Sea of Clouds

SKU: CF.YPS253F

ISBN 9781491161920. UPC: 680160920600.

A brief introduction sets the mood for this hauntingly beautiful piece. As gentle breezes begin to blow on the surface, the clouds above begin appear in an array of different formations. The clouds float slowly from east to west, as if in an Impressionistic painting. This is one of nature's beautiful settings, and one can seemingly follow the clouds for hours. From a young player's vantage point they must confidently play the intentional dissonance on the third beat of measures 10, 14, 42 and 46. Once they get used to the sound it should become an enjoyable dissonance. In measures 25 to 27, balance the flutes and clarinets so the volume level is consistent between both parts. In general, the piece should be performed at a very relaxed pace, but a disciplined steady beat will be necessary to keep the sixteenth notes even and relaxed at measures 29 through 34. The final chord is a Bb major 7, and the clarinets and alto saxes should be equal in volume before the gradual fade.
A brief introduction sets the mood for this hauntingly beautiful piece. As gentle breezes begin to blow on the surface, the clouds above begin appear in an array of different formations. The clouds float slowly from east to west, as if in an Impressionistic painting. This is one of nature's beautiful settings, and one can seemingly follow the clouds for hours.From a young player's vantage point they must confidently play the intentional dissonance on the third beat of measures 10, 14, 42 and 46. Once they get used to the sound it should become an “enjoyable dissonance.” In measures 25 to 27, balance the flutes and clarinets so the volume level is consistent between both parts. In general, the piece should be performed at a very relaxed pace, but a disciplined steady beat will be necessary to keep the sixteenth notes even and relaxed at measures 29 through 34. The final chord is a Bb major 7, and the clarinets and alto saxes should be equal in volume before the gradual fade.

SKU: CF.CPS224F

ISBN 9781491153185. UPC: 680160910687.

Rainbow in the Clouds is based on an old traditional spiritual, possibly an African-American song from the 19th century, entitled God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds.  Composer Carol Brittin Chambers was inspired by poetic Maya Angelou to create of setting of this beautiful song. It is lush and beautiful throughout and will highlight the musicianship of your students.  This would serve as a welcome change of pace piece on your program for concert or contest.
Rainbow in the Clouds was commissioned by the Pflugerville Middle School Wind Ensemble in Pflugerville, Texas, directed by Shauna Satrom. The piece premiered in May 2017, in memory and celebration of Luis Ham, who was an Assistant Principal at Pflugerville Middle School.This piece is based on an old traditional spiritual, possibly an African-American song from the nineteenth century, entitled God Put a Rainbow in the Clouds. The first time I heard reference to this song was in a Maya Angelou video, in which she sings a portion of it: “When it looked like the sun wouldn’t shine anymore, Oh, God put a rainbow in the clouds.” In the video, Dr. Angelou honors those who have demonstrated kindness to her in the past, and she suggests that we all try to be a blessing to others. The Pflugerville community believed that Mr. Ham, with his positive outlook, was definitely a “rainbow in the clouds” for other people.The piece begins with a full ensemble introduction, followed by a woodwind treatment of the first verse with a fairly reserved tempo and straight eighth-note rhythm. When brass pick up the melody on the second phrase, we start to hear the song more like the original spiritual, with dotted-eighth, sixteenth rhythms. The middle section of the piece at m. 22 begins to move at a slightly quicker tempo, and the mood becomes lighter. This section becomes a call-and-response between a euphonium solo and upper woodwinds. The final section of the piece involves everyone playing together joyously and full, eventually winding down with two more solo statements in flute and euphonium.Note to the Conductor:Use this piece to introduce or reinforce the following musical concepts:Lyrical, expressive playing varied stylesSolo responsibilitiesKey changes, tempo changes.

SKU: GI.G-CD-415

As Celtic music comes to more and more prominence, the name Liam Lawton is becoming very well known in liturgical music circles, and for good reason. Rev. Lawton is known for beautiful melodies and texts that are strikingly simple to learn. In short, his newest collection, The Clouds' Veil, is ideal music for congregational participation. His work gives life to the great and beautiful history of his homeland, Ireland, using the ancient prayers and traditions as the main source of inspiration for his melodies and texts. The Clouds' Veil embodies a great sense of joy with melodic tunes suitable for all congregations, mixing both contemporary and traditional instruments. The already top-selling title song touches on the presence of God and our complete trust in the Almighty One. Mass of the Celtic Saints was written as a dance of joy to the God of life, and beautifully achieves its purpose. This is a collection and recording not to miss!