GRADE 1.5
Argonautica
The epic quest of Jason and the Argonauts, is the inspiration for this new work. Let seafaring themes, energetic rhythms, and bold harmonies take you back to an ancient epoch. (2:33)
Bang Zoom!
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Ok, honestly... three letters (FUN) is all you need to describe this new work. But if you were to use more, you might use words like cool, interesting, energetic; and with a title like Bang Zoom, your students will be raving about this piece for some time. (3:15)
Big Raven
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Big Raven takes its inspiration from a painting by Canadian artist, Emily Carr. It was commissioned for the official opening of Emily Carr Public School in Oakville, Canada. Haunting forest sounds set the mood for a moving and reflective work.
A Christmas Canticle
Two timeless Christmas carols are expertly woven together in this joyous offering. “Once in Royal David's City” and “Good King Wenceslas” melodically intertwine throughout, affording you the opportunity to adorn your holiday concert with the resplendent sounds of Christmas. Every section, including percussion, is featured, and like snow falling gently on treetops, the harmonies will caress your audiences with warmth on a crisp winter's night. Crackling fire not included. Click here to view sample pages.
Cape Breton Lullaby
From the shores of Canada's east coast comes this simple but beautiful folk melody. This lovely arrangement of "Cape Breton Lullaby" offers an excellent opportunity for teaching expression and lyrical playing while adding a refreshing change of pace to your next concert program. Your audiences will savour this charming touch of Nova Scotia. Click here to view sample pages.
Code of Honor
Perfect for your next concert or contest performance, Code of Honor will inspire feelings of courage and adventure. A robust opening flows naturally into the main theme proposed by the trumpets, accompanied by the dauntless snare drummer. Uplifting harmonies add to the already spirited mood. Things calm down a bit during a moving but dignified lyrical section. We are soon propelled once again into action by the snare drum and our heroic theme carries us to a rousing conclusion. Click here to view sample pages.
Crusade
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. An ominous theme opens this exciting new original work by Vince Gassi. Set in the Dorian mode, Crusade develops with vibrant and dramatic energy, conjuring images of strength, majesty and passion. It continues to build throughout culminating in a powerful, climatic ending. Click here to view sample pages.
Click here to view Flex instrumentation format.
Engage
Give the word for your young musicians to launch into this dynamic new work. Set in 3/4, its momentum and drive will energize. Bold and rhythmic. Lilting and lyrical. Always fun. Set your audience meter for applause. Go on, make it so! Engage!
Retrograde
Add one part catchy rhythm, two parts tuneful theme, a pinch of cilantro mixed with slow-simmered sweet onions and…oh sorry, wrong recipe. At any rate, not only is this piece fun to play, your students will love the additional challenge of discovering as many retrograde pitches and rhythms as possible, both in their own part and between parts. We don’t even know how many there are! It’s even more fun than Where’s Waldo. now get cookin’!
LEVEL: 1.5 (Easy)
Rise of the avatar
Energy, impulse, ascension. Motifs (avatars) harbor energy, generate impulse, and ascend. The avatars in this new work do precisely that. Themes and harmonies soar, rhythms propel, energy issues forth---engaging, energizing, and exciting the young musicians in your band. "Rise of the Avatar" has been skillfully arranged by Vince Gassi. (2:50)
Rite of Ascension
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Honor, greatness and celebration are images conjured by this new work for band. An energetic opening sets the mood for a solemn and mysterious theme. Melody and countermelody weave an interesting tapestry while the energy continues to build throughout. The result is a piece that your students will want to play over and over.
Rouge Valley Celebration
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This festive concert overture is sure to add a sparkle to your next program. It features wonderful melodic lines and colorful harmonies with a healthy portion of ebullient rhythms added to the recipe. All of this energy is contrasted by a lyrical section sure to inspire higher levels of expressive playing from your young musicians. An excellent choice for contest and festival programs! Click here to view sample pages.
Stay Cool
If COOL is what you're looking for, YOU JUST FOUND IT! A simple yet effective descending line in the lower voices of the band decides to "hang out" with a very hip melodic "hook" offered by the upper affiliates. Continue the conversation into the bridge, throw in some harmony in 4ths, and the result is a level of cool your band and audiences will not soon forget. Everyone has something to say in this partnership in the study of cool. All you can say at the end of this one is Du-u-ude!! Click here to view sample pages.
The Holly and The Ivy
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Adorn your holiday concerts with this charming new setting of a familiar English carol. To open, we hear a jubilant proclamation leading to a presentation of the melody in 4/4 by the trumpets, supported with clarinets and light percussion. Soon, the low brass revels in the theme while the woodwinds festoon and decorate. Spirits are lifted with a change of key until we are gradually transported to a gentle variation in 3/4 where all is calm. It isn't long before we hear the exuberant melody again and all is brought to a joyous conclusion. You'll be programming this one for years to come. Click here to view sample pages. THIS COMPOSITION ALSO AVAILABLE FOR STRINGS.
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Although the lyrics for the this folk song date back to the 1600s, it wasn’t until 1906 that the song was published in Folk Songs from Somerset. Its simple melody and placid harmony provide a great opportunity for your young musicians to explore expressiveness in their performance. This poignant arrangement will lift your audience emotionally. Click here to view sample pages.
We Stand On Guard
Strong themes contrast with gentler statements, expressive of reverence, courage, and pride. Open your next concert with this easy concert march inspired by the bravery and honour of all those who stand on guard for our safety. Dedicated to the memory of Corporal Nathan Cirillo. Click here to view sample pages.
Zero to Ninety!
From a standstill, this piece takes off and never lets up. Well . . .maybe just for a brief moment in the pit stop (slow section). But then it's a wild ride to the end. Lots of fun for everyone!