Korean Folk Song Medley

Three delightful Korean folk songs provide a musical visit to another culture. This work is tailor-made for audience and player enjoyment. Program this one at any time of the year to broaden melodic and harmonic experiences. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Korean Hill Song

The beautiful, well-known folk song "Arirang" is featured in this creative adaptation by Mark Williams. Colorful percussion writing and solos for alto saxophone and flute help to establish the tone of this very interesting arrangement. John Barnes Chance also used this folk song, named for Arirang Hill, near Seoul, in the concert band classic Variation on a Korean Folk Song. Take advantage of this great opportunity for younger musicians to experience this amazing melody!

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Korobushka

Based on an 1861 poem by Nikolay Nekrasov, the composer of this Russian folk song, also known as "The Peddler," is unknown. Brought to America by Russian immigrants in the early 1900s, the charm of this old world melody will brighten any concert. In a bright 2/4 meter, the energy flows start to finish. Delightful! (2:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Krakatoa - William Owens

This stunning and powerful work recalls the massive Krakatoa explosions of 1883 that were heard over 2,000 miles away. The piece begins with an immediate intensity using dissonant ascending notes representing burning lava, while low voices and percussion signify the thunderous blasts. A haunting slow section follows, exuding fear and uneasy anticipation. The music then becomes frantic and highly rhythmic as it leads to the huge eruption, depicted by well-written aleatoric passages that occur over booming bass lines. The "aftermath" is strangely quiet, but soon the angry mountain speaks once more in a powerful and thrilling ending!

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Kronos - Robert W. Smith

Here's a refreshing and energetic original work from Robert W. Smith inspired by the mythological keeper of time. Featuring a wide variety of textures and tone colors intertwined with characteristic driving rhythms that only sound difficult, this dynamic composition will fascinate listeners and performers alike. Another winner. (5:37)

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Kye Kye Kule

Kye Kye Kule (Chay Chay Koo-lay) is a traditional call-and-response song performed by countless children in Africa and around the world. This arrangement provides a spotlight for a soloist or small groups while also highlighting the full ensemble. Everyone will be sure to enjoy this setting of an iconic African call-and-response song.Original Item#: RWS-2302-00

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Kyiv, 2022 - Brian Balmages

Written as a powerful sequel to , this work changes the narrative, where the theme from now becomes the aggressor, and the heroic people of Ukraine are represented by the Ukrainian National Anthem and the powerful song "Prayer for Ukraine." Certain to spark discussions about humanity, history, and culture, this piece can easily be performed alongside or in place of it. (4:35)

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La Fiesta Mexicana - H. Owen Reed

Following a year of studying Mexican folk music, Reed created this work which is subtitled for Concert Band. Set in three contrasting movements, the entire work musically portrays a religious festival. The variety of textures is evident from the beginning of the first movement entitled "Prelude and Aztec Dance." The second movement, "Mass," is more somber and reflective. "Carnival," the last movement, is joyous and invigorating. A hearty time-honored work. (21:58) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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La Gazza Ladra (The Thieving Magpie) Overture - Gioachino Rossini / arr. Lucien Cailliet

La Gazza Ladra, an opera buffa in two acts by Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868), was given its premier performance at La Scala, Milan, on May 31, 1817; about fourteen months after the debut of his The Barber of Seville.

La Madre de los Gatos - Brian Beck

With tempo markings like Allegro con passione and Prestissimo con fuego, this work includes all the passion and fire needed to grab the audience at your next concert. derives its title from a nickname given to Mrs. Verda Shine (Mama Kitty) by her colleagues and fellow band directors at Byrd Middle School, Duncanville, Texas. Along with her fondness for cats, Mrs. Shine earned her nickname for her commitment to the nurturing and support of program staff and students. The piece was written to celebrate her zeal and dedicated service as a Duncanville band director and was premiered at the 2009 Byrd Middle School Spring concert, with Mrs. Shine as featured clarinetist.

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