Aylesbury Dances (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Wiffin, Rob

The suite Aylesbury Dances was commissioned by the Aylesbury Concert Band to mark the occasion of their 25th Anniversary in 2019. Its three movements depict different aspects of Aylesbury: I. Pavane: The Town - Having read something of the town's history and its architecture I decided I wanted to write something ceremonial with the feel of music from Tudor times. Aylesbury was given its charter and borough status in 1554 by Mary Tudor so I took that as my starting point but then added some harmony that moves forward in time. This fits with the town's motto: Semper Prorsum (Always forward) and also with the Band's evolution from Aylesbury Town Band to Aylesbury Community Concert Band to Aylesbury Concert Band. The music can be defined as a pavane, or a cortege. The sense of procession is slightly disturbed by a 'Blue Leanie' moment. The Blue Leanie is an iconic Aylesbury building, an oblique rhombic prism which stands at an angle of 17% inclination. I took a quaver out of the time signature (I know the maths don't work!) to reflect this and added some bluer harmony at that point. This opening movement gives a sense of the grandeur and heritage of Aylesbury town and a chance for my friends from the brass section to warm up! II. Siciliana: Waterside - To balance the outer two movements, the middle movement of the suite has a slow lilting 6/8 rhythm. It is in the style of a Siciliana, a dance form originating in the baroque era. It is a graceful, tender and melancholic dance, cast here in a minor key and featuring the dark voice of the cor anglais. The Siciliana was often linked with pastoral scenes and Aylesbury itself sits amid some beautiful countryside. It may, therefore, seem a bit of a stretch to call this movement 'Waterside', especially as Aylesbury is so far from the sea, but the town has a theatre of that name and that was the genesis for this particular music. There is a statue of Ronnie Barker in the grounds of the Waterside theatre as he started his career in repertory theatre in Aylesbury, so I included a fleeting reference to the theme music of the comedy programme 'Open all Hours'. III. Frolic: Ducks in a Row - It was impossible to write a piece connected with Aylesbury without considering the famous Aylesbury ducks. Duck rearing was a major industry in the town in the 19th century. The white Aylesbury Duck is a symbol of the town, appearing on its coat of arms and in the logo of the Aylesbury Concert Band! This movement is all about trying to get the little darlings in a row so they can sing their 'Duck Chorus' together but they keep on scattering, flying off or swimming away as quickly as they can manage. It's a bit like watching ducks disperse when my dog jumps into the stream after them. Eventually we get more of them in a row - even though they protest. Hidden amongst the ducks is a reference to Erica Miller, saxophonist and chairman of the band, and there's even a veiled reference to a shark in the hope of getting them out of the water. Ducks in a Row is a fun romp bringing this suite of Aylesbury Dances to a suitably celebratory conclusion.- Rob Wiffin.Duration: 9.15

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Ayrshire Portrait (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Story, Michael

Based on a Scottish folk song, this traditional work begins with a fanfare and is followed by the warm and flowing melodic material. Solidly scored, Ayrshire Portrait will complete any program and will be wonderful contest literature. Most charismatic and highly recommended.

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Aztalan (City of Mystery) (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Sweeney, Michael

The ancient city of Aztalan existed around a thousand years ago in southern Wisconsin, but disappeared mysteriously by around A.D. 1300. Through careful use of tone clusters, haunting melodies and creative percussion effects, this very easy work for band portrays a sense of mystery and drama.Duration: 2:45

Aztec Celebration (Concert Band - Score and Parts)

Big and bold, this exceptional David Shaffer original will make your young band sound great! Starts out with a stately majestic section, then moves to a faster tempo which features easy but very effective percussion writing. Very accessible throughout and sounds much more difficult than it is. A perfect choice for concert or festival performances. Very Impressive!

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Aztec Dance (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Story, Michael

Visions of gold glitter in the sun near shimmering temples in the green valleys of the Mexican highlands. History tells of an advanced civilization living before the Spanish conquest. Today, you can visit the sounds that identify that culture. No technical demands are present in this scoring, but multicultural teaching opportunities are abundant. Close your eyes, and four hundred years vanish! Duration: 1.40

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Aztec Fire (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Bocook, Jay

As the title implies, here is a dynamic work for band with plenty of Latin excitement and drive. Contrast and variety is provided in the melodic middle section, then the piece roars to a powerful conclusion. Impressive sounds for young groups!Duration: 2:20

Aztec Fire (Flexible Ensemble - Score and Parts) - Bocook, Jay

Here is a bold work with plenty of Latin excitement and drive. Contrast is provided in the melodic middle section, then the piece roars to a powerful conclusion.

Azure Hills (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Hodges, Steve

Azure Hills is a lyrical ballad that presents the band with many opportunities for expressive playing. The theme is lightly presented by the flutes, then followed by another statement in the trumpets with added textures in the accompaniment. The second statement features some interesting harmonies by the woodwinds before leading into a very expressive final presentation of the melody with an added woodwind countermelody. A stirring variation and development leads to a very effective and climactic ending where melodic motives are passed from section to section as the piece winds down to a quiet, reflective conclusion.Duration: 3.30

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B.B. & C.F. (March) (Concert Band - Score and Parts) - Ord Hume, James - Walker, Desmond

The Brass Band original of this march was written to celebrate the merging of two band newspapers, British Bandsman and Concert Files, and it has proved popular ever since. Now this excellent Concert Band arrangement is available, which adds a new dimension to this fine score by one of Britains finest military band directors.

B.B. & C.F. (March) (Concert Band - Score Only) - Ord Hume, James - Walker, Desmond

The Brass Band original of this march was written to celebrate the merging of two band newspapers, British Bandsman and Concert Files, and it has proved popular ever since. Now this excellent Concert Band arrangement is available, which adds a new dimension to this fine score by one of Britains finest military band directors.