Vigor

Full of spirit and life, this expansive work features marvelous dialogue among the sections of the band. Somewhat Coplandesque in style, it has vigorous percussion parts that add lots of punch! This is an especially effective concert opener!

Vires, Artes, Mores

This work is a three-part composition based on the Latin words meaning Strength, Skill, and Character. The piece opens with a poignant fanfare depicting the strength of the modern concert band, which is followed by a fast-paced section, meant to demonstrate the performers' skills. The third section of the work is an uplifting theme designed to depict character. After moving back to the skill theme in a new key, it builds to a dramatic climax, followed by a short coda that bursts to the finish. Ideal for concert or contest.

Virgo

Virgo is a lush and dramatic piece for concert band that reflects upon lost loved ones. In the case of the composer, the piece is in remembrance of his late brother whose astrological sign was Virgo. It is an emotional harmonic journey with well-placed dissonance tied together by a memorable motive. Musically, this piece is beautiful, emotive, and will stretch your young musicians to strive for musical elegance.

Visigoths

This piece is already one of Sean O'Loughlin's most successful, and it is now available in our new series of pieces with flexible instrumentation. It can be performed with as few as five players and percussion. This bold and aggressive piece will make any band sound good and with the five-part set-up of the scoring, you can overcome any instrumentation deficiencies. Check out the full recording, but also sample the excerpted recording that gives you an idea of how good this piece can sound, even with a very small ensemble.

Voices of the World - Bill Calhoun

Vulcan's Anvil

Vulcan, the ancient mythological god of fire, often portrayed holding a hammer over an anvil at a blacksmith's hearth, is the inspiration for this concert work for young bands. Featuring any instrument that has a convincing anvil sound, this composition also has plenty of skill-building opportunities present for articulations, dynamics, and intonation. Program this unique work for a memorable concert, contest or festival performance.

Wake Up for Christmas - Traditional

Designed to showcase the percussion and trumpet sections of the band, Wake Up for Christmas has an inherently funny premise: that kids need to be awakened on Christmas! Mixing bits of Reveille with settings of two familiar Christmas time songs, Jingle Bells and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, as well as fragments of assorted other seasonal tunes, this selection should bring a smile to the face of even the most committed Scrooge. The combining of all the elements at the climax is an inspired touch that ends this cheerful seasonal novelty with a bang!

War in the Chesapeake

A slow, solemn entrance; the haunting toll of a ship's bell; harmonic and rhythmic dissonances depicting tumultuous battle struggle; subtle references to The Star-Spangled Banner -these elements and more pay homage to the valor and sacrifice of those who fought bravely to defend liberty while capturing the indomitable spirit of a nation forged in the crucible of conflict.

Washington Grays - Claudio Grafulla

A popular concert march for the advancing band in a new edition by edtor Tommy Fry. This is considered one of the greated marches of all time and is not for the faint of heart, but is well worth the effort in this meticulously done edition.

Washington Post

Next to Stars and Stripes Forever, this march, universally known as "The March King," is probably the best-known march by John Philip Sousa (1854-1932). From its energetic opening through the memorable 1st strain, the tuneful second and memorable trio, this is a beloved example of march writing at its best. A perfect introduction to the 6/8 march style, this very playable version will be a great warm-up march for contest and festival. Duration: 3'