During the eighteenth century a person called 'the Dance Master' made his appearance in Ireland. He was a travelling dance-teacher who moved from one village to another to teach the people there how to dance. They were often flamboyant personalities gorgeously dressed and holding a staff in one hand. In order to teach their pupils the difference between their right and left leg the dance master used to tie a small bunch of straw or hay to their leg and then would order them to either lift their 'hay-leg' or their 'straw-leg'. The dancing masters used to stay in one particular village for about six weeks (if they were not claimed by a neighbouringvillage) after which they continued their journey. Having a famous dance master gave a village a certain distinction and did not seldom lead to boasting and pride. Also on account of the popularity of Celtic music in general at the moment William Vean was inspired to writing 'The Irish Dance Master'. He 'teaches' you two dances the Reel and the Jig. In between these two dances there is a short breathing space during which a traditional Irish rhythm can be enjoyed.

In the year 1368 a rapacious character takes up residence in the castle of Rijnesteyn at Cothen. He is Johan bastard son of the Bishop of Utrecht.Round this now so peaceful castle eventful matters are enacted. In part one Johan and Willem Gulik of Guelders set out to do battle against King Charles of France. On their return in part two Johan captures two French goldsmiths in Hainault and incarcerates them at Castle Rijnesteyn. Part three is a musical representation of a courtly ballet in medieval style. The final part relates how Jan van Rijnesteyn goes to war against Hendrik van Vianen and Lord of 'Goy Viscount of Utrecht.Jan loots hispossessions and threathens to conquer all. In het jaar 1368 betrekt een roofzuchtig heerschap het kasteel Reijnestein te Cothen.Het is Johan de bastaardzoon van de Utrechtse bisschop. Rond dit nu zo vredig gelegen ridderslot hebben zich toen geruchtmakende taferelen afgespeeld. In het eerste deel trekt Johan met Willem Gullik de hertog van Gelre ten strijde tegen koning Karel van Frankrijk. De terugreis speelt zich af in het tweede deel. Tijdens deze reis neemt Johan in Henegouwen twee Franse goudsmeden gevangen en sluit ze op in de kerker van slot Rijnesteyn. Deel 3 is de muzikale weergave van een hoofs ballet in middeleeuwse stijl. In het laatste deel wordt verteld hoe Jan van Rijnesteyn in 1396 ten strijde trekt tegen Hendrik van Vianen en de heer van't Goy burggraaf van Utrecht. Jan plundert diens goederen en dreigt diens bezittingen te veroveren.

In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West the domain of cowboys indians trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories however survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books films and of course music. Some characters such as Jesse James Billy the Kid and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars fiddles and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up i.e. driven together spectacular things happen.

In a four-part composition Rieks van der Velde takes us to the richly varied area surrounding the university city of Cambridge. The Dutch composer was especially inspired by the atmosphere of Cambridgeshire the county which lies north of London. 1. The Journey. Although on arrival the area looks peaceful and friendly the ruggedness of its inhabitants and landscape have an unmistakable influence on the music. In the course of the tour which starts with an Allegro movement we are shown the vitality energy and freshness of the Cambridgeshire countryside. Short themes swift and sudden motifs and rhythmical patterns supported by the drive ofpercussion instruments give expression to this image. The first part is concluded by two 'Calmo' movements in which the music expresses how the cathedral in the city of Ely comes into sight and is gradually approached. 2. Visit to Ely Cathedral. The famous Norman cathedral church of Ely which was built in 1109 has attracted tourists from all over the world apart from being a place of worship and heritage site. A cornet solo introduces the contemplative mood of the composition at this point. The mystical atmosphere of the cathedral runs through this lyrical part like a continuous thread. 3. The Pub. The thirst caused by this intensive journey makes a visit to the local pub a definite must. These ?public houses? which may be open until the early hours of the morning offer all kinds of entertainment. Drinks are served liberally and the atmosphere is lively. 4. The Journey Back. Time has flown: In other words the moment of departure has come sooner than one would have wished. In a flashback which recaptures elements of the first part of the composition we say goodbye to Cambridgeshire in a fitting manner. Two scintillating final measures bring us abruptly back to the present.

Composer of Groningen Egbert composed the march 'Hellender' in response to the opening of the bandroom of the 'Hellendoornse Harmonie' (NL). The joyfull sounds of the march let you hear how well the total refurbished building now looks again: fresh bright and spacious! The name Hellender was chosen from historical awareness. The village Hellendoorn is an ancient village as shown by archaeological finds. In 1078 the name Hellender can be found in the archives. Hellender changed into Hellendoorn later.

The Odyssee tells the story of Odysseus the undaunted hero. In times long ago the blind poet Homer wrote this famous epic. The 'Odyssey' follows the 'Iliad' the story of the bloody war between the Greek and the Trojans. This battle endsafter ten years thanks to the Odysseys famous trick. the Trojan Horse. The Odyssey is not a war epic but a story about perseverance loyalty adventure and the survival instinct of its ingenious hero. In The Odyssey Homer describes howOdysseus the king of Ithaca had to endure another ten years of affliction after the ten years of war in Troy before he could finally return to his home land. During those years his wife Penelope had to try and keep her many admirers away.These men not only wanted het hand but also the kingship. To prove her husbands worth she played a trick: 'As soon as I have finished weaving this shroud for my father-in-law Laertes I will choose one of you to become my husband' she promisedthem. But during the night she secretly loosened what she had woven during the day prolonging the time until Odysseus would finally return. After twenty long years when he finally stood at the door she wondered: Is this really my husband? Ishe an imposter? Cunningly she asked him to move the bed because only she and her husband know that the bed was immovable and was build around an old three trunk! Odysseus was deeply moved: this really was his wife his Penelope! Nearly threethousands years later the loyalty and strength of this character and all the dangerous adventures that Odysseus survived thanks to courage and intelligence still moves us today. Odyssee by Jan Bosveld is not just an adventure story butrather a characteristic piece in which memories of Homers story can be heard. The composition opens with a firm stirring theme describing our hero Odysseus in detail: This man is not to be taken lightly. The further development of thisshort introduction completes this character sketch: trustworthy perseverant and a genius. After that we can picture Odysseus on the lonely beach of Ogygia. Do the trumpets depict his memories of the war of Troy? Does he think of his wife as werecognise the weaving loom of Penelope in the murmuring eighth? In the solemn plaintive part that follows we can imagine Penelope feeling lonely sitting in the womens room with her servants.One of the girls plays the harp but that does notclear the sombre atmosphere. Then we can imagine seeing the sorceress Circe who changed Odysseus men into swine. After she gives a simple magic sign something follows that reminds us of the sound of pigs grunting. Then the Odysseus theme resounds:the hero comes to savi his comrades. Assisted by Hermes he forces Circe to lift the spell. The piece ends the same way as it began with an animated theme: Odysseus is still the same undefeated and not to be taken lighty!

Whereas ‘Auld Lang Syne’ may be considered the best-known Scottish song ever yet at the same time it is an obscure one for there are but few people who know the complete text by heart. After the familiar ‘Should auld acquaintance be forgot .....‘ many people take their refuge to lyrics like ‘rum tee dum ta dee ..... lah lah lah ........... for auld lang syne’. Even in Scotland only a handful of persons know the entire text and are able to give a correct rendering of it. The current lyrics have been attributed to the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Burns however he did not write the whole poem : after he had heard an old man sing the centuries-old Scotchballad he wrote it down and added a number of stanzas (1788). Historical research teaches us that the ballad served many purposes both political and religious. Nowadays ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is sung as a Christmas Carol and it is also sung on New Year’s Eve at the turning of the year. Apart from that though the song is also sung on many other occasions – sometimes with different lyrics which usually have Love Friendship and/or Parting as their themes as these go well with the fascinating melody. In this arrangement a low-sounding solo instrument is central. The harmonization in the accompaniment fits in perfectly with the sentiments this song will evoke. Should auld acquaintance be forgot And never brought to mind? Should auld acquintance be forgot. And days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne my dear For auld lang syne We’ll take a cup of kindness yet For auld lang syne.

The tradition of the Christmas tree in Western Europe dates back to a time long before any Christianization had taken place. During the severely cold winter nights so it was believed evil spirits tried to ?kill? nature. Needle-leaved trees were the only ones which kept their green colour throughout the year and therefore became symbols of immortality. These ?living? trees said to be the work of benign spirits were brought into people?s houses to ward off evil life-threatening powers. In the 14th century people first started to decorate Christmas trees. It was a pagan custom originated by the inhabitants of Alsace. This custom was taken over by the Church in thecourse of the 15th and 16th century. At first the decoration consisted mainly of edibles such as apples and wafers but later small presents were added. Legend has it that the reformer Martin Luther was the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with candles. The flickering candle flames were meant to create the image of a starry sky in which Christ?s apparition could be recognized. The German organ-player Ernst Anschütz from Leipzig was the first person to notate the song ?O Tannenbaum? the melody being a well-known folk song. Next to ?Stille Nacht? ?O Tannenbaum? is the most famous German Christmas song now known throughout the world. In the United States of America the melody of ?O Tannenbaum? has even been used in four States (among which the State of Maryland) for their State song. In David Well?s arrangement the song is first heard as many of us know it. After this introduction however it is transformed into a solid rock version and the beat has been changed. In the second part the familiar three-four time is back but here the rhythm is different from the original. After the richly ornamented rock beat the basic theme can be heard once again and the composition is concluded in a festive manner.

Change your band into a Big Band with the swinging sounds of this composition. It is a transcription by top arranger Klaas van der Woude of original light music by Barrie Gott. Various instruments can play the solo in this versatile piece and there is even an invitation to improvise! . The audience will find it impossible to keep still as your band plays the rhythmic Light-walk. However that's no problem: dancing is allowed!

Where You Are - How Far I'll Go - You're Welcome - We Know the Way-Skillfully arranged for flexible or incomplete instrumentation here is an entertaining medley that features catchy songs from the composer of Broadway`s Hamilton Lin-Manuel Miranda. Includes: Where You Are - How Far Ill Go - You`re Welcome - WeKnow the Way.

The composition the Lonesome Knight was based on a fairytale. The piece was written by Saskia Apon for the National Brass Band Championships 2001. Once upon a time there was a knight who went to fight and defeat the dragon that had beenkilling the people of his town. There is a short but intense battle between the two and the knight is triumphant. However whilst persuing the dragon the knight has travelled far away from his home and now is lost. He roames around trying to findhis way home but exhausted and weary he falls to the ground. He awakens startled by a Giant and a group of Goblins who are celebrating the death of the dragon. The knight joins in the festivities but after a long evening is once more leftalone. The sun rises the following morning and he sees a castle on the horizon. He enthousiastcally ventures towards the castle in the hope of meeting other people. However he becomes greatly disillusioned when there is none to be found. Inhis desperation the knight climbs the tower ready to jump off. Suddenly he hears a heavenly voice. Right before him is the most beautiful princess he has ever seen. She graciously thanks him for killing the dragon a spark ingnites between themand they build a life together and.... live happily ever after! Saskia Apon studied harp at Rotterdam School of music. With this instrument she rounded of her studies by passing with credit however it was her love of composition thatremained her focus. Self-taught she began composing at the age of nine. Since then she has written pieces for The Dutch Brass Quintet The Dutch Brass Ensemble The Rotterdam Trombone Quartet and the brass band quintet Brass Ability. Atpresent she is the in-house arranger for The Rotterdam Philarmonic Brass Ensemble. Besides the customary attention for the real splashworks she endeavours to add value to the melodic function of the brass wind instruments in her music. Hercompositions and arrangements can be found on many diverse Cds.The composition the Lonesome Knight was based on a fairytale. The piece was written by Saskia Apon for the National Brass Band Championships 2001. Once upon a time there was aknight who went to fight and defeat the dragon that had been killing the people of his town. There is a short but intense battle between the two and the knight is triumphant. However whilst persuing the dragon the knight has travelled far awayfrom his home and now is lost. He roames around trying to find his way home but exhausted and weary he falls to the ground. He awakens startled by a Giant and a group of Goblins who are celebrating the death of the dragon. The knight joins inthe festivities but after a long evening is once more left alone. The sun rises the following morning and he sees a castle on the horizon. He enthousiastcally ventures towards the castle in the hope of meeting other people. However he becomesgreatly disillusioned when there is n

This composition consisting of two movements has everything in it to be the surprise of your performance. When the Rain is Coming begins even before the first note sounds. (home-made) rainmakers introduce the arrival of the rain. Your percussionists' creativity and activity will determine how much rain will fall but also the weather forecast. Een tweedelig werk dat alles in zich heeft om de verrassing te worden van uw optreden. When the Rain is Coming begint al voor dat de eerste noot geklonken heeft doordat (eigengemaakte) regenmakers de komst van de regen al aankondigen. Hoe zwaar de bui zal zijn hangt af van de creativiteit en de activiteit van uw slagwerkers maar ookvan de weersverwachting.

One of the best known nicknames for a city that is perhaps New York: 'The Big Apple'. Already in the thirties of the last century this name is often used in New York jazz scene. With 'The Big Apple' Manhattan was intended. It was the place to be. Around 1920 Harlem was the center of a thriving black culture. This period is known as the 'Harlem Renaissance'. In the famous Cotton Club were many concerts of greats like Duke Ellington. Broadway attracts millions of tourists. Many of them visit here one of the many musicals sometimes for years on the boards are placed. Broadway splashes sparkles and swings. Peter Martin shows usthree bites tests of this imaginary apple. Enjoy!

Patrick Millstone beautifully created a suite in three parts on well known Christmas carols. You will hear the following three parts: Oh how joyfully Shepherds by night Joy the the World