Horizon

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. .

SKU: CF.CPS260

ISBN 9781491161494. UPC: 680160920129.

I compose a piece of music each year to be premiered by our annual University of Mobile High School Honor Band. A New Horizon was composed for the 2021 Honor Band during the most challenging season in memory. Taking place during the pandemic, the Honor Band was held outdoors under a large, open tent with distancing and health protocols in place. Though not ideal and full of challenges, it was a successful, memorable and thankfully healthy event. I felt that it was important to have a joyful, upbeat, hopeful piece of music to introduce to these students and this was the result. The title itself is a reminder that hope remains and we should keep our eyes on the future: a new horizon. The tempo should remain bright and steady, articulations are critically important and need to be accurately crisp. Dynamics are intended to be dramatic, so do not be afraid to overdo - particularly dynamic swells and subito changes.
I compose a piece of music each year to be premiered by our annual University of Mobile High School Honor Band. “A New Horizon” was composed for the 2021 Honor Band during the most challenging season in memory. Taking place during the pandemic, the Honor Band was held outdoors under a large, open tent with distancing and health protocols in place. Though not ideal and full of challenges, it was a successful, memorable and thankfully healthy event. I felt that it was important to have a joyful, upbeat, hopeful piece of music to introduce to these students and this was the result. The title itself is a reminder that hope remains and we should keep our eyes on the future: a new horizon.The tempo should remain bright and steady, articulations are critically important and need to be accurately crisp. Dynamics are intended to be dramatic, so do not be afraid to “overdo” – particularly dynamic swells and subito changes.

SKU: CF.YPS197F

ISBN 9781491152850. UPC: 680160910359.

Chase the Horizon is a musical journey depicting a lonesome cowboy riding on his horse, chasing the horizon. Composer John Pasternak has delivered a strong and musically rewarding piece for the young band. It begins with a nice legato section before setting off on the journey with a tuneful theme. The piece develops through several contrasting sections finishing in a dramatic conclusion.
This piece is a story of new beginnings. While writing this piece I pictured a lonely cowboy riding on his horse, chasing the horizon. The beginning for this piece should have a very legato feel except for the Xylophone part, which should use a very abrupt, staccato articulation. Measure 9 should take on a staccato and light feel. The feeling should remain light except for the instruments with the melody, who should play their parts with a more legato feel. Dynamics throughout this first section are crucial. All parts at m. 22 should play with a legato style with focus on the dynamics. The trumpet interjection at m. 25 should be played very light. At m. 32 there should be contrast with all the different styles of articulation. Measure 42 should not slow down too quickly as the group should not ever get slower than the tempo marking at m. 49.The slow section at m. 49 should be played soft with a legato style growing gradually through m. 61. The articulation at m. 61 should be short and staccato, and be careful not to rush. The sections with the melody here should contrast the staccato of the ensemble with a legato style. When the ensemble arrives at m. 78 the piece should have a maestoso-style feel. The rit. at m. 88 should not become slower than the tempo at m. 92. At m. 92, let the horns and saxophones really shine through.

SKU: AP.31723S

UPC: 038081345994. English.

From the Badlands of South Dakota to the cliffs of Big Sur, California, the western horizon is both an ending and a beginning. Standing in the grandeur of the American West, one senses the exuberance and wildness of a time long gone by. Gazing west, one imagines an astonishing variety of landscape unfolding beyond the horizon, leading to the beauty of California's sunset and the optimism of tomorrow. This piece celebrates the nostalgia, gusto and optimism of that western horizon. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

SKU: XC.ISO2102

UPC: 812598037562. 9 x 12 inches.

Composer Bud Woodruff writes, To me, Beyond the Horizon is as much a philosophy as it is a title. No matter what you have accomplished today, there is always a new adventure awaiting you ‘beyond the horizon’. This work will inspire your students musically, as well as philosophically, making it a wonderful teaching piece, perfect for contest, festival, or performance.

SKU: XC.RSO2004

UPC: 812598034554. 9 x 12 inches.

Flowing with a lush harmonic pallette, The Horizon is an expressively lyrical experience. Composer Yukiko Nishimura writes It is a work that I want you to play with a gentle heart throughout, while thinking of someone who is very important to you..

SKU: AP.48923

UPC: 038081562476. English.

Carefully placed staccatos and well-chosen chord inversions illuminate the gospel style of this original anthem of hope. It's a perfect pep talk or pick-me-up theme song for whenever your program needs a lift. A solo voice becomes a duet before all the singers join in and grow with intensity. Several ascending key changes raise spirits, ensuring that the uplifting message resonates. Everything will be alright, everything will be okay, 'cause I can see a new horizon on a brand new day. If you don't perform with the kickin' SoundTrax accompaniment, be sure to add a groovin' drummer and riffing organ of your own. We dare you (and your audience) not to clap along!

About Alfred Choral Designs

The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.

SKU: AP.44850S

UPC: 038081518534. English.

This original work by Thom Sharp is an energetic adventure-themed rondo in which every section takes the lead heading off into the horizon looking for adventure. The rhythm of the A theme is used for new melodies in the contrasting sections, either in its original form or starting on a different beat to create a new, yet familiar, rhythm. The last iteration of the A melody employs augmentation. All of these devices provide ample opportunity for instructing students in form and structure and provide for efficient rehearsal time! (3:00).

SKU: PR.114423640

UPC: 680160688562.

The first time I saw slipstreaming in action with professional cyclists, I was in awe. The competitors were riding inches away from each other; when the lead rider would swerve left or right, the pursuers would immediately follow suit. The physics behind what appears on the surface to be sheer daredevil antics are quite solid: the cyclists riding directly behind the leader are benefitting from reduced air and wind resistance. On a larger scale, a peloton (the French term for a pack of riders) benefits multiple riders whoare behind the leaders of the pack. While riding so close to other riders carries great risk of colliding, that risk is outweighed by the benefit of preserving one’s energy.Slipstream was inspired by the love of cycling shared by Haley Hoops, horn, and Stephen Ahearn, clarinet, for whom the piece was commissioned. They are drawn to cycling for the adventure of it, to discover new places, and to meet new people. Haley also expressed her enjoyment of taking solo bike rides. Additionally, I found great inspiration in watching the daily highlight videos of the three-week 2020 Tour de France, which happened to be taking place while I composed Slipstream.The piece opens with The Horizon Beckons. A cyclist hears an enticing call emanating from the mountains, then the cyclist starts pedaling towards the mountains in search of adventure. Riding Solo, the second movement, explores the quiet of riding alone, the beauty of the landscape, and the shifting of the light and clouds, all while we hear the bike’s wheels in constant motion. Adrenaline Rush, the third and final movement, depicts the heat of competition. We hear the constant jockeying of cyclists within a peloton as they slipstream with each other and move with the wind. At the very end of the movement, we hear sprinters race for the finish line with everything they have left in their legs.

SKU: AP.48925

UPC: 038081562490. English.

Carefully placed staccatos and well-chosen chord inversions illuminate the gospel style of this original anthem of hope. It's a perfect pep talk or pick-me-up theme song for whenever your program needs a lift. A solo voice becomes a duet before all the singers join in and grow with intensity. Several ascending key changes raise spirits, ensuring that the uplifting message resonates. Everything will be alright, everything will be okay, 'cause I can see a new horizon on a brand new day. If you don't perform with the kickin' SoundTrax accompaniment, be sure to add a groovin' drummer and riffing organ of your own. We dare you (and your audience) not to clap along!

About Alfred Choral Designs

The Alfred Choral Designs Series provides student and adult choirs with a variety of secular choral music that is useful, practical, educationally appropriate, and a pleasure to sing. To that end, the Choral Designs series features original works, folk song settings, spiritual arrangements, choral masterworks, and holiday selections suitable for use in concerts, festivals, and contests.