. UPC: 680160919949.

A new day. A new event. A new opportunity. We look forward to these things and the potential they hold. We live our lives looking forward, but we understand them looking backward (a thought of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard). We do not always know what the future may hold, but we must remember: first, there are no guarantees beyond the time and opportunity we are given to do good. Second, change around us is inevitable. Finally, and the most important aspect, we have choices. This lesson is fixed to the composer's office door: Today is the greatest day of your life, if you want it to be. Why not look forward to the Promise on the Horizon and the possibilities for greatness that lie within it? The opening motif of this concert fanfare is purposely inquisitive as the piece seeks to establish its first steps. The subtle shift at measure 37 and again at measure 69 are reminders of the challenges that await us during the journey. Here again it is a matter of choice - do we choose to let circumstances define us, or do we define the circumstances? The section at 93 is a resounding answer that we will move barriers, overcome obstacles and keep our vision looking forward. The piece builds toward an exciting conclusion from measure 127 onward. The piece reinforces several basic rhythmic patterns in 6/8 time. As a number of these rhythms are repeated, it provides an easy opportunity for the entire ensemble to grow more comfortable performing in this meter. While it is a fanfare-type piece, remind young musicians to play with lightness and precision, rather than intensity in volume. Maintaining this style of articulation and accuracy helps the rhythms in 6/8 time maintain their buoyancy. It is vital that each musician listens for the melody and balances their part, especially in moments where the melody is passed between sections. If vibes are not available, a second bell set can be employed in its place. It is hoped that this piece is an uplifting way to open your next concert, and a meaningful opportunity for you to discuss the power of making positive choices with your students in the ensemble (as a reminder, regular practicing of their instrument is a positive choice). Wishing you and your ensemble well as you look to the Promise on the Horizon.
A new day. A new event. A new opportunity. We look forward to these things and the potential they hold. We live our lives looking forward, but we understand them looking backward (a thought of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard). We do not always know what the future may hold, but we must remember: first,  there are no guarantees beyond the time and opportunity we are given to do good. Second, change around us is inevitable. Finally, and the most important aspect, we have choices. This  lesson is fixed to the composer's office door: “Today is the greatest day of your life, if you want it to be.” Why not look forward to the Promise on the Horizon and the possibilities for greatness that lie within it?The opening motif of this concert fanfare is purposely inquisitive as the piece seeks to establish its first steps. The subtle shift at measure 37 and again at measure 69 are reminders of the challenges that await us during the journey. Here again it is a matter of choice – do we choose to let circumstances define us, or do we define the circumstances? The section at 93 is a resounding answer that we will move barriers, overcome obstacles and keep our vision looking forward. The piece builds toward an exciting conclusion from measure 127 onward. The piece reinforces several basic rhythmic patterns in 6/8 time. As a number of these rhythms are repeated, it provides an easy opportunity for the entire ensemble to grow more comfortable performing in this meter. While it is a fanfare-type piece, remind young musicians to play with lightness and precision, rather than intensity in volume. Maintaining this style of articulation and accuracy helps the rhythms in 6/8 time maintain their buoyancy. It is vital that each musician listens for the melody and balances their part, especially in moments where the melody is passed between sections. If vibes are not available, a second bell set can be employed in its place. It is hoped that this piece is an uplifting way to open your next concert, and a meaningful opportunity for you to discuss the power of making positive choices with your students in the ensemble (as a reminder, regular practicing of their instrument is a positive choice). Wishing you and your ensemble well as you look to the Promise on the Horizon. .