GRADE 4
A Chesapeake Bay Adventure
Commissioned by the 2007 Albemarle County High School Honor Band (Crozet, VA), this piece takes its inspiration from the rich maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay: from colonial lighthouses to Civil War Ironclads, from its vital role in the Underground Railroad to Blackbeard and other real life pirates. Adventure is paramount as swashbuckling themes are developed in the opening and closing sections of this work and beautifully contrasted with the haunting lyrical section reminiscent of "Oh Shenandoah". Click here to view sample pages.
Chase The Shouting Wind
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. Inspired by the poem, "High Flight," by American WWII pilot, John Gillespie Magee, Jr., this energetic new work calls to mind the thrill and freedom of flight. Opening with rhythmic energy in the winds and rich harmonic statements in the brass, the mood gives way to a sensitive lyrical section. A dynamic development of the opening statement leads, ultimately, to a powerful and climactic ending. An excellent contest piece, this selection will enhance any program. Click here to view sample pages.
Invocation and Psalm
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. “Invocation” is defined as the act of invoking or calling upon a deity or spirit for aid, protection, or inspiration, while a “Psalm” is a sacred song or poem. Magnificent, celebratory, and triumphant are words that aptly describe the opening of this exciting new work. After a powerful opening fanfare, the main theme (Invocation) is presented and interlaced with florid woodwind passages and driving rhythms. A simple but evocative melody, garnished with lush harmony, captures the essence of the Psalm. A return to the original theme brings us to an uplifting conclusion. This piece was commissioned by the St. Michael's College School Senior Band (Toronto, Canada) for the opening of their new theatre. Invocation and Psalm is an exhilarating concert opener for any occasion. Click. here to view samplepages.
Legends of the Yucatan
Feathered Serpent, God of Rain and Thunder, Lord of the Woods (God of Agriculture), and Lady Rainbow (Goddess of Earth and Moon) are deities featured in this portrait of Mayan mythology. Inspired by a recent trip to the Mayan village of Chichen Itza, Legends of the Yucatan is written in four sections, each one descriptive of a different Mayan God. Expanded percussion and exotic rhythms and harmonies are heard throughout. Click here to view sample pages.
Oak Island Odyssey
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. The Vikings, Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, the Freemasons, the Knights Templar, and Marie Antoinette; these are the legends of Oak Island and its two hundred year old tale of exploration and intrigue in Nova Scotia, Canada. With bold themes and energetic drive, this musical odyssey captures the sense of adventure that has surrounded the ongoing quest for buried treasure. Take your audience along for the ride with this excellent concert or contest piece. Click here to view sample pages.
Tsunami
J.W. Pepper Editors' Choice. 1500 B.C. the volcano of Santorin, an island to the north of Crete, exploded with unprecedented violence sending millions of tons of volcanic ash into the atmosphere, producing intense atmospheric shock waves, and generating disastrous tsunamis. It is now believed that this caused the extinction of the great Minoan civilization.
Vision Quest
A vision quest is defined as a journey taken alone in the wilderness to find one’s spiritual and life direction. Take your audiences on a mystic journey with this exciting new work by Vince Gassi. Bold themes and angular rhythms are contrasted with a poignant lyrical section. Frequent meter changes and interesting harmonies will provide ample opportunity for your young musicians to grow musically. Commissioned by the De La Salle College "Oaklands" Wind Ensemble (Larry Shields, Director). Click here to view sample pages.
GRADE 4.5
Genesis
Commissioned by the City of Brampton Concert Band, this piece commemorates 125 years of continuous service to The City of Brampton. It provides ample opportunity for your band to explore diverse colors and textures, from the mysterious opening which features solo piccolo, to exotic woodwind runs in open 5ths; from a delicate lyrical section to a furious dialogue between winds, brass and percussion. There is plenty of energy and excitement in this work to captivate your audiences. Click here to view sample pages.