Amplitude

Amplitude rhymes with attitude and that’s just what this new rock chart has plenty of! And because you ordered by midnight, you also get a heap o’ drivin’ rhythm, an infectious beat, and a way cool tune. Click here to view sample pages.

A Canadian Christmas

Get ready for an abundance of merriment! This work features carols that have been traditionally sung in Canada for many years and will help to create a spirit of mirth in no time. It opens with the joyous strains of "Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant" (He is Born, The Divine Child) and continues with the plaintive and modal "Noël Nouvelet (Sing We Now of Christmas)." "The Huron Carol" ('Twas In the Moon of Wintertime) is then presented with remnants of "Noël Nouvelet" cleverly woven in. The dramatic conclusion develops brief dialogue between "Good King Wenceslas" and "Il Est Né Le Divin Enfant" that brings the work to an exuberant and powerful close. Juxtaposing the lyrical and expressive with the joyous and cheerful in this masterful arrangement will add a little touch of Canada to your next holiday concert. Click here to view sample pages.

Bandwidth

J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice

According to Webster's Dictionary, is the maximum data transfer rate of an electronic communications system. In Bandwidth by Vince Gassi, waves of sound and rhythmic energy (1.21 gigawatts to be exact) are transferred to you and your audiences. Right from the first measure this piece will power on and power you up. Syncopated figures contrast with legato lines while the momentum build throughout. Not too complicated, just fun to play and easy to listen to. (2:14) This title is available in SmartMusic. Click here to view sample pages.

Bring A Torch, Jeanette Isabella

Nothing says Noel better than a 16th century courtly dance. Also known as Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle, it was originally performed for the French nobility. The variations in this new setting will lift your spirits as they pass from a joyous opening, through a brief moment of reflection, and on to a jubilant ending. This little bit of effervescence is a great addition to any part of your Christmas program. Click here to view sample pages.

Chimera

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Greek mythology is the source of inspiration for this new piece for young band. A Chimera is a fire-breathing monster with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. Fearsome indeed! But just as dynamic is this musical tale of valor depicting a warrior knight’s epic quest to defeat the beast. Spirited harmonies and energetic rhythms abound, contrasting perfectly with a moving lyrical section. This work was commissioned by the Ottawa Catholic School Board (Canada) in collaboration with the University of Ottawa and premiered by St. Mark Catholic High School (Manotick, Ontario). Click here to view sample pages.

Climb The Mountains Tall

Inspired by "The Dream," a poem by Darren Clayton, this work reflects the spirit of adventure necessary to journey to new places and new experiences. After a bold introduction, the flutes, oboe, and bells present a heroic melody with supporting roles provided by the baritone and snare drum. The full band then joins in and expands on the theme, energy building all the while. We journey briefly through a minor key and a slower, more contemplative section. With a transition back to the main theme, and a change of key, we boldly approach the exciting conclusion of our travels. Click here to view sample pages.

G Force

Energy, strength, drive; words that capture the feeling of this evocative work for young band. With lots of forward momentum and energy throughout, there is also a brief, lyrical section. Ensemble passages are prevalent and percussion is plentiful. Click here to view sample pages.

Impulse Power

…as a method of propulsion, is considered to be up to one quarter the speed of light. Though the tempo of this engaging work for young bands is not quite as fast as that, it does generate a great deal of energy and momentum. The driving opening gives way to an expressive lyrical section complemented by interesting harmonies before returning to the opening material and a percussive close. The resulting fusion is an exhilarating experience for young musicians.

Land of the Silver Birch

This inspirational setting for band will provide a refreshing change of pace for your next concert. It is one of Canada's most popular folk songs and a favourite with Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and campers of all ages. Click here to view sample pages. Click here to view sample pages.

The Moon of Winter

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. “The Huron Carol” is Canada's oldest Christmas carol, written in 1643 by Jean de Brébeuf, a Jesuit missionary. The melody is from a tradition French folk song, "Une Jeune Pucelle" (A Young Maid). Intended as a gift and teaching aid to the Huron people, Brébeuf wrote the lyrics in their native language. The Moon of Winter is a powerful and moving adaptation of this carol for band that will enhance your next Christmas concert, adding a sense of reverence and honor. Click here to view sample pages.

O Canada

Attainable by most middle schools and all high school bands, this is a 'must have' for every library. Emotional and passionate, it's right on target. Click here to view sample pages. ALSO AVAILABLE FOR BAND AT THE GRADE 3.5 LEVEL (SEE BELOW). ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FLUTE TRIO (SEE OTHER ENSEMBLES PAGE)

Remember

Grade 2

(available from JW Pepper) click here to purchase

This reverent, lyrical work is a setting for concert band of the East Coast fiddle tune “In Memory of Herbie MacLeod” by Jerry Holland. Injecting a moment of calm, this work will serve as a reflective centrepiece at your next concert. Its emotional sincerity will appeal to your audiences and to your young musicians as well, providing them opportunities for expressive playing and sensitive ensemble collaboration.

Sails

You'll feel the wind at your back as this bright march weighs anchor with a bold opening and sets sail with flutes and oboes stating the main theme. Sails unfurl and the rest of the fleet (ensemble) joins in. Counter-lines and flourishes are added. Eventually the seas calm during a passage through a slower lyrical section where the opening thematic material is developed. But wait, there is land in sight! A new key is stated, and all return safely to port. Click here to view sample pages.

To Cross The Sleeping Green

Inspired by Isaac Rosenberg's poem "Break of Day in the Trenches," this poignant and patriotic work was written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. Commissioned by a consortium of Ontario schools.

The Temple of Guan Yu

Guan Yu was a successful military general who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty and was respected for his loyalty and righteousness. Though he died in 220 CE, he is still worshipped today in the many temples that have been named after him. The largest, built in 589 CE in Guan Yu’s hometown, still stands today. Your young band will enjoy performing this work which captures the mystery of an ancient empire and recalls the grandeur of a monument to times long past. Click here to view sample pages.

Variations on An English Folk Song

How beautiful are English Folk Songs! This simple, yet appealing setting of Green Bushes is a perfect change of pace for your next concert and will provide ample opportunity for your students to work on expression and shading. Melody and countermelody interweave amidst dreamy harmonies, transporting you to another time and place. Click here to view sample pages.

Wings of Apollo

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Some of the first steps in humanity’s voyage to the stars began with the Saturn V rockets. These powerful engines served as launch vehicles for the Apollo program, known for landing the first humans on the moon in 1969. In Wings of Apollo, your dauntless adventure begins with a powerful lift off. Once achieved, the main theme is presented by flutes, oboe, and then trumpets, with stabilizers provided by baritone, tenor sax, and eventually the remainder of the crew. Stage 1 boosters (a strong, rhythmic accompaniment) provide the propulsion needed to voyage through to a sea of tranquillity (lyrical section). From there we journey to an adventurous transition and final re-entry of the main theme. An excellent contest or concert piece. Your audiences will definitely enjoy this trek!

Accidental Intelligence

(Wingert-Jones - Gr. 2.5: JW Pepper Editor’s Choice)

Accidental Intelligence is a fun and engaging piece for concert band designed to help young musicians develop confidence in reading and playing accidentals. Through playful melodies, surprising harmonic twists, and energetic rhythms, performers will encounter a variety of chromatic notes in a way that feels both natural and rewarding. The piece encourages students to sharpen their awareness of accidentals and enharmonic spellings, all while enjoying a lively and expressive musical journey. With its clever interplay of musical "accidents" and intelligent design, Accidental Intelligence turns the challenge of learning accidentals into an exciting adventure in sound!

A Cambridge Carol

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. This delightful arrangement of "Ding Dong Merrily on High" is sure to become a seasonal favorite with students and audiences alike. This popular Canadian composer’s joyous harmonies and cheerful rhythms will immediately put you in the Christmas spirit. THIS SONG ALSO ARRANGED FOR FULL ORCHESTRA, TITLED "DING DONG MERRILY ON HIGH".

Djembe Laya

Add some spice to your next concert with this flavorful mash-up of styles. A tuneful island breeze, some djembe beats, and some space for your percussionists to shine. (2:30)

Event Horizon

Written for the New Horizons Band of Toronto, this fresh new work captures the excitement of pushing beyond boundaries. With lots of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic interest, there are plenty of teaching moments for your band and an exciting traversal through the expanse for your audience.

Flight of The Intrepid

Canadian composer Vince Gassi takes your young musicians on a voyage of courage and bravery with Flight of the Intrepid and its driving rhythms and heroic harmonies. A solemn lyrical section with independent melodic lines provides the perfect contrast to the dynamic opening and closing sections of this work. This is an ideal piece for your developing snare drummers, and is an excellent concert or contest selection. Click here to view sample pages.

Kaboom!

Two notes...then two more. A counter-statement...then another. Ideas develop and unravel. Percussion punctuates, brass recapitulates, woodwinds decorate. Like a lit fuse, this new work will fascinate, enervate, and captivate--drawing you to the very end...and then...KABOOM!

Land of the Midnight Sun

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Follow Crow on his epic journey as he attempts to bring daylight to the people of the far north. Inspired by the Inuit myth “Crow Brings the Daylight” this colorful piece, filled with haunting harmonies and energetic rhythms, was written for and dedicated to the Inuksuk High School Band in Iqaluit, Canada. To read about Crow's journey and other stories by S.E. Schlosser, click here (link goes off-site). Click here to view sample pages.

MY HEART WITH PLEASURE FILLS

Appreciating the beauty in nature always brings us joy. My Heart With Pleasure Fills, was inspired by one of William Wordsworth’s most popular lyrical poems, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud, and, through lyrical melodies and sonorous harmonies, provides plenty of opportunity for young musicians to develop expressive playing.

Mysterion

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Mystery and majesty combine to make this dynamic new march an attractive concert opener or festival piece. A bold opening, a solemn lyrical section, and a rhythmic transition, all with strong support from the percussion, bring the listener to a climactic ending. Memorable performances will ensue. Click here to view sample pages.

Ring Christmas Bells

Bells, carols, and joyfulness. Everything you need for the season. Celebrate with this fresh take on the "Ukrainian Bell Carol," complete with a hint of "We Three Kings." Familiar yet new, this delightful arrangement will brighten any seasonal performance. (2:05)

Rock, Paper, Scissors

J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. The title speaks for itself. There is plenty of fun (and melody) to go around. (paper and scissors optional). Click here to view sample pages.

Stay Tuned

What would a piece for band entitled Stay Tuned sound like? How about one part tune up, one part driving energy, one part tuneful melody. Add to this that the tuning note is always present somewhere throughout (even in the lyrical section) whether sustained or rhythmically varied. Stay tuned with this great Vince Gassi original for audience fun! (2:55)

Sticky Notes

(Alfred Publishing - Gr. 2.5)

What begins as simple motion---a clap, a tap, a click---gradually builds into a tightly woven engine of sound, pulsing with precision and drive. A lyrical motif rises above the rhythmic undercurrent, adding contrast and lift as the stage transforms into a living, breathing beat---bold and unexpected. The energy builds, layer upon layer, toward a powerful crescendo of motion and sound. Ideal for developing ensemble timing and rhythmic awareness, Sticky Notes, by Vince Gassi, promotes listening, coordination, and student engagement---all wrapped in a fun, accessible package for young bands.

Tomorrow Shines Soon

Commissioned by the W.R. Myers High School Concert Band in Taber, Alberta and Inspired by Thomas Harry’s poem Song of Hope, this uplifting work celebrates the unlimited potential that each day brings. The title expresses the idea that no matter what dark clouds may appear today, we haven’t long to wait until tomorrow, which brings hope for a brighter future.

Where Stand The Dauntless

A fanfare, a lyrical theme, and driving energy embody the spirit of the dauntless, the brave, the amazing young musicians of Dolphin Senior Public School in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Written for the occasion of Dolphin’s 50th anniversary, this exciting work is a perfect concert opener and contest piece. (Also available as a Flex version)

Wings

The men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force are the inspiration behind this original composition by Vince Gassi. The first work in his Armed Forces Suite, it takes off with a bright, spirited theme first heard in the flutes. The rest of the ensemble soon joins in the maneuvers and offers a fuller tactical report. Clarinets take over with dignity, providing a lyrical contrast, and are supported by a stately accompaniment. It isn't long before we start to feel the "spirit of adventure" building to a contrasting section conveying images of stealth and intrigue. Covert operations lead finally to a restatement of the opening theme by the brass with flute and clarinet obligato. Interlace with fragments from the covert section and we are carried to a soaring conclusion. If you are looking for a spirited concert opener or closer, look no further! Click here to view sample pages.

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