Band Expansion Series
Our flagship series . . . these innovative concert works are especially
useful for bands with capable players and irregular instrumentation.
Grade 2+ to 5 -- only $49 each
These fine pieces have a rightful place in every band’s library. Their flexibility makes them especially useful for small groups. They generate fully satisfying performances when played with a “skeleton” ensemble.
• only 7 parts and a bass line needed for complete performance
• many substitute parts in various transpositions included
• music delivered as reproducible .pdf files -- no more lost parts!
Joyous Prelude
Grade: 4
Genre: Concert opener, fanfare
Flashy opener with soaring melodies, biting harmonies, and thundering percussion. A strong workout in 12/8 for better bands.
Dancing In Rainbows
Grade: 4
Genre: Impressionism
This impressionistic work depicts generations of children playing in the light spectra cast by a leaded window in an old family farmhouse. The ethereal opening evolves into a powerful development of soaring themes that's perfect for contest.
Sir Gustav's Pageant
Grade: 2.5
Genre: Concert march, processional, Holst
This is from the first movement of the Holst Second Suite (the euphonium solo). It may be the stateliest melody ever penned. We’ve set it as an easy-to-prepare concert march that also works beautifully as a recessional.
Hoedown Showdown
Grade: 3.5
Genre: Barn dance, cowboy, western
A true crowd-pleaser! And it's fun for the band with interesting parts and technical challenges in all sections. Boots and hats are optional.
For Those We've Lost
Grade: 3
Genre: Memorial, tribute, ballad
This moving work can reverently honor the memory of an individual or a group, such as service veterans. It includes emotional lines, dramatic colors, and a poignant solo that can be conveniently assigned to any instrument.
Tapestry Americana
Grade: 3
Genre: American, overture, patriotic
Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean is one of America’s great patriotic melodies. This varied setting offers musical descriptions of three important historical periods: the revolution, westward expansion, and the Civil War. With fragments of several other patriotic tunes included, this will be the centerpiece of your program.
Praises, Amen!
Grade: 4
Genre: Hymn variation, sacred, closer
This powerful set of variations on the hymntune Praise to the Lord, the Almighty is a major work with loads of harmonic and rhythmic diversity. Individual parts are quite accessible and the majestic ending is an ideal way to close any program.
Les Niais de Sologne
Grade: 4
Genre: Rameau, transcription, Baroque
Two charming harpsichord movements by Rameau patterned after a brilliant synthesized version from Bob James. Rameau’s skill with variation is stunning; this is a fabulous way to introduce Baroque music.
Prairie Odyssey
Grade: 3
Genre: Overture, descriptive, contest
A vivid and colorful programmatic overture in ABA form that’s loaded with stylistic variety. It sounds more difficult than it is, making it a great choice for less experienced groups.
Let Loveliness Fade as it Will
Grade: 3
Genre: Ballad, lyrical, folksong
This lush, playable setting of Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms is the ideal ballad for a concert or contest set. It’s filled with opportunities to teach expressive playing and every section gets important melodic material.
The Carman's Whistle
Our rehearsal supplements page has practical collections for all levels designed to develop individual skills in a rehearsal setting with just a few minutes a day. Check it out!
Grade: 3
Genre: Renaissance, William Byrd
William Byrd wrote this brilliant theme and variations for keyboard in the late 1500s. While retaining much of the original material, this free adaptation includes reharmonization and transitions in a contemporary style. Carmen? They were horse cart drivers from the period, known for their whistling ability.
Tales of the Sorcerer
Grade: 4.5
Genre: Fantasy - magic, wizard, leprechaun
Filled with enchantment – this fantasy piece opens with magical intrigue, progresses through a dance fit for leprechauns, and builds to an intense conclusion pulled from the wizard’s cauldron. It requires strong players, but if you have them you’ve found your theatrical, pull-out-the-stops tour de force.
March to the Revolution
Grade: 3
Genre: March, American Revolution, patriotic
A stirring and very playable concert march based on Chester, the great melody of the American Revolution by William Billings. The familiar tune works well in concerts or patriotic programs and the varied textures and colors make this a great choice for contest.
Four Ceremonial Flourishes
Grade: 3-4
Genre: Fanfare, concert opener
This useful set of four fanfares will let you open any program with excitement and pageantry. Various lengths and difficulty levels.
I. Noble Declaration (0:00)
II. Celebration Decree (0:32)
III. Festival Proclamation (1:07)
IV. Tribute to the Valiant (2:11)
Sonata Classique
Grade: 3.5
Genre: Sonata allegro, classical form
Exposition, development, recapitulation, imitative counterpoint – teach your students all the terms you’ve tried for years to forget. The form really is out of the textbooks, but the harmonies and rhythms are fully contemporary. Put some checks on the standards and common core lists.
Coronation Anthem: The King Shall Rejoice
Grade: 3
Genre: Processional, concert march
G. F. Handel captures the triumphal joy of a dignified occasion as well as anyone. Written as ceremonial music and used at the coronation of George II, this makes a fine concert march. Take the optional repeat and you have the perfect graduation recessional.
Grade: 3, solo grade 4
Genre: Solo with band, Telemann
This solo feature can be played by any instrument; transpositions are included. Showcase your best player on three contrasting movements in classic Baroque style. It's about the soloist, but the band gets some nice moments, too.
I. (0:00) - II. (2:15) - III. (4:15)