Voices of America

SKU: CF.CPS252

ISBN 9781491159699. UPC: 680160918287.

America is intended for any intermediate to professional concert band looking to honor the United States of America and/or members of the Armed Forces. It is therefore ideal for performance on or around any patriotic holiday. It is not a typical setting of the tune, in that many liberties are taken to showcase each instrument of the ensemble, with the melodic focus constantly shifting. The conductor and performers should seek out these moments, and bring them to life whenever possible. The introduction, mm. 1-12, should be approached in the style of a fanfare, with an emphasis on syncopation and exaggerated nuance in regards to articulation style. Here, hidden beneath woodwind flourishes and triumphant bugle calls, the low voices play quotes of familiar American tunes such as The Star-Spangled Banner (m. 1, beat 3) and Simple Gifts (m. 3, beat 4). In mm. 15-22 the melody is carefully hidden among counter lines. This should be carefully balanced to highlight the melody, while still shaping the counter melodies appropriately. A brief return to the fanfare style occurs in mm. 33-35 before melding back into the chorale style. In regards to dynamics, performers should be reminded that within any single dynamic exists a range of expressive shades. No two notes should be played at the same volume, ensuring direction in even the simplest of phrases. Generally speaking, the fortissimo dynamic should be approached thoughtfully, with the bulk of the sound coming from the lowest voices, and the least from the highest voices.
America is intended for any intermediate to professional concert band looking to honor the United States of America and/or members of the Armed Forces. It is therefore ideal for performance on or around any patriotic holiday. It is not a typical setting of the tune, in that many liberties are taken to showcase each instrument of the ensemble, with the melodic focus constantly shifting. The conductor and performers should seek out these moments, and bring them to life whenever possible.The introduction, mm. 1–12, should be approached in the style of a fanfare, with an emphasis on syncopation and exaggerated nuance in regards to articulation style. Here, hidden beneath woodwind flourishes and triumphant bugle calls, the low voices play quotes of familiar American tunes such as The Star-Spangled Banner (m. 1, beat 3) and Simple Gifts (m. 3, beat 4). In mm. 15–22 the melody is carefully hidden among counter lines. This should be carefully balanced to highlight the melody, while still shaping the counter melodies appropriately.A brief return to the fanfare style occurs in mm. 33–35 before melding back into the chorale style.In regards to dynamics, performers should be reminded that within any single dynamic exists a range of expressive shades. No two notes should be played at the same volume, ensuring direction in even the simplest of phrases.Generally speaking, the fortissimo dynamic should be approached thoughtfully, with the bulk of the sound coming from the lowest voices, and the least from the highest voices.

SKU: HL.9971701

ISBN 9781458425171. UPC: 884088645380. 9.0x12.0x2.937 inches. John Jacobson/Roger Emerson.

Celebrate the American Century and the character of a nation that had become a world power and defender of freedom and liberty. By the beginning of the 20th Century, America was turning into a place where everybody wanted to be! From World War I through the Great Depression, war and peace to abundant harvests, America rolled up its sleeves and got to work. Its leaders challenged the nation to set lofty goals, and by 1969 the first American walked on the moon. Present a century of American history on stage with this 35-minute musical revue featuring 8 original songs and some traditional favorites, with connecting script and over 65 speaking parts, designed for performers in upper elementary and middle school. Available separately: Teacher Edition, Student Edition 5-Pak, Preview CD (with vocals), Preview Pak (1 Student book, 1 Preview CD, Performance/Accompaniment CD, and Performance Kit/CD (1 Teacher, 20 Student books, P/A CD). Performance Time: approx. 35 minutes. Suggested for grades 4-8.

SKU: HL.370176

ISBN 9781705146453. UPC: 840126993493. 6.75x10.5x0.024 inches.

Mark Hayes is one of our finest arrangers and now he has used his expertise in vocal arranging on this Irving Berlin treasure from the American Song Book. A cappella voices richly present the well-known lyric, capturing its emotional patriotism. Beautiful and dynamic musical interpretation weaves throughout the piece, building to a glorious final home sweet home. For game day performances, the piece can be shortened by simply beginning at meas. 24. No matter the event or concert, this is a fantastic selection to be sung all year long!

SKU: HL.370174

ISBN 9781705146439. UPC: 840126993479. 6.75x10.5x0.025 inches.

Mark Hayes is one of our finest arrangers and now he has used his expertise in vocal arranging on this Irving Berlin treasure from the American Song Book. A cappella voices richly present the well-known lyric, capturing its emotional patriotism. Beautiful and dynamic musical interpretation weaves throughout the piece, building to a glorious final “home sweet home.” For “game day” performances, the piece can be shortened by simply beginning at meas. 24. No matter the event or concert, this is a fantastic selection to be sung all year long!

SKU: HL.14020140

9.75x14.25x0.195 inches.

1. EOS: The Goddess of the Dawn, who travelled on the winds and sprinkled down dew upon the earth 2. PAN: The God of the countryside, of flocks, shepherds and animals, a famous player of the syrinx, or pan pipes, - the shepherd's pipe. 3. BOREAS: The God of the North Wind who had two faces - one facing where he was going, the other from whence he came. He was the male counterpart to Eos. 4. CIRCE: The Enchantress who changed men into beasts. Ulysses was given a sprig from a certain plant by Hermes which allowed him to resist her charms. 5. PANDORA: When Pandora was created by Zeus, he ordered all the Gods to endow her with some of their attributes. She was also given a box, but forbidden to open it. Her curiosity about its contents overwhelmed her - she opened it and all the evils of the world flew out. Too late she closed it, but she managed to prevent the escape of Hope. 6. SELENE: The Goddess of the Moon who drives across the night sky in her chariot to visit the sleeping Endymion. She was once seduced by Pan.