Embedded Files
Wind Ensemble
The Great Locomotive Chase - Robert W. Smith (ASCAP)
About the Music
This piece vividly portrays the daring Civil War escapade known as the Great Locomotive Chase. Through dynamic and rhythmic motifs, it captures the tension and excitement of the historic train pursuit, offering listeners a thrilling musical journey.
About the Composer
Robert W. Smith (1958 - 2023, Daleville, AL) is a renowned American composer and music educator, celebrated for his contributions to concert band literature. Born in 1958, he has composed numerous works that are widely performed by school bands and professional ensembles alike. Smith holds degrees from Troy University and the University of Miami. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to music education, serving as a professor and clinician worldwide. His compositions are known for their engaging themes and educational value, making him a significant figure in contemporary band music.
Anthem for Winds and Percussion - Claude T. Smith (ASCAP)
About the Music
Anthem for Winds and Percussion is an original composition for band written in the design of the classic concert overture. First issued 1978 by Jenson Publications, the work is now published through Hal Leonard Publications Corporation as Grade 3 in difficulty as part of the MusicWorks series. Containing a total of 122 measures, Anthem for Winds and Percussion has a performance time of approximately 5:00. A staple of many state concert festival lists, it continues to be one of Smith's frequently performed composition.
About the Composer
Claude T. Smith was born in Monroe City, MO, on March 14, 1932. He began his undergraduate musical training at Central Methodist College in 1950. Two years later, during the Korean Conflict, Smith became a member of the 371st United States Army Band. He later completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Kansas.
Smith's musical career is multifaceted, having served as both teacher and composer. He provided public school instruction in instrumental music in Nebraska and Missouri. As a faculty member of Southwest Missouri State university, Smith conducted the University Symphony Orchestra and taught courses in theory and composition. He spent much of his career directing church choirs as a result of his profound admiration of sacred music. As a composer, Smith created works for band, choir, orchestra, and prolific solo performers. Most substantial are his compositional contributions to the wind and, totaling 110 works.
Smith garnered much recognition as a result of his success as a masterful composer. His first published work, Emperata Overture, received much acclaim as a featured composition at the 1964 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Smith received numerous commissions from the "premier" military bands of the United States, including the Air Force Band, the "President's Own" Marine Band, the Navy Band, and the Army Field Band. He additionally served as an educational consultant for Wingert-Jones Publications and a staff writer for Jenson Publications (currently Hal Leonard).
Clarinet Choir
Blue Twilight - Harold L. Walters
About the Music
Blue Twilight is a captivating piece composed by Harold L. Walters. The piece evokes the serene and reflective mood often associated with twilight, blending lyrical melodies with rich harmonies. Blue Twilight can be interpreted as a musical reflection on the transitional time between day and night. The piece invites listeners to pause and appreciate the subtle changes in light and mood, offering a moment of peace and contemplation.
Composer's Background:
Harold L. Walters (1918–1984) was an American composer and arranger, primarily known for his contributions to band music. He studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and worked extensively as a composer and arranger for bands, creating a diverse range of works suitable for both concert and marching settings. Walters' music is characterized by its accessibility and musicality, making it popular among school and community bands. His compositions often reflect a deep understanding of band instrumentation and dynamics.
Saxophone Quartet
Raging Waters - Riley LeBlanc
About the Music
Raging Winds is an exhilarating piece composed by Riley LeBlanc, known for its dynamic energy and vivid depiction of nature's power. The composition captures the raw and untamed force of the wind, transporting listeners through its tempestuous journey.
About the Composer
Riley LeBlanc is a contemporary composer, known for creating vivid and engaging works for wind ensembles. His compositions often explore themes of nature and emotion, using music as a medium to convey powerful narratives.
Clarinet Quartet
Sounds of the Sea - Robert R. Roden
About the Music
Sounds of the Sea is a three movement work for four Soprano Bb Clarinets. This piece is a vivid musical composition by Robert R. Roden that captures the essence and beauty of the ocean. Through a blend of melody, harmony, and rhythm, the piece evokes the majesty and mystery of the sea, inviting listeners on a nautical journey.
About the Composer
Robert R. Roden (1949-2012) grew up in Taylor Mill and graduated from Simon Kenton High School in 1967. He studied music at the University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University and the University of North Texas.
Along with the tenor sax, he played the flute, clarinet and piano. He was also a composer and music arranger.
During his career, Mr. Roden performed with artists including, BB King, Bonnie Rait, Dr. John, Earl King, Charlie Musselwhite and Robert Cray. He traveled internationally, performing in Europe, Canada and became a fixture in the blues scene in the Pacific northwest.
Jazz Ensemble
In a Mellow Tone - Duke Ellington, arr. Mark Taylor
About the Music
In a Mellow Tone is a classic jazz standard composed by the legendary Duke Ellington, with lyrics by Milt Gabler. First recorded in 1939, the piece exemplifies Ellington's sophisticated style and ability to blend complex harmonies with memorable melodies.
About the Composer
Duke Ellington (1899–1974) was a pioneering American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, he composed thousands of pieces, many of which became jazz standards. Ellington's innovative use of orchestration and his ability to blend various musical styles made him a key figure in the evolution of jazz. His orchestra was a major force in the Harlem Renaissance, and his compositions, such as "Mood Indigo" and "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)," have had a lasting impact on music worldwide.
About the Arranger
Mark Taylor (b. 1961 in Chattanooga (Tennessee) is an American jazz musician (French horn, piano), composer and music producer of the Modern Creative.
In 2001 Mark retired as chief arranger for The United States Army Band ("Pershing's Own"), where he was on staff for 24 years. During that time, he composed extensively for the U.S. Army Blues, writing all of the material for their album A New Beginning and much of the material for Scream Machine. His arrangements and compositions have been performed by the Army Blues throughout the world, including concerts at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland. Prior to joining the Army, Mark was fortunate to write for Stan Kenton, who recorded many of his compositions and also gave him his start in music publishing. He has a large publishing portfolio and has influenced thousands of student musicians, many of whom were first exposed to big band jazz through his music.
What is Hip?
About the Music
What Is Hip? is a funk classic by Tower of Power, renowned for its infectious groove and brass-heavy sound. The song explores the fleeting nature of trends and the search for authenticity.
About the Composers
Tower of Power is an American R&B-based horn section and band, formed in Oakland, California, in 1968. Known for their dynamic horn-driven sound, the band combines elements of soul, funk, and jazz. Their signature style features tight rhythms and powerful brass arrangements. Over the years, Tower of Power has released numerous albums, producing hits like "What Is Hip?" and "You're Still a Young Man." Renowned for their live performances and enduring influence, they have collaborated with artists across various genres, maintaining a strong presence in the music industry for over five decades.
About the Arranger
Victor López is a renowned composer, arranger, and adjudicator with a rich career in music and education. He earned music degrees from the University of Florida and Florida International University, including an Ed.D. in Educational Administration. López directed bands in Miami schools for 16 years and served 19 years as an administrator, achieving accolades like the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award for G. W. Carver Middle School. A former member and arranger for the Miami Sound Machine, he has collaborated with various artists and been involved in numerous music videos. He has served as a councilman in Doral, Florida, and played a role in national arts education standards. López is in demand globally as a clinician and adjudicator, and he is an exclusive composer for Alfred Music, with over 450 publications.
Charade - Henry Mancini, arr. Mark Taylor
About the Music
Charade is a classic song from the soundtrack of the 1963 film of the same name, composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The piece captures the film's blend of mystery and romance, offering a sophisticated and memorable melody.
About the Composer
Henry Mancini (1924–1994) was a celebrated American composer known for his film and television scores. His work includes iconic themes such as "The Pink Panther" and "Moon River," and he remains a significant figure in 20th-century music.
Cry Me a River - Arthur Hamilton, arr. Victor Lopez
About the Music
Cry Me a River is a classic torch song written by Arthur Hamilton. It became famous with Julie London's sultry rendition in 1955. The song is renowned for its emotional depth and expressive melody, capturing the essence of heartbreak and longing.
About the Composer
Arthur Hamilton is an American songwriter known for his contributions to popular music. "Cry Me a River" remains his most famous work, covered by numerous artists across various genres, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
Concert Band
In Flight - Samuel L. Hazo
About the Music
In Flight is a tone poem that musically recreates the experience of flying in a fighter aircraft. In the score, one can find many musical suggestions that mimic qualities of piloting a fighter jet such as combative motifs, the serenity of the sky, the weightless feeling after a climb, breaking through the clouds, and even the shape of an actual fighter aircraft maneuver depicted in the piccolo, flute and xylophone runs.
It was composed during the summer of 2000 and premiered at Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on March 30th, 2001, by the Duquesne University Wind Symphony, Dr. Robert Cameron, Conductor. Since then, the recording of that performance has aired across the United States in programming sponsored and broadcast by National Public Radio. It was dedicated to my cousin, Nicholas H. Romah, who at the time of In Flight's composition had just retired from the United States Marine Corps as a full colonel.
This publication of In Flight was commissioned by Lincoln High School in Vincennes, Indiana, William J. Marsh and Jason R. King, directors.
- Program Note by Samuel R. Hazo
Composer's Background:
Samuel R. Hazo (b. 1966) resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife and children. In 2003, Mr. Hazo became the first composer in history to be awarded the winner of both composition contests sponsored by the National Band Association. His piece Mountain Thyme was an Honorable Mention for the 2013 CBDNA Composition Contest. He has composed for the professional, university, and public school levels in addition to writing original scores for television, radio, and the stage. His original symphonic compositions include performances with actors Brooke Shields, James Earl Jones, and Richard Kiley.
In 2004, Mr. Hazo's compositions were listed in a published national survey of the "Top Twenty Compositions of All Time" for wind band. He is a member of ASCAP and recipient of multiple ASCAPlus Awards. Dr. Jack Stamp, in his final year of teaching at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, produced a recorded compilation of Hazo’s music.
Toccata for Band - Frank Erickson
About the Music
Composed in 1957, Toccata for Band has enjoyed a long and successful place in the musical heritage of the American concert band. The Italian term “toccata” meaning “touch” one might use to describe, in a musical context, the musical aptitude of a keyboardist, typically an organist. The purpose of the work, displaying the prowess or ability of the musician, is evident in the compositional form of Toccata for Band. This stately work by Frank Erickson is formed around a “toccata theme” first introduced by the tutti ensemble, and marked by an eight bar phrase of smartly played eighth and sixteenth notes in upper woodwinds, brass, and snare drum.
About the Composer
Frank Erickson (1923-1996) was an American composer, conductor, arranger, educator and author. Erickson received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music from the University of Southern California in 1950 and 1951, respectively. Frank Erickson has a number of excellent band titles to his credit that have each become part of the fabric of wind band education for both students and directors: Air for Band, Balladair, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Blue Ridge Overture, Norwegian Folk Song Suite. Of particular interest, Erickson served as the arranger for great works Percy Aldridge Grainger, Irish Tune from County Derry and Children’s March. He was a life member of the National Band Association, elected to the Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts in 1986, and a member of ASCAP, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, Phi Beta Mu, and the American Bandmasters Association.
Yorkshire Ballad - James Barnes
About the Music
Composed in the summer of 1984, James Barnes’s Yorkshire Ballad was premiered at the Kansas Bandmasters Association Convention in Huthcinson, Kansas, by the late Claude T. Smith, who was serving as the guest conductor for the Kansan Intercollegiate Band. Since being published in 1985, it has become one of the composer’s most popular works.
The composer writes that “over the years, many conductors and teachers have called me to ask about the work, and whether the tune itself is in fact a folksong. Yorkshire Ballad is not a folksong, but it is written in that style. I composed this little piece so that younger players would have the opportunity to play a piece that is more or less in the style of Percy Grainger’s Irish Tune from County Derry. Even Grainger’s easier works are too difficult for most youngsters to do them musical justice, so I thought I would write a little piece that might emote of the feelings and colors of Grainger’s wonderful music, but, at the same time, was technically much more accessible to the younger player.”
“People always ask me what I was trying to portray when I wrote Yorkshire Ballad. All I can say is that I was thinking of the beautiful, green Yorkshire Dales of northern England; the rolling hills and the endless stretch of beautiful pasturelands that my wife and I loved so much when, a year before, we had driven through this most marvelous spot in the world.”
About the Composer
James Barnes (b. 1949) is an American composer of primarily works for wind band. Born in Oklahoma, he studied and taught at the University of Kansas. His compositions for band have been played all over the world, including in three separate recordings by the renowned Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. He is a two-time winner of the prestigious Ostwald award for new band compositions.
Waterdance - Carl Strommen
About the Music
Picture a lake before sunrise. With Dawn, the myriad varieties of life in and about the lake slowly awaken and, in the heat of the day, skip and skate across the water as if in a frantic ballet. Thus WATERDANCE begins and continues until it experiences Evening. Here is a beautifully crafted composition that brings us into the rhythms of life, the patterns of nature and an uplifting portrayal in sound. Stunning!
About the Composer
Carl Strommen (b. 1940) resides with his family on Long Island New York. He attended and graduated from Long Island University ( B.A. English Literature) and The City College of New York (M.A, Music) and studied orchestration with Manny Albam and Rayburn Wright and composition with Stefan Wolpe. He is an Adjunct Professor of orchestration/ arranging and composition in the Graduate School at LIU Post. His publishers include Warner Bros., Belwin, Alfred, Carl Fischer, Barnhouse, Kendor, Heritage and Smart Chart. His compositions and arrangements are performed worldwide.
Ruckus - Randall Standridge
About the Music
The dictionary defines "ruckus" as a noisy commotion, fracas or rumpus and this very original work is just that. Loud, boisterous, aggressive and mixed meter, heavy percussion and thumping rhythm give this piece a decidedly urban feel. No doubt your students will be musically entranced by this powerfully rhythmic, yet sophisticated work.
About the Composer
Randall D. Standridge (b. 1976) grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and received his Bachelor’s of Music Education from Arkansas State University, where he studied composition with Dr. Tom O’Connor. He returned to Arkansas State University and received his Master’s in Music Composition, studying with Dr. Tom O’Connor and Dr. Tim Crist.
Randall is a member of ASCAP, and is in demand as a composer, arranger, clinician, and designer. His pieces have been performed internationally, and numerous pieces have been selected to the J.W. Pepper’s Editor’s Choice list. He has also had several pieces selected for performance at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL, and his work Art(isms) was performed at the 2010 CBDNA Conference in Las Cruces, New Mexico. His music is recognized as worthwhile literature for concert festivals and band concerts across the United States and throughout the world.
In addition to his career as a composer, Randall is a marching band designer, having created numerous award winning marching band arrangements, compositions, and drill designs. He also works as a freelance film composer, artist/photographer, and writer. He lives in Jonesboro, Arkansas with his family.
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