Heritage I - Bass clarinet

SKU: AP.1-ADV8412

UPC: 805095084122. English.

Klezmer Triptych is a unique three-movement suite by Mike Curtis arranged for clarinet quartet (2 clarinets in B-flat, alto clarinet in E-flat (or 3 clarinets in B-flat) & bass clarinet in B-flat). Each movement can be performed individually or as a set. Titles: I. Lebedik un Freylach * II. Rebn's Tanz * III. Freylacher Bulgar.

SKU: AP.1-ADV8437

UPC: 805095084375. English.

Klezmer Jam is a lively jam session original by Valentin Hude where the lead material is shared by every member of the quartet at one time or another. It is great fun for players and audiences alike. Arranged for 4 clarinets (3 clarinets in B-flat & bass clarinet in B-flat).

SKU: AP.1-ADV8446

UPC: 805095084467. English.

Klezmer is the Yiddish word for musician, and is commonly used to refer to Jewish traditional music. Originating from Eastern Europe, Klezmer music played an important part during Jewish festivals and celebrations, and clearly reveals musical influences from the Balkan and Slavic regions. This Klezmer Suite is arranged by Coen Wolfgram for 4 clarinets (3 clarinets in B-flat & bass clarinet in B-flat).

SKU: WD.080689418877

UPC: 080689418877.

In the past twenty years, worship styles in many churches have transformed, emphasizing a personal worship that strives for intimacy with the Father. This renewal led some ministries, perhaps unintentionally, to abandon the great hymns of our faith in favor of newly composed worship songs. Other ministries, in an effort to create a balanced worship style, mixed the new with the old, sometimes with results that only amplified the differences between the two. Hymns for Praise & Worship bridges the stylistic gap between modern-day worship songs and the hymns of our Christian heritage. A select advisory board of active music ministers, Word Music staff and key choral arrangers were assembled to pinpoint fifty-six hymns from the vast array of hymnody, not only for their musical quality, but for the messages that they bring to worshippers today. Veteran choral arrangers John E. Coates and Travis Cottrell have been creating new settings of hymns for their own congregations for years. Their experience as worship leaders brought not only musicality, but also congregational and choral pragmatism to each new arrangement in Hymns for Praise & Worship. With all of the same editions and features as the Songs for Praise & Worship series, this collection is designed to work hand-in-hand with existing resources for worship. Various stylistic changes make these settings flow easily, appeal to the modern ear, and correlate with the styles of contemporary praise & worship songs. Throughout this book you will encounter variations from traditional time signatures, intuitive syncopated rhythms, and substituted chords and harmonies. Even the few hymns with more traditional settings are treated in a manner that takes the congregation on a journey through the verses, sometimes in a more through-composed manner, and usually culminating in a climactic conclusion. Each of the changes was not implemented arbitrarily, but with the goal of making the timeless messages of each hymn leap from the page in new and exciting ways. Two added features of Hymns for Praise & Worship are the demonstration and accompaniment recordings. While the songs in the collection are well known, the new arrangements are not. The staff of Word Music felt that it was vital to provide audible resources to teach and lead worship to best communicate the desires of the arrangers. All of the core editions (Choir/Worship Team, Worship Planner, Keyboard Edition, Guitar Edition) reflect the verses and voicings used on the recordings.

SKU: PE.EP68748

ISBN 9790300762289.

S hawn Okpebholo's Heritage, in the Edition Peters Concert Band Series, evokes moods, events and sounds (including West African drumming and indigenous melodies) from an ethnomusicological research visit the composer undertook to Nigeria. One of the primary musical themes of the work is an adaptation of a song that comes from the Esan people, a small ethnic group in the southern part of Nigeria and the tribe to which the composer has deep historical and family ties.

The Esan language is poetic in nature and, at various moments in the work, the musicians chant the text from an Esan song:

Ekine leleyea do obhimen la doeki nalo.

(My investment in you is paid off. Because of your hard work, your future is bright)

Heritage< /em> is a revised version of a work previously entitled This is Africa, which was commissioned by Professor Marcellus Brown and the Boise State University Symphonic Winds for the 2011 National CBDNA Convention and is dedicated to the memory of Dr Harry Begian.

Orchestrati on:

1 Piccolo, 2 Flute 1, 2 Flute 2, 1 Oboe 1, 1 Oboe 2, 1 Clarinet in E-flat, 3 Clarinet 1 in B-flat, 3 Clarinet 2 in B-flat, 3 Clarinet 3 in B-flat, 2 Bass Clarinet 1 and 2, 1 Bassoon 1, 1 Bassoon 2, 1 Alto Saxophone 1, 1 Alto Saxophone 2, 1 Tenor Saxophone, 1 Baritone Saxophone, 1 Trumpet 1 in B-flat, 1 Trumpet 2 in B-flat, 1 Trumpet 3 in B-flat, 1 Trumpet 4 in B-flat, 1 Horn 1 in F, 1 Horn 2 in F, 1 Horn 3 in F, 1 Horn 4 in F, 1 Trombone 1, 1 Trombone 2, 1 Bass Trombone, 1 Euphonium 1, 1 Euphonium 2, 2 Tuba 1 and 2, 1 String Bass, 1 Percussion 1, 1 Percussion 2, 1 Drum Kit, 1 Bongos, 1 Congas, 1 Horn 1 in E-flat, 1 Horn 2 in E-flat, 1 Horn 3 in E-flat, 1 Horn 4 in E-flat, 1 Trombone 1 (B-flat treble clef), 1 Trombone 2 (B-flat treble clef), 1 Bass Trombone (B-flat treble clef), 1 Euphonium 1 (B-flat treble clef), 1 Euphonium 2 (B-flat treble clef), 2 Tuba 1 and 2 (B-flat treble clef), 2 Tuba 1 and 2 (E-flat treb.

SKU: CF.YPS238F

ISBN 9781491159569. UPC: 680160918157.

Rugby Heritage was commissioned and premiered by Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Anthony Ammons, conductor. The Andante passage is based on Floreat Rugbeia, the school hymn composed in 1870 by Reverend C. E. Moberley of the famed Rugby School (UK). A rousing rendition of the hymn, performed by students and staff of the Rugby School during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=Zhaup27XyAY. The composition opens with a fanfare that foreshadows the opening motive of Floreat Rugbeia (compare Tpt. 1, m. 1 and m. 31). A stately, British-style march section follows. The march theme is drawn from a second motive of the original tune (compare Tpt. 1, m. 7 and Cl. 1, m. 62). The Andante presents a lyrical, harmonically rich setting of the original tune in its entirety. A brief retransition leads to a varied restatement of the march that brings the composition to a close.
Rugby Heritage was commissioned and premiered by Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Anthony Ammons, conductor. The Andante passage is based on Floreat Rugbeia, the school hymn composed in 1870 by Reverend C. E. Moberley of the famed Rugby School (UK). A rousing rendition of the hymn, performed by students and staff of the Rugby School during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=Zhaup27XyAY.The composition opens with a fanfare that foreshadows the opening motive of Floreat Rugbeia (compare Tpt. 1, m. 1 and m. 31). A stately, British-style march section follows. The march theme is drawn from a second motive of the original tune (compare Tpt. 1, m. 7 and Cl. 1, m. 62). The Andante presents a lyrical, harmonically rich setting of the original tune in its entirety. A brief retransition leads to a varied restatement of the march that brings the composition to a close.

SKU: CF.YPS238

ISBN 9781491159552. UPC: 680160918140.

Rugby Heritage was commissioned and premiered by Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Anthony Ammons, conductor. The Andante passage is based on Floreat Rugbeia, the school hymn composed in 1870 by Reverend C. E. Moberley of the famed Rugby School (UK). A rousing rendition of the hymn, performed by students and staff of the Rugby School during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=Zhaup27XyAY. The composition opens with a fanfare that foreshadows the opening motive of Floreat Rugbeia (compare Tpt. 1, m. 1 and m. 31). A stately, British-style march section follows. The march theme is drawn from a second motive of the original tune (compare Tpt. 1, m. 7 and Cl. 1, m. 62). The Andante presents a lyrical, harmonically rich setting of the original tune in its entirety. A brief retransition leads to a varied restatement of the march that brings the composition to a close.
Rugby Heritage was commissioned and premiered by Rugby Middle School in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Anthony Ammons, conductor. The Andante passage is based on Floreat Rugbeia, the school hymn composed in 1870 by Reverend C. E. Moberley of the famed Rugby School (UK). A rousing rendition of the hymn, performed by students and staff of the Rugby School during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020, may be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=Zhaup27XyAY.The composition opens with a fanfare that foreshadows the opening motive of Floreat Rugbeia (compare Tpt. 1, m. 1 and m. 31). A stately, British-style march section follows. The march theme is drawn from a second motive of the original tune (compare Tpt. 1, m. 7 and Cl. 1, m. 62). The Andante presents a lyrical, harmonically rich setting of the original tune in its entirety. A brief retransition leads to a varied restatement of the march that brings the composition to a close.

SKU: SU.95010290

Facsimile manuscript editionFlute/Alto Flute, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone, Electric Piano, Cello (amplified), Percussion Duration: 32' Full Score & Parts: available on rental Composed: 1987 Published by: Subito Music Publishing An excellent work, its disparate elements fused with remarkable skill. Indeed, listening to Zaimont's music, one often thingks that if a common musical language could exist in the late 20th century, it might sound like this. -- Baltimore Sun.

SKU: CF.SPS85F

ISBN 9781491156438. UPC: 680160914975. 9 x 12 inches.

Blue Horizons is a spirited tribute to the musical heritage of the United States Air Force. The main theme is a variation of the U.S. Air Force Song (Off We Go), with a secondary theme based on A Toast to the Host (the bridge of The Air Force Song). Throughout the work, fragments of other Air Force-related songs appear: Lord, Guard and Guide (the Air Force Hymn), Air Force Blue, and Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines. The original request for this work was a daunting task: I was asked to create an Air Force companion piece to Robert Jager's Esprit de Corps that would mirror the style and spirit of that landmark work. The goal was to use elements of our various Air Force tunes in the same way that Jager incorporated The Marine's Hymn into his work - that is, to weave a musical tapestry of the Air Force's musical heritage without ever becoming a mere arrangement of the original material. As a former student of Robert Jager at Tennessee Technological University, I discussed my plans for the piece with him, shared my progress along the way, and sought his guidance as I had done so many times in the past. He was delighted that I managed to incorporate a few Jager-isms into the music, including one direct quote from Esprit de Corps. Although Blue Horizons was conceived as a dedication to the Air Force's musical legacy, it is also a personal homage to my teacher and friend, Robert Jager. Performance Notes * If only two flutists are available, omit the piccolo part and have them play Flute 1 and 2; in this case, Flute 1 should switch over to piccolo (still playing from the Flute 1 part) at m. 81 and back to regular flute at m. 114. If only covering the Flute 1 and 2 parts, Flute 2 should ignore indications to switch to piccolo and just play the entire work on regular flute. * Oboe 1 and 2 parts should be covered before adding the English Horn part. * The clarinet in Eb part should not be covered unless there are a sufficient number of players on the clarinet in Bb parts. * The trumpet cues in mm. 77-80 are only necessary if the horns need assistance finishing their soli phrase with enough strength to be heard. If you can hear them without extra support, leave the trumpets out. * From mm. 89-95, be sure the wind players with static eighth notes do not cover up the players with moving lines. * There is a strong tendency to rush m. 121. * During the oboe solo from mm. 157-168, ensure that the suspension/resolution lines in the bassoon and clarinet parts are heard; emphasize the importance of growing into the suspension with a slight crescendo. * In the scherzo section that begins at m. 217, be sure that each player knows how his/her part fits into the overall sound. I recommend isolating different textural items so the players can hear those parts on their own. (The bass line from mm. 243-260, for example, or the moving inner-voice line from mm. 251-260.) * In this same scherzo section, care should be taken to not play too loud and save a little strength for the climax fanfare at m. 279. * If you have an abundance of tubas, I would recommend having one or two of them play up an octave from mm. 243-271 if the lower part seems too heavy.
Blue Horizons is a spirited tribute to the musical heritage of the United States Air Force. The main theme is a variation of the U.S. Air Force Song (Off We Go), with a secondary theme based on A Toast to the Host (the bridge of The Air Force Song). Throughout the work, fragments of other Air Force-related songs appear: Lord, Guard and Guide (the Air Force Hymn), Air Force Blue, and Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines.The original request for this work was a daunting task: I was asked to create an Air Force “companion piece” to Robert Jager’s Esprit de Corps that would mirror the style and spirit of that landmark work. The goal was to use elements of our various Air Force tunes in the same way that Jager incorporated The Marine’s Hymn into his work – that is, to weave amusical tapestry of the Air Force’s musical heritage without ever becoming a mere arrangement of the original material. As a former student of Robert Jager at Tennessee Technological University, I discussed my plans for the piece with him, shared my progress along the way, and sought his guidance as I had done so many times in the past. He was delighted that I managed to incorporate a few “Jager-isms” into the music, including one direct quote from Esprit de Corps. Although Blue Horizons was conceived asa dedication to the Air Force’s musical legacy, it is also a personal homage to my teacher and friend, Robert Jager.Performance Notes• If only two flutists are available, omit the piccolo part and have them play Flute 1 and 2; in this case, Flute 1 should switch over to piccolo (still playing from the Flute 1 part) at m. 81 and back to regular flute at m. 114. If only covering the Flute 1 and 2 parts, Flute 2 should ignore indications to switch to piccolo and just play the entire work on regular flute.• Oboe 1 and 2 parts should be covered before adding the English Horn part.• The clarinet in Eb part should not be covered unless there are a sufficient number of players on the clarinet in Bb parts.• The trumpet cues in mm. 77-80 are only necessary if the horns need assistance finishing their soli phrase with enough strength to be heard. If you can hear them without extra support, leave the trumpets out.• From mm. 89-95, be sure the wind players with static eighth notes do not cover up the players with moving lines.• There is a strong tendency to rush m. 121.• During the oboe solo from mm. 157-168, ensure that the suspension/resolution lines in the bassoon and clarinet parts are heard; emphasize the importance of growing into the suspension with a slight crescendo.• In the scherzo section that begins at m. 217, be sure that each player knows how his/her part fits into the overall sound. I recommend isolating different textural items so the players can hear those parts on their own. (The bass line from mm. 243-260, for example, or the moving inner-voice linefrom mm. 251-260.)• In this same scherzo section, care should be taken to not play too loud and save a little strength for the climax fanfare at m. 279.• If you have an abundance of tubas, I would recommend having one or two of them play up an octave from mm. 243-271 if the lower part seems too heavy.

SKU: CF.SPS85

ISBN 9781491156421. UPC: 680160914968. 9 x 12 inches.

Blue Horizons is a spirited tribute to the musical heritage of the United States Air Force. The main theme is a variation of the U.S. Air Force Song (Off We Go), with a secondary theme based on A Toast to the Host (the bridge of The Air Force Song). Throughout the work, fragments of other Air Force-related songs appear: Lord, Guard and Guide (the Air Force Hymn), Air Force Blue, and Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines. The original request for this work was a daunting task: I was asked to create an Air Force companion piece to Robert Jager's Esprit de Corps that would mirror the style and spirit of that landmark work. The goal was to use elements of our various Air Force tunes in the same way that Jager incorporated The Marine's Hymn into his work - that is, to weave a musical tapestry of the Air Force's musical heritage without ever becoming a mere arrangement of the original material. As a former student of Robert Jager at Tennessee Technological University, I discussed my plans for the piece with him, shared my progress along the way, and sought his guidance as I had done so many times in the past. He was delighted that I managed to incorporate a few Jager-isms into the music, including one direct quote from Esprit de Corps. Although Blue Horizons was conceived as a dedication to the Air Force's musical legacy, it is also a personal homage to my teacher and friend, Robert Jager. Performance Notes * If only two flutists are available, omit the piccolo part and have them play Flute 1 and 2; in this case, Flute 1 should switch over to piccolo (still playing from the Flute 1 part) at m. 81 and back to regular flute at m. 114. If only covering the Flute 1 and 2 parts, Flute 2 should ignore indications to switch to piccolo and just play the entire work on regular flute. * Oboe 1 and 2 parts should be covered before adding the English Horn part. * The clarinet in Eb part should not be covered unless there are a sufficient number of players on the clarinet in Bb parts. * The trumpet cues in mm. 77-80 are only necessary if the horns need assistance finishing their soli phrase with enough strength to be heard. If you can hear them without extra support, leave the trumpets out. * From mm. 89-95, be sure the wind players with static eighth notes do not cover up the players with moving lines. * There is a strong tendency to rush m. 121. * During the oboe solo from mm. 157-168, ensure that the suspension/resolution lines in the bassoon and clarinet parts are heard; emphasize the importance of growing into the suspension with a slight crescendo. * In the scherzo section that begins at m. 217, be sure that each player knows how his/her part fits into the overall sound. I recommend isolating different textural items so the players can hear those parts on their own. (The bass line from mm. 243-260, for example, or the moving inner-voice line from mm. 251-260.) * In this same scherzo section, care should be taken to not play too loud and save a little strength for the climax fanfare at m. 279. * If you have an abundance of tubas, I would recommend having one or two of them play up an octave from mm. 243-271 if the lower part seems too heavy.
Blue Horizons is a spirited tribute to the musical heritage of the United States Air Force. The main theme is a variation of the U.S. Air Force Song (Off We Go), with a secondary theme based on A Toast to the Host (the bridge of The Air Force Song). Throughout the work, fragments of other Air Force-related songs appear: Lord, Guard and Guide (the Air Force Hymn), Air Force Blue, and Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines.The original request for this work was a daunting task: I was asked to create an Air Force “companion piece” to Robert Jager’s Esprit de Corps that would mirror the style and spirit of that landmark work. The goal was to use elements of our various Air Force tunes in the same way that Jager incorporated The Marine’s Hymn into his work – that is, to weave amusical tapestry of the Air Force’s musical heritage without ever becoming a mere arrangement of the original material. As a former student of Robert Jager at Tennessee Technological University, I discussed my plans for the piece with him, shared my progress along the way, and sought his guidance as I had done so many times in the past. He was delighted that I managed to incorporate a few “Jager-isms” into the music, including one direct quote from Esprit de Corps. Although Blue Horizons was conceived asa dedication to the Air Force’s musical legacy, it is also a personal homage to my teacher and friend, Robert Jager.Performance Notes• If only two flutists are available, omit the piccolo part and have them play Flute 1 and 2; in this case, Flute 1 should switch over to piccolo (still playing from the Flute 1 part) at m. 81 and back to regular flute at m. 114. If only covering the Flute 1 and 2 parts, Flute 2 should ignore indications to switch to piccolo and just play the entire work on regular flute.• Oboe 1 and 2 parts should be covered before adding the English Horn part.• The clarinet in Eb part should not be covered unless there are a sufficient number of players on the clarinet in Bb parts.• The trumpet cues in mm. 77-80 are only necessary if the horns need assistance finishing their soli phrase with enough strength to be heard. If you can hear them without extra support, leave the trumpets out.• From mm. 89-95, be sure the wind players with static eighth notes do not cover up the players with moving lines.• There is a strong tendency to rush m. 121.• During the oboe solo from mm. 157-168, ensure that the suspension/resolution lines in the bassoon and clarinet parts are heard; emphasize the importance of growing into the suspension with a slight crescendo.• In the scherzo section that begins at m. 217, be sure that each player knows how his/her part fits into the overall sound. I recommend isolating different textural items so the players can hear those parts on their own. (The bass line from mm. 243-260, for example, or the moving inner-voice linefrom mm. 251-260.)• In this same scherzo section, care should be taken to not play too loud and save a little strength for the climax fanfare at m. 279.• If you have an abundance of tubas, I would recommend having one or two of them play up an octave from mm. 243-271 if the lower part seems too heavy.

SKU: CF.SPS88F

ISBN 9781491156476. UPC: 680160915019. 9 x 12 inches.

About the Work Diamond Reflections was composed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The work progresses from a somber, militaristic intro to a jovial symphonic ending, exploring various ensemble colors along the way. The U.S. Air Force Song is suggested throughout the work by the use of an ascending (and later, descending) minor-third interval, a play on the lyrics Off We Go. The Air Force Hymn, Lord, Guard & Guide, makes a more obvious appearance, namely the trumpet solo at m. 46 and the horn soli at m. 123.  .
About the WorkDiamond Reflections was composed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The work progresses from a somber, militaristic intro to a jovial symphonic ending, exploring various ensemble colors along the way. The U.S. Air Force Song is suggested throughout the work by the use of an ascending (and later, descending) minor-third interval, a play on the lyrics Off We Go. The Air Force Hymn, Lord, Guard & Guide, makes a more obvious appearance, namely the trumpet solo at m. 46 and the horn soli at m. 123. .

SKU: CF.YPS208F

ISBN 9781491152966. UPC: 680160910465.

A stunning and heart-wrenching composition based on the Jewish folk son Shlof, Mayn Kind. You can hear the emotional content pour out of this piece written in memory of an outstanding orchestra director. The piece beginnings with original material to set the tone, followed by a clarinet solo on the song. It then develops through a variety of different harmonic presentation before building to a nice key change and climatic moment. The piece ends as it began, but with a more hopeful tone. An amazing piece.
Sleep, My Child was commissioned by the Madison Middle School Band and Orchestra in Tampa, Florida, and is dedicated to the memory of their Director of Orchestras Kevin Frye. Director of Bands Chris Shultz championed the commissioning of this piece to honor Kevin after he passed away in December 2016. Mr. Frye was a beloved member of the staff at Madison Middle as well as the music community of Tampa and the state of Florida. I was a personal friend of Kevin’s. We were in several musical groups together when we were young that were formative to both of our musical careers. I also guest conducted his Madison Middle School Orchestra several times over the past four years. His musicianship, teaching skills and love for his students were exemplary.When taking on the challenge of writing a piece to honor Kevin’s legacy, Mr. Shultz and I decided to try and include several important aspects of Kevin’s life into the piece. Kevin was proudly Jewish, a fantastic trumpet player and loved Jazz. With that in mind, and after a lot of research, a Jewish folk song Shlof, Mayn Kind was selected as the basis for the piece, not to be religious, but to honor his faith and heritage. Plus it is a beautiful song, and I felt the title reflected the sentiment I was looking to express, which is of someone taking rest after a long battle with illness. Thus, a lullaby seemed appropriate.I also wanted to incorporate Jazz into the piece, but in a concert setting, so you will hear as the piece develops, the harmonies of the folk song expand into ones found more commonly in Jazz compositions. Not in a far out way, but in a subtle way to again honor this part of his life. For example the climactic moment of the piece at the fermata in m. 57 is a Dbmaj9#11 chord. It appropriately give the piece the angst that I was looking for at this moment in the piece, while honoring the importance of Jazz in Kevin’s musical life.The piece was also conceived to include both the Madison band and orchestra in the performance at the premiere. I wanted the pieces to work separately by the band and separately by the orchestra, but I also wanted them to be able to play the piece together to honor Kevin.The piece begins with original material designed to set the mood of the piece with a tempo/style marking of pensive, but also as material that I used as connective musical tissue between statements of the folk song.  After this introduction, the folk song is presented by a solo violin (or clarinet) with orchestral accompaniment in a simple straight forward presentation of the song. This is followed by a woodwind section statement of the folk song accompanied by muted trumpets. During this presentation the harmony starts to expand with more color notes in the chords. The low brass are added half way through this statement to add depth and lushness.The introductory material returns, but with some angry hits in the lower voices. This leads to a full ensemble state of new material that is used to transition to the climax of the piece, and to build tension. After the build, the piece modulates to a shortened statement of the folk song with more advanced harmonies and an active counter line in the violas, horns, saxes and first clarinets to further build the tension.  This tension is released at the fermata in m. 57, as mentioned above. After a thoughtful pause, the piece concludes with a completion of the folk song again with a solo violin (or clarinet) followed by a return of the introductory material to tie the piece together. The piece ends hopeful, with a solo trumpet (Kevin’s instrument) that is dissonant at first, but then resolves as if to say - everything will be OK! It has been my distinct honor to have been asked to write this piece in Kevin’s memory! I hope that in some small way the piece helps to bring comfort to his family, students, colleagues and to all those that knew him!–Larry ClarkLakeland, FL  2017.

SKU: CF.YPS208

ISBN 9781491152287. UPC: 680160909780. Key: D minor.

A stunning and heart-wrenching composition based on the Jewish folk son Shlof, Mayn Kind. You can hear the emotional content pour out of this piece written in memory of an outstanding orchestra director. The piece beginnings with original material to set the tone, followed by a clarinet solo on the song. It then develops through a variety of different harmonic presentation before building to a nice key change and climatic moment. The piece ends as it began, but with a more hopeful tone. An amazing piece.
Sleep, My Child was commissioned by the Madison Middle School Band and Orchestra in Tampa, Florida, and is dedicated to the memory of their Director of Orchestras Kevin Frye. Director of Bands Chris Shultz championed the commissioning of this piece to honor Kevin after he passed away in December 2016. Mr. Frye was a beloved member of the staff at Madison Middle as well as the music community of Tampa and the state of Florida. I was a personal friend of Kevin’s. We were in several musical groups together when we were young that were formative to both of our musical careers. I also guest conducted his Madison Middle School Orchestra several times over the past four years. His musicianship, teaching skills and love for his students were exemplary.When taking on the challenge of writing a piece to honor Kevin’s legacy, Mr. Shultz and I decided to try and include several important aspects of Kevin’s life into the piece. Kevin was proudly Jewish, a fantastic trumpet player and loved Jazz. With that in mind, and after a lot of research, a Jewish folk song Shlof, Mayn Kind was selected as the basis for the piece, not to be religious, but to honor his faith and heritage. Plus it is a beautiful song, and I felt the title reflected the sentiment I was looking to express, which is of someone taking rest after a long battle with illness. Thus, a lullaby seemed appropriate.I also wanted to incorporate Jazz into the piece, but in a concert setting, so you will hear as the piece develops, the harmonies of the folk song expand into ones found more commonly in Jazz compositions. Not in a far out way, but in a subtle way to again honor this part of his life. For example the climactic moment of the piece at the fermata in m. 57 is a Dbmaj9#11 chord. It appropriately give the piece the angst that I was looking for at this moment in the piece, while honoring the importance of Jazz in Kevin’s musical life.The piece was also conceived to include both the Madison band and orchestra in the performance at the premiere. I wanted the pieces to work separately by the band and separately by the orchestra, but I also wanted them to be able to play the piece together to honor Kevin.The piece begins with original material designed to set the mood of the piece with a tempo/style marking of pensive, but also as material that I used as connective musical tissue between statements of the folk song.  After this introduction, the folk song is presented by a solo violin (or clarinet) with orchestral accompaniment in a simple straight forward presentation of the song. This is followed by a woodwind section statement of the folk song accompanied by muted trumpets. During this presentation the harmony starts to expand with more color notes in the chords. The low brass are added half way through this statement to add depth and lushness.The introductory material returns, but with some angry hits in the lower voices. This leads to a full ensemble state of new material that is used to transition to the climax of the piece, and to build tension. After the build, the piece modulates to a shortened statement of the folk song with more advanced harmonies and an active counter line in the violas, horns, saxes and first clarinets to further build the tension.  This tension is released at the fermata in m. 57, as mentioned above. After a thoughtful pause, the piece concludes with a completion of the folk song again with a solo violin (or clarinet) followed by a return of the introductory material to tie the piece together. The piece ends hopeful, with a solo trumpet (Kevin’s instrument) that is dissonant at first, but then resolves as if to say - everything will be OK! It has been my distinct honor to have been asked to write this piece in Kevin’s memory! I hope that in some small way the piece helps to bring comfort to his family, students, colleagues and to all those that knew him!–Larry ClarkLakeland, FL  2017.

SKU: CF.YPS214F

ISBN 9781491153017. UPC: 680160910519.

This new piece from composer George Sweet is a delightful combination of Scotland the Brave and Amazing Grace. Each tune on its own is wonderful, but in Sweet's setting, they are masterfully layered to reflect the composer's Scottish-American heritage. This presentation of a Scottish melody with Americana-inspired harmonies is a stunning example of compositional craft.
Bravery and Grace is a setting of the unofficial Scottish national anthem, Scotland the Brave. While the melody is taken from Scotland the Brave, the accompaniment and harmony both have a “Western Americana” feel, reminiscent of composers like Roy Harris and Aaron Copland.  This combination of a Scottish melody with American harmony is a reflection of the composer’s Scottish-American Heritage.The piece begins with a fragment of Scotland the Brave presented in a lush and reflective context. The main theme is performed in full by the upper voices at m. 9. The middle voices perform the material at m. 17, and the lower voices perform it again at m. 33. This results in a loud passage representing pipers at m. 46. The traditional spiritual Amazing Grace appears suddenly at m. 51 in a somewhat polytonal setting. This is, once again, reminiscent of practices of the aforementioned American composers.  After this lyrical presentation, a fragment of the main theme returns at m. 66. This is followed by a broad restatement of the theme at m. 70 and a brisk conclusion with a final flair of polytonality.