Introducing the Alto or Bass Clarinet (Eb Alto Clarinet / Bb Bass Clarinet)

SKU: CF.BPS145F

ISBN 9781491161647. UPC: 680160920327.

Dating back to the 13th century, the clock tower was located in the center of a town and used by townspeople to hear the time through bells and chimes ringing out. There are clock towers all over the world and they are wonderful landmarks to towns and communities. This work begins and ends with the Westminster Chimes theme, which is used by many clocks and clock towers, including Big Ben, the famous clock tower in London. Clock Tower contains many essential musical and technical skills for a beginning level band piece. The tick of the clock mechanism is imitated by pitched woodblocks, and the main theme is based on ascending and descending scale patterns, reinforcing note-reading ability for the beginning student. There are layers of new countermelodies and contrasting sections with dynamics and legato passages, giving the students an opportunity to play in different musical styles. There is a low brass and woodwind feature and a section introducing eighth notes to the upper winds. The sound between the woodwinds and the brass are also important, but many woodwind passages are cued in the brass in case a beginning band might need extra players to help with the balance and blend. This gives the director the opportunity to experiment with these cues and add a few other instruments when needed.
Dating back to the 13th century, the clock tower was located in the center of a town and used by townspeople to hear the time through bells and chimes ringing out. There are clock towers all over the world and they are wonderful landmarks to towns and communities. This work begins and ends with the Westminster Chimes theme, which is used by many clocks and clock towers, including Big Ben, the famous clock tower in London.  Clock Tower contains many essential musical and technical skills for a beginning level band piece. The tick of the clock mechanism is imitated by pitched woodblocks, and the main theme is based on ascending and descending scale patterns, reinforcing note-reading ability for the beginning student. There are layers of new countermelodies and contrasting sections with dynamics and legato passages, giving the students an opportunity to play in different musical styles. There is a low brass and woodwind feature and a section introducing eighth notes to the upper winds. The sound between the woodwinds and the brass are also important, but many woodwind passages are cued in the brass in case a beginning band might need extra players to help with the balance and blend. This gives the director the opportunity to experiment with these cues and add a few other instruments when needed. .

SKU: PR.165001000

ISBN 9781491129241. UPC: 680160669776. 9 x 12 inches.

Commissioned for a consortium of high school and college bands in the north Dallas region, FOR THEMYSTIC HARMONY is a 10-minute inspirational work in homage to Norwood and Elizabeth Dixon,patrons of the Fort Worth Symphony and the Van Cliburn Competition. Welcher draws melodic flavorfrom five American hymns, spirituals, and folk tunes of the 19th century. The last of these sources toappear is the hymn tune For the Beauty of the Earth, whose third stanza is the quatrain: “For the joy of earand eye, For the heart and mind’s delight, For the mystic harmony, Linking sense to sound and sight,”giving rise to the work’s title.
This work, commissioned for a consortium of high school bands in the north Dallas area, is my fifteenth maturework for wind ensemble (not counting transcriptions). When I asked Todd Dixon, the band director whospearheaded this project, what kind of a work he most wanted, he first said “something that’s basically slow,” butwanted to leave the details to me. During a long subsequent conversation, he mentioned that his grandparents,Norwood and Elizabeth Dixon, were prime supporters of the Fort Worth Symphony, going so far as to purchase anumber of high quality instruments for that orchestra. This intrigued me, so I asked more about his grandparentsand was provided an 80-page biographical sketch. Reading that article, including a long section about theirdevotion to supporting a young man through the rigors of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition fora number of years, moved me very much. Norwood and Elizabeth Dixon weren’t just supporters of the arts; theywere passionate lovers of music and musicians. I determined to make this work a testament to that love, and tothe religious faith that sustained them both. The idea of using extant hymns was also suggested by Todd Dixon,and this 10-minute work is the result.I have employed existing melodies in several works, delving into certain kinds of religious music more than a fewtimes. In seeking new sounds, new ways of harmonizing old tunes, and the contrapuntal overlaying of one tunewith another, I was able to make works like ZION (using 19th-century Revivalist hymns) and LABORING SONGS(using Shaker melodies) reflect the spirit of the composers who created these melodies, without sounding likepastiches or medleys. I determined to do the same with this new work, with the added problem of employingmelodies that were more familiar. I chose five tunes from the 19th century: hymns, spirituals, and folk-tunes.Some of these are known by differing titles, but they all appear in hymnals of various Christian denominations(with various titles and texts). My idea was to employ the tunes without altering their notes, instead using aconstantly modulating sense of harmony — sometimes leading to polytonal harmonizations of what are normallysimple four-chord hymns.The work begins and ends with a repeated chime on the note C: a reminder of steeples, white clapboard churchesin the country, and small church organs. Beginning with a Mixolydian folk tune of Caribbean origin presentedtwice with layered entrances, the work starts with a feeling of mystery and gentle sorrow. It proceeds, after along transition, into a second hymn that is sometimes connected to the sea (hence the sensation of water andwaves throughout it). This tune, by John B. Dykes (1823-1876), is a bit more chromatic and “shifty” than mosthymn-tunes, so I chose to play with the constant sensation of modulation even more than the original does. Atthe climax, the familiar spiritual “Were you there?” takes over, with a double-time polytonal feeling propelling itforward at “Sometimes it causes me to tremble.”Trumpets in counterpoint raise the temperature, and the tempo as well, leading the music into a third tune (ofunknown provenance, though it appears with different texts in various hymnals) that is presented in a sprightlymanner. Bassoons introduce the melody, but it is quickly taken up by other instruments over three “verses,”constantly growing in orchestration and volume. A mysterious second tune, unrelated to this one, interrupts it inall three verses, sending the melody into unknown regions.The final melody is “For the Beauty of the Earth.” This tune by Conrad Kocher (1786-1872) is commonly sung atThanksgiving — the perfect choice to end this work celebrating two people known for their generosity.Keeping the sense of constant modulation that has been present throughout, I chose to present this hymn in threegrowing verses, but with a twist: every four bars, the “key” of the hymn seems to shift — until the “Lord of all, toThee we praise” melody bursts out in a surprising compound meter. This, as it turns out, was the “mystery tune”heard earlier in the piece. After an Ivesian, almost polytonal climax, the Coda begins over a long B( pedal. At first,it seems to be a restatement of the first two phrases of “For the Beauty” with long spaces between them, but it soonchanges to a series of “Amen” cadences, widely separated by range and color. These, too, do not conform to anykey, but instead overlay each other in ways that are unpredictable but strangely comforting.The third verse of “For the Beauty of the Earth” contains this quatrain:“For the joy of ear and eye, –For the heart and mind’s delightFor the mystic harmonyLinking sense to sound and sight”and it was from this poetry that I drew the title for the present work. It is my hope that audiences and performerswill find within it a sense of grace: more than a little familiar, but also quite new and unexpected.

SKU: MH.0-931329-53-1

ISBN 9780931329531.

Journey back to ancient Greece and view a place of long-gone legend. Follow the trail to the Kingdom of Ithaca, from the heroic palace, to a place of tranquility, to a reckless dance of abandon, to the return of Odysseus. The melodic material used in 200 B.C. is from a two thousand year old Greek hymn to Apollo. The legendary adventures of Odysseus as described by Homer in the Odyssey (ca. 700 B.C.) provide the programmatic material. The music is freely based upon the First Delphic Hymn (or Paen to Apollo), composed ca. 200 B.C. The source is a transcription appearing on pages 363 - 367 of Ancient and Oriental Music, Edited by Egon Wellesz (Oxford University Press: London, 1957). Each movement of the work depicts a key event in the epic Homeric poem, as described below. Movement I: Intrada - The first four notes of this movement, C - Bb - G - Bb, are the melodic and harmonic foundation for the entire work. These pitches, introduced in a simple and direct manner, are subsequently developed in more complex fashions throughout the suite. Following this stately introduction is a militaristic fanfare that introduces the dotted-eighth and sixteenth-note figure later reprised in the second and fourth movements. Indeed, all the musical ideas which will be central to the remaining movements first appear in the Intrada. This movement depicts the grandeur of Odysseus and his kingdom in Ithaca, and establishes the heroic mood of the entire work. Movement II: Ballad - After a brief restatement of the opening dotted-eighth-and-sixteenth fanfare, the second movement extracts the falling third (Bb to G) from the C - Bb - G - Bb motif and extends it and expands it into a haunting solo for alto saxophone. The C - Bb - G - Bb motif appears again (see measures 23 - 33 in trumpets) as counterpoint to this melody, now pulsing through the thick texture of the band. Many performers have come to view the Ballad as the emotional epicenter of the entire suite; my conception of the Ballad is to achieve a union of pathos and strength. Programmatically, this movement depicts Odysseus's son, Telemachos, as he both longs for Odysseus's return and stoically defends his father's kingdom. Movement III: Dance - It will take Odysseus twenty years to return to Ithaca. During his absence, noblemen besiege his palace, violating the sanctity of the household and seeking the hand of his wife, Penelope. This movement depicts the wanton revelries that result. The original four-note motif is chromatically altered and the meter is made irregular. The rapid tempo, driving percussion, and angular meter and melodies combine in an explosion of reckless abandon. Movement IV: March Building from a delicate woodwind ensemble accompanied by finger cymbals to a fully orchestrated statement replete with thundering percussion, this is a resounding march of victory. Odysseus has returned in triumph to restore dignity to his household and to reclaim the throne of the Kingdom of Ithaca. Ensemble instrumentation: 1 Piccolo, 8 Flute 1 - 2, 2 Oboe 1 - 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 1, 4 Bb Clarinet 2, 4 Bb Clarinet 3, 1 Eb Alto Clarinet, 3 Bb Bass Clarinet, 2 Bassoon 1 - 2, 3 Eb Alto Saxophone 1, 3 Eb Alto Saxophone 2, 2 Bb Tenor Saxophone, 1 Eb Baritone Saxophone, 3 Bb Trumpet 1, 3 Bb Trumpet 2, 3 Bb Trumpet 3, 2 F Horn 1-2, 2 F Horn 3-4, 2 Trombone 1, 2 Trombone 2, 2 Trombone 3, 3 Euphonium (B.C.), 2 Euphonium T.C., 4 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 2 Mallet Percussion: Bells, Xylophone, 2 Percussion 1: Snare Drum, Tambourine, 2 Percussion 2: Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Tom-Tom, Finger Cymbals, 1 Percussion 3: Bass Drum.

SKU: HP.C6138C

UPC: 763628961381. By Keith Getty & Stuart Townend.

Popular worship song by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend This dynamic anthem opens with original music that sests the stage and introduces the theme, that at the name of Jesus every tongue will say: Jesus is Lord. Ed Hogan's orchestration lifts it to a whole other level of majesty and proclamation.

Orchestration: Conductor's Score, Flute, Oboe (or Soprano Sax or Clarinet), Clarinet, Horn (Alto Sax or Clarinet), 2 Trumpets (or Alto Sax), 2 Trombones (or Tenor Sax or Baritone T. C. ), Percussion, Piano, Violins 1 & 2, Viola (or Clarinet), Cello/Bassoon (or Bass Clarinet), Double Bass and String Reduction.

SKU: CA.1633000

ISBN 9790007113469. Language: all languages.

The texts of the French author Anne-Marie Albiach have long been the point of departure for my works. Following the viola concerto << monstrueuse vecut dans le cadre >> la memoire, which is based on her << H II >> lineaires, the three texts entitled << une geometrie >> have generated a new cycle. As in the other two works of the cycle, << vertical et blanc >> is predicated on two different readings of the text: on the one hand a (private) reading by Anne-Marie Albiach in which time is measured out; while on the other hand the graphic text is measured millimeter by millimeter. The latter serves as the basis - the genetic code - for the temporal, horizontal structures of the ensemble part, whereas the reading of the author appears late in the melodic lines of the solo alto flute, which force the ensemble to play an accompaniment in flat surfaces. In << vertical et blanc >> one clearly recognizable element is repeated: a ninth chord, the basic element in the works of Claude Debussy, the composer who I admire wholeheartedly. For the generation of tone materials this chord is compressed and stretched within the ranges (frames) of tones which are derived from the horizontal positions of the text fragments: lower, borderline tones on the left margin, and higher borderline tones on the right margin. Thus the disposition on the page, essential for Anne-Marie Albiach (and first introduced in poetry by Mallarme in Un coup de des jamais n'abolira le hasard), is rendered in sound. Naturally each element of the text serves to mould structure and dynamics, to include the typography: fragments within quotation marks, in italics, etc., yield different sonorities and movements. Whereas the ensemble articulates rhythmically each character of the text, the rhythms of the solo flute articulate only its syllables and words. Each word of the author's reading of the text is instrumentated differently, which is important for the entire cycle. Thus a compact network of instrumental combinations is created in which, word for word, the text is made audible.

SKU: PR.11641600S

ISBN 9781491134689. UPC: 680160685271. English. Text: Ryan Carson.

Among the most intriguing of this pioneering American composer’s works, Three Songs on poems of Carl Sandburg is scored for Contralto with Oboe, Percussion, and Piano, plus an optional orchestra. The study score includes an essay introducing Crawford’s unique work in historical contexts as she sought a new musical language accessible to the many, while remaining uncompromisingly avant-garde.

SKU: CF.BPS149F

ISBN 9781491163856. UPC: 680160922642.

The word synergize means to combine or coordinate the activity of two or more agents to produce a joint effort that is greater than the sum of their individual effects.  Synergize! was written to portray this idea. The beginning of the piece starts with a groove in the low brass and percussion. The main theme is later introduced by the upper winds. The two ideas are synergized together to create this fun piece for young players.

SKU: CF.XPS17

ISBN 9781491161579. UPC: 680160920242.

Baby Chipmunk is a fun piece that depicts the rapid start and stop movements of a chipmunk. This is a great piece to introduce trills and fermatas in an easy and fun way. Additional performance ideas could include a chipmunk actor acting out the part. Sections could also play 'horns up' on the trills. At the end, the audience should assume the piece is over then, surprise! There's another trill. A variation could also be to surprise the conductor after he/she turns to bow.
Baby Chipmunk is a fun piece that depicts the rapid start and stop movements of a chipmunk. This is a great piece to introduce trills and fermatas in an easy and fun way.Additional performance ideas could include a chipmunk actor acting out the part. Sections could also play 'horns up' on the trills.At the end, the audience should assume the piece is over then, surprise! There's another trill. A variation could also be to surprise the conductor after he/she turns to bow.