GRADE 3
Avinu Malkeinu
Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King) is an ancient Jewish prayer chanted during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is a centuries-old supplication for God’s mercy and grace. Its reverent and plaintive character is brought forth poignantly in this beautifully scored arrangement for band. Its lyrical nature and evocative colors will furnish your students with ample opportunity to work on expressive playing and your audiences will be moved by its power. Click here to view sample pages.
Canadian Folk Trilogy
Canadian Folk Trilogy offers a refreshing setting of three popular Canadian Folk songs. Kicking things off is an enjoyable adaptation of “Donkey Riding.” Singing this tune helped sailors to pass the time as they used the donkey engine to load timber onto the decks of ships in Canadian ports. “Inuit Lullaby” slows the pace with a simple but beautiful melody set in three bar phrases. Finally, we conclude with a rollicking version of “I's the B'y" (I’m the Boy), a traditional Newfoundland folk song. Click here to view sample pages.
Chariton Chronicles
“Monday, Sept. 10, 1849. James Robinson arrives to assist in Chariton’s birth. He finds five men and a boy seated around a deck of cards and an empty whiskey jug in the tall grass at what is now the southwest corner of the town square.” So began the opening chapter of Chariton’s history. What followed? A burgeoning community, a coal mining and railroad boom, dynamic people like Smith Mallory, Theopolis (Buster) Gibson, Dr. Dora Wyland McAfee, and Capt. Helen Malony Talboy. Like the town’s story, Chariton Chronicles is rich in thematic statements both lively and lyrical which capture the vibrancy of this great Midwest town.
Covenant
Musicians share an unspoken promise of musical support. This was the inspiration for this original composition, commissioned by the Nipissing University “Eddie” Band, comprised of students and adults aged 18 to 71 from the community of North Bay, Canada. Like the band’s membership, the themes and counter themes weave together in musical support. Bold and bright, tender and colorful—there’s so much to savour.
I Saw Three Ships
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. With skill, artistry, and a touch of sugar frosting, Vince Gassi has crafted another Christmas favorite. This lovely arrangement is based on a 17th century English carol. The melody is presented in a variety of keys and meters while a sense of joy and warmth is maintained throughout this uplifting work. Click here to view sample pages.
Journey to Aldebaran
Aldebaran is the brightest star in the constellation Taurus and one of the brightest stars in the night sky. The inspiration for the creation of this work came from the composer's admiration for great science fiction themes of the past. These themes all have similar characteristics which are an integral part of Journey to Aldebaran; a strong melodic contour often consisting of intervals of a perfect 4th or 5th and usually played by the brass, a simple but distinct harmonic progression, a strong rhythmic pulse, and exciting woodwind runs and trills. Click here to view sample pages.
Lights of The Aurora
The Northern Lights appear when energized particles from the sun crash into Earth's upper atmosphere at enormous speeds. Lights of the Aurora explores harmonies that are mystical, motifs that are celestial, rhythms that are powerful; all inspired by those "dancing ribbons of light."
Measure for Measure
Measure for Measure, by Vince Gassi, is a powerful and exciting concert piece. It has a driving, energetic theme that develops and unravels, leading your ear forward, measure for measure. There is a tender and lyrical moment (woven from the original motif) until the final "Furioso" section, which elevates, culminates, and capitulates. An excellent choice for concert or contest. (2:55)
Phenom
Floating harmonies and angular melodic curves set the stage in the opening measures of this imaginative new work for band. The main theme then bursts in with a powerful call and response statement, developing, transforming and gradually working its way to a lyrical section painted with vibrant textures and colors. The intensity of the main theme cannot be held at bay for long, however, as it rematerializes and transports this work to a dramatic conclusion. Click here to view sample pages.
Ships With Sails Unfurled
In the early morning of August 3rd 1492, Christopher Columbus went aboard the Santa Maria and gave the command to unfurl the sails. When the wind caught the sails his three caravels were off and before long had an uncharted ocean all to themselves. This exciting work opens and closes with splash and fanfare with a sombre lyrical section providing contrast. (4:30) Available from Eighth Note Publications.
Vectors
Melodies are like vectors. They have direction and magnitude that play with, and against, each other. This new work begins with Vector 1 (woodwinds) followed by Vector 2 (brass) fluidly issuing forth in contrary motion. Against a static vector (horn and percussion), euphonium and bassoon execute the prime vector. Other vectors interact throughout; slow vectors, fast vectors, and eventually, terminating vectors. Let the energy and drive in this dynamic work inspire your band to scale new heights. Click here to view sample pages.
O Canada
Much like the prophecies of ancient seers, musical works have the power to communicate the profound. Shrouded in mystical sounds, the opening creates an air of mystery and intrigue as though peering through time at misty images of future events. As the visions grow and take shape, the music intensifies, leading to bold musical proclamations that will make a lasting impression.
Windstorm
The forecast: gusting winds, increasing tempi, with a mix of powerful brass and thunderous percussion, and a 100 percent chance of participation. Commissioned by The Country Day School Concert Band in King City, Ontario, Windstorm, by Vince Gassi, will sweep over your audience like a powerful tempest, the calm before the storm foreshadowing the gentle zephyr calmly flowing through the lyrical section. (4:00)
Grade 3.5
A Christmas Couplet
Two timeless Christmas classics and one awesome band are the perfect ingredients to serve up a festive evening for your audience. Good King Wenceslas and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen combine and intertwine, mix and remix in ways artful and elegant. (2:18)
There Is Another Sky
(Wingert-Jones - Gr. 3-3.5)
(JW Pepper Editor’s Choice)
Inspired by Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, There is Another Sky invites listeners into a world of hope, resilience, and quiet beauty. The poem speaks of a place beyond the struggles of life—an evergreen, sunlit realm that exists within the heart and mind.
The piece opens with a bold, triumphant fanfare, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey. As the tempo quickens, an energetic interplay of woodwind flourishes and commanding brass statements propels the music forward with vitality and momentum. Shifting textures and colours create a dynamic landscape, capturing the poem’s contrast between shadow and radiance. A serene, lyrical section provides a moment of reflection before the music surges once more, driving toward a powerful and uplifting conclusion.
Even in moments of despair, there is always another sky—one that remains bright and full of promise.