SKU: CF.YPS204

ISBN 9781491152249. UPC: 680160909742. Key: D minor.

Avalon–Long Live the King is a medieval fantasy piece depicting the Isle of Avalon where the mystical sword Excalibur of King Arthur was forged. Composer Tyler Arcari unearths a solid piece for young bands that is both bold and dramatic. This piece is sure to spark the imagination of students and give them strong musical content with which they can develop their musicianship.
Program Notes:Avalon–Long live the King began its journey as a commission in honor of a dear friend and mentor. David Riggs is one of those band directors that just seems timeless. He is a powerhouse with such a stacked resume that it is easy to forget that at the end of the day he enjoys taking long bike rides with his lovely wife and whittling a piece of wood just as much as being a band director. He has touched so many lives and inspired so many people in our field and beyond. I was humbled, and honored, when I was contacted for the commission. To David, I hope that you one day know how much you mean to so many people, including myself.About the piece:The piece is written with a little homage to David’s long tenure at Avalon Middle school in Pace, Florida. He was certainly treated like a king as the band director and rightly so. It seemed only fitting to add a little medieval fantasy. Avalon is a mystical island in the world of King Arthur where the great sword Excalibur was forged.The piece begins lyrically with a slow introduction with melodic material. This melodic motive is used throughout with slight variations depending on the instrument voicing etc. Care should be taken at m. 10 that the Timpani roll helps to bridge our transition from an exposed section to full tutti. Care should be taken so that the tempo change at m. 19 is brisk and avoids the low brass turning into stomping. Accessories like the China cymbal and tambourine can become overpowering. I recommend having students think of these effects as background in order to make sure they don’t POP out. The dynamic changes at mm. 27-35 should be subito similar to orchestral dynamic changes. Avoid unwritten crescendos in this section. Measures 60–64 are a great opportunity to teach those unwritten dynamics that make music so enjoyable as we lead up to the finale. It was originally left blank for some theatrics in the premiere at David’s retirement concert so I know he would enjoy adding some Cholesterol as David would say.Long Live the King!

SKU: OU.9780193388130

ISBN 9780193388130. 10 x 7 inches.

For SSATB unaccompanied This enchanting setting of the well-known medieval text combines expressive harmonies with gently interweaving lines for solo or soli voices. A beautifully written Advent miniature, Rose of such virtue will appeal to choirs and audiences alike.

SKU: HL.49019720

ISBN 9790001180375. 9.25x12.0x0.269 inches. Latin.

Missa brevis for mixed choir and eight wind instruments Op. 5 was created in 1951 and premiered at the Donaueschingen Festival of Contemporary Music the following year. The Ordinary of the Mass (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Agnus Dei) was composed using a modal technique drawing on medieval examples. The use of wind instruments adds to the rich sound of the choir, thus expanding the sound spectrum in an interesting way. The piece is suitable for both liturgy and concert. Hummel wrote a music which is easy to play by all performers and delights the listeners immediately.

SKU: OU.9780193416307

ISBN 9780193416307.

For SATB, optional congregation, and organ Setting words by the medieval monk Notker Balbulus in a translation by J.M. Neale, Rutter creates an uplifting song of praise. Gentle organ arpeggios are set skilfully against carefully wrought choral lines, leading to a dramatic finale. Creation's Alleluia is suitable for any worship service.