March of the Toons

Another concert march, which is traditional, but also sounds a little different - in a cheeky sort of way!

Meditation - John Stainer

Based on "God So Loved The World" from John Stainer's "Crucifixion".In the 19th century, the English composer John Stainer wrote an oratorio named "The Crucifixion". It contains a beautiful a capella setting of the Biblical text from John chapter 3 verses 16 & 17. Although I have added a few obligati and counter subjects, and a short fugal link, for the most part, I have not tried to add too much to a beautiful piece of traditional harmony. What I have done, is to try to emphasise the subtle changes of tone colour in the unique sound of the brass band. "Meditation" is on the latest CD from Weston Brass. Order from [email protected] price �6.95."..a beautiful concert item that reflects the title of the work perfectly." Robert Childs

Merry-Go-Round - Tim Paton

I heard a recording of a fairground organ playing a fabulous concert waltz from the early 20th century. It struck me that this music was in the same league as another popular concert waltz, "Nights of Gladness". I aurally transcribed it, and set about creating an exciting piece for brass band, aiming to capture the 'fun of the fair'. The piece needs a good principal cornet, and an efficient glock player would not go amiss!

Midnight - Lucy Pankhurst

Written for and premiered by the Leyland Band with euphonium soloist Philippe Schwartz in 2010, Midnight is a haunting euphonium solo which features the engaging combination of lyrical melodies and strident energy.The piece opens with peaceful serenity and then moves towards an energetic and exciting passage which really showcases the soloist and the band alike. Lots of percussion highlights are included in the scoring which adds immense depth to the writing. Following is a return to an atmospheric spotlight on the soloist, developing into an impressive cadenza and eventually closing with the original tranquility.Comments by the composer, Lucy Pankhurst, on writing collaboratively for a band:"I didn't intend to tailor [this piece] specifically, other than knowing I could pretty much write whatever I wanted to for the band and soloist.They are such great players and have a cracking percussion section. The only stipulation I was given was for something 'atmospheric'.This is actually one piece that I started at the first bar and composed chronologically. Everything grew from the opening marimba ostinato."Midnight is featured on the Leyland Band CD - Age of Chivalry.

Mischief! - Lucy Pankhurst

This fun and frantic, hoe-down styled original work from Lucy Pankhurst works just as well as an attention-grabbing opener, as it would as a showcase finisher or encore!Lots of surprises and exciting details that show off all areas of the band. Mischief! was first featured by the Wingates Band in their 2009 performance at the Butlin's Mineworker's Brass Band Championships.

Money, Money (Makes The World Go Round)

This fun and quirky arrangement was premiered at the 2011 West Lothian Challenge by Kingdom Brass and helped to lead them to victory in the first round! A great show-piece for the band which lends itself to creativity on the drama and choreography front if desired.A definite highlight for a concert programme with opportunities to mix great music with pure entertainment.

Mons Badonicus - Christian Overhead

Moon Pictures - Andrew Duncan

Moon Pictures is a piece depicting mans enduring fascination with our nearest neighbour in the sky, the Moon.Following the introduction there are four continuous sections.1. Moon Dance, describes the ancient and widespread worship of the moon by many cultures.2. Tidal Flows, is about the soothing and constant heartbeat of our oceans and seas.3. Invasion of the Little Green Men, is a more light-hearted depiction of a 1950's Sci-Fi style invasion by silver suited aliens from the moon.4. 1969 A.D, describes the preparations, launch and eventual touchdown on the Moon of the historic Apollo 11 mission.Moon Pictures was written for the Todmorden Old Band in 21 with funds provided by the Millennium Commission and recorded by them on their CD 'Moon Pictures'.

Mr Crump! - W C Handy

Also known as "The Memphis Blues", here is a fabulous piece of Ragtime by W C Handy, the composer of that all time classic, The St Louis Blues.

Music Through The Ages - Steve Robson

A fun and educational collection of 7 pieces created by Steve Robson, with optional narration, providing a time-travelling journey through the history of 2000 years of music to the present time.Originally written for Stanhope Youth Band, the piece has now been well received by other youth bands far and wide. The complete work offers great flexibility too, as te movements can be used as stand-alone items or as a full concert performance, offering players and audiences an insight to the evolving styles of Music Through The Ages.Movements include:FanfareThe Passing of the VIth Legion A Patrol - Imagining the sound of the Roman Legion at Vindolanda (AD84)The Journey of St Cuthbert - A Plainchant (995)The Honorable Robert Shafto MP - Late Baroque Style (1749)The Very Capable Mr Mozart Classical Style - Rondo (1786)Sans Pareil March - Tribute to Timothy Hackworth and George Allan (1913)The Angel of the North - Contemporary composition (Present day)Watch a full performance below of the pieces, including narration. This was a collaborative performance project, presented by members of different youth bands from across the North East on Saturday 13 November 2018 in the Theatre at Ushaw College, Durham.(NB: The piece Galliard, performed at 12mins 22secs into the video, was specially written for the concert and is not included in this collection.)Look and Listen (with thanks to all participating youth bands and supporting players):Set includes score (with narration), separately bound narration (enable a choice of either compere/conductor presentation) and parts including:Cornet 1Cornet 2Corent 3FlugelhornEb Tenor Horn 1Eb Tenor Horn 2Baritone 1Baritone 2Trombone 1Trombone 2Bass TromboneEuphoniumEb BassBb BassTimpaniPercussionAdditional world parts also provided include F Horn 1, F Horn 2, Trombone 1 in Bass Clef, Trombone 2 in Bass Clef.