A Vaughan Williams Christmas

A giant among composers, Ralph Vaughan Williams has contributed to the literature for concert band music that is standard repertoire throughout the world. Here are works from other genres that were collected, arranged, adapted, and/or harmonized by Vaughan Williams: "Forest Green (O Little Town of Bethlehem)" (from the first edition of the English Hymnal, 1906), "Wassail Song" (the fifth of Five English Folk Songs, 1913), and "Sussex Carol" (the second of Eight English Carols, 1919). These are the works of a master in a stunning new setting by Douglas Wagner. (4:24)

  View Music

A Very Respectable Hobbit (from ) - Howard Shore / arr. Jack Bullock

A very playable, choice selection from the hit movie , this tune will delight audiences and players alike. Crafted specifically for beginners in their first or second year of instruction, solo sections are included which easily divide between sections to spread the fame. (2:30) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

  View Music

A Welcome Voice - Lewis Hartsough / arr. Frank McKinney

Lewis T. Hartsough wrote "I Hear Thy Welcome Voice" in 1872 at a revival meeting in Epworth, Iowa. This lyrical setting explores the rich sonority available to the young concert band. The opening melody is heard in the dark, rich, full sound of the clarinets' chalumeau register and is doubled by the baritone. As the piece slowly unfolds, it offers the hymn in increasingly dramatic fashion up to its glorious resolution and final Amen.

  View Music

A West Highland Fanfare - Travis J. Weller

This exciting concert opener puts a unique twist on the typical fanfare. After a series of exciting melodic statements, the piece cleverly gives way to the popular Scotch-Irish folksong, Loch Lomond. Eventually, original melodies intertwine with the well-known folksong as the piece comes to a dynamic ending. A wonderful fanfare that does not place excessive demands on young musicians!

  View Music

A Whole Lot of Christmas

What would December concerts be without those familiar tunes that everyone loves to hear during that time of year? With snippets from twelve of the most recognized carols globally, an energy-packed one-and-half minute up-tempo setting, all without a single altered tone, this is a guaranteed holiday winner. (1:30)

  View Music

A Winter Flourish for Wenceslas - Travis J. Weller

Clever and melodic, this fanfare based on Good King Wenceslas makes a wonderful opening statement for holiday concerts. The lively rhythmic impulse adds to the jovial mood and is sure to lift spirits and brighten the mood.

A Winter Trilogy

Let your beginning band students be amazed at how great they can sound, even with limited experience. "Up on the Housetop," "Angels We Have Heard on High," and "Deck the Halls" have been arranged to allow each section of the band to shine as the spotlight moves to their instrument. Technical demands are kept to a minimum, using only the first few notes and rhythms found in any beginning band book. This will be a delightful hit at any young band's winter concert! (2:30)

  View Music

A Winter's Carol

Yet another masterful holiday arrangement from Mark Williams! A slow, wintry opening sets the tone for a lovely rendition of "O Come, O Come, Immanuel." The hand-off of running sixteenth notes give students a chance to hone their ensemble skills. A contrasting tutti section provides a rich, majestic scoring of the popular carol, with flourishes in the brass. The closing Adagio section returns to the somber mood of the opening. A wonderful mood-setter for holiday programs!

  View Music

A Yuletide Holiday

Featuring the well-known Yuletide favorites "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "The Holly and the Ivy," and "Deck the Halls," this festive medley captures the spirit of the season for students and audiences alike. Each carol has roots from the United Kingdom and is charismatically scored, showcasing each section of your band with a wide variety of textures and tempo. Musically compelling! (3:00)

  View Music

A. E. F. March - Albert Stoessel / arr. Loras John Schissel

Written for the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I and dedicated to General John J. Pershing, has a special place in the history of the concert band. This arrangement by Loras John Schissel is a patriotic salute of timeless honor and gratitude. (3:00)

  View Music