The Gift To Be Simple

This traditional Shaker song is presented with modern harmonies, rhythms, and instrumentation. Using ostinato patterns, long legato lines, and interesting percussion parts, this arrangement offers many interdisciplinary possibilities as well. Folk songs have long been an essential part of the concert band repertoire and this modern approach to a well-known melody can help teach this important style to performers in a new way.

The Gladiator (March)

The Glory of Christmas - Traditional

A brilliant and contrapuntally elaborate fantasy on the haunting and beautiful Christmas carol, Greensleeves, (a.k.a. "What Child Is This"), this is one of Del Borgo's most powerful symphonic sketches. The fragments of the tune are assembled and re-assembled in ever more inventive ways and the scoring is expert and full of the signature colorful Del Borgo percussion writing. Duration: 5' 30"

The Grand Tetons

The Teton Range is part of the Rocky Mountain chain just east of the Idaho border and south of Yellowstone National Park. The name of this majestic range has its roots in the Shoshone "teewinet," meaning "many pinnacles." The opening measures of The Grand Tetons should be played broadly and majestically. Mixed-meters and a swing-like feeling are introduced later on, followed by more strident material leading to a recapitulation of the opening theme as the piece draws to a close.

The Greenbelt at Dusk - Gabriel Musella

This is a stunningly beautiful ballad for young band by composer Gabriel Musella. It is the perfect vehicle to stretch the musicianship of your maturing ensemble. Mr. Musella draws from his years of experience teaching bands in Texas to provide us with a heartfelt piece that is a study in instrumental color and textures.

The Grey Dawn Is Breaking

The beautiful English/Irish folk song Kathleen Mavourneen is the basis for this ballad. The Grey Dawn Is Breaking offers an opportunity for young musicians to stretch their musical muscles by developing expression through dynamics, phrasing, and even rubato.

The Heart of a Mustang

The Heart of a Mustang evokes the musical imagery of free-roaming horses galloping across the open plains. The music suggests an intense urgency embodying the struggles faced by mustangs in the wild. Heartbeat rhythms serve as the musical bridge throughout in this solid choice for contest and festival performances.

The Hiding Place

The Hiding Place is a musical journey that invites listeners to explore themes of refuge, resilience, and the power of hope in times of adversity. Inspired by the concept of finding solace and sanctuary in the midst of chaos, the piece evokes imagery of quiet sanctuaries, secluded hideaways, and inner strength.

The Holly and the Ivy

This setting of the beautiful holiday classic is accessible for very young bands. Its memorable melody, notated in a comfortable range, is passed around the sections of ensemble as the other parts play accompaniments that are interesting, yet not difficult. Written in bridge form, the piece begins softly, with soft sleigh bells and clarinets below the break, adding flutes, then brass, then building to a minor section and a very short percussion feature, making it a great opportunity introduce students to this form!

The Hornet's Nest

In 1780, Lord Charles Cornwallis attempted to invade Charlotte, but the city's residents united and expelled him. General Cornwallis went on to describe the city as "a hornet's nest of rebellion." In this Revolutionary War inspired piece, a strong florid melody is passed around the various sections of the ensemble. This work is a great opportunity for more advanced bands to focus on stylistic playing between the bright and triumphant theme and quieter larghetto passage. Students will enjoy taking a trip back in time with this piece full of Colonial American vigor.