Results
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£55.00Purcell Variations (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Purcell Variations, composed in 1995, the year of the tercentenary of the death of the great English composer, was a watershed work in that it was Downie's first extended composition to be published independently of The Salvation Army and intended for wider use.For his theme, Downie has chosen what has come down to us as the hymn tune Westminster Abbey, which is in fact an adaptation made in 1842 by Ernest Hawkins, who was a Canon of Westminster Abbey where Purcell himself had been organist. Purcell's original is actually the closing section of an anthem, O God, Thou art my God, where it provides the final paean of praise, sung to repeated 'Hallelujahs'. Purcell's tune, particularly the opening triadic gesture, is used as a source of thematic and harmonic material - a quarry for ideas if you like: "I was obsessed with the intervals of thirds in Purcell's tune, rather like Brahms in his Third Symphony", the composer says.There are five variations, preceded by an extended introduction and theme. In the first variation, Purcell's lilting dance pulse has been transformed into a bright, playful sequence, in which each phrase of the melody is given its own transformation. In the second, Purcell's opening gambit is extended into a graceful, flowing waltz, featuring solo and first horn at the top of the register. The composer offers a range of metronome speeds in this movement, in which he is emulating the wistful elegance of Erik Satie's famous Gymnopedie. We enter the world of big band jazz in variation three, where Purcell's tune strides along with added syncopation and bluesy major/minor thirds to the fore. After the breathless energy and blazing brass of the big band, Downie moves into his 'home territory' for a beautifully worked lyrical variation. There is an enhanced urgency about the final variation, which opens with an extended reprise of the work's introduction. Purcell's second and third phrases provide the preparation for the exuberant return, in customary triumph of Purcell's 'Hallelujah'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£34.95Gaudete (Cornet Solo with Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Soprano Cornet Solo with Brass BandGaudete is a sacred Christmas carol, which is thought to have been composed in the 16th century, but could easily have existed as a monophonic hymn in the late medieval period. Within the lyrics, there are references to Christ, Virgin Mary, Grace, Ezekiel and Salvation.This arrangement takes the striking tune and re-works it for Soprano Cornet and band, transforming the melody in places, whilst also keeping that familiar tune in its original form. Gaudete was recorded by Steve Stewart & Cory Band in 2016, featuring on its album 'A Festival of Fanfares & Carols'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£77.00General Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 2261 - 2264, December 2025
2261: March - Win the world (Paul Sharman)This march was written at the request of Staff Bandmaster Ken Waterworth for the Melbourne Staff Band's visit to South Africa in 2018. It features the tunes We shall win (T.B. 455) and Storm the forts of darkness (T.B. 844) - the latter chosen for its similarity to the Australian national anthem in its opening two bars.2262: Festival March - Alleluia! (Kevin Larsson)Both hymns used in this march, This is my Father's world (S.A.S.B. 66) and All creatures of our God and King (S.A.S.B. 2), bought the composer comfort as he began to grapple with the ramifications of the global pandemic in 2020. Both songs talk about God's sovereignty over nature, revealing himself to us through the beauty and majesty of our world.2263: Prayer gently lifts me (Ty Watson)This is a simple arrangement of the chorus Prayer gently lifts me (S.A.S.B. 783). The piece was written to precede the opening prayer in a band programme.2264: What a Saviour! (Steven Ponsford)This devotional music explores the events of Good Friday, dramatically reminding us of words associated with familiar Easter hymns tunes.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£39.95Swing into Christmas (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Written during Colonel Robert Redhead's tenure as Bandmaster of The International Staff Band, this bright and good-humoured selection - originally titled Sounds of the forties - was composed for the UK Territory's annual Christmas event at the Westminster Central Hall in 1993. It features lively treatments of Good King Wenceslas, Carol of the drum, Silent Night! and Deck the hall and brings fresh sparkle to these familiar carols. With the permission of the Redhead family, the work has been readied for publication. Colonel Redhead lives in retirement in Canada, and this release stands as a welcome addition to the journals.The secret to a successful presentation of this piece (and any swing number) is for the band to have a clear grasp of basic swing principles. Players should aim for a relaxed, buoyant feel built on back'beat emphasis (2 and 4), light articulation, and a sense of forward motion without rushing. Note that, apart from the intentionally straight quavers on the drum kit in sections D and E, quavers elsewhere should be swung.A drum kit will be essential as it provides the stylistic anchor throughout, setting up the tempo, supporting the back'beat, and giving the band confidence to embrace the swing style.The Glenn Miller-inspired opening cornet feature sets the tone for the whole piece and should be played with strength, clarity, and stylistic assurance. The outer movements share this brighter, punchier swing character, with crisp rhythmic definition and confident ensemble playing.In contrast, the central setting of Silent Night! adopts a slow 'shuffle' feel. This section should feel spacious and unhurried, with warm phrasing, gentle back'beat, and a laid'back rhythmic pulse. In the melody line, think breadth, and in the accompaniment, think subtlety rather than weight.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£29.95The Strong Tower (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Following the popularity of Turris Fortissima, I decided, albeit many years later, to revisit some of the material it contains and create a shorter piece, expanding on some of the ideas and motifs, allowing myself to follow those in different directions altogether. The result is this piece which I hope will also excite players and listeners alike.The music is marked at a quick tempo from the start, but despite several changes in meter, the tempo doesn't change until the small accelerando leads us into the presto section. In order to maintain the excitement and drama, it's important to set the pace and keep it consistent throughout.Section A introduces a few of the motifs that will be developed during the piece, including the main Turris Fortissima theme from bar 13 to 18.At section B, ensure the quavers are tight across the whole band with a strong attack, making an obvious difference in dynamic when fff is marked, in bars 23, 25 and 27. A more lyrical approach will be effective from the Horns in section C, with vigorous interruptions from the rest of the band breaking up their melody.Section D features long notes from muted 1st and 2nd Cornets and Trombones, with crescendos each time. These should be significant and sound as though they emerge from nowhere, completely cutting through the overall texture.Section D features long notes from muted 1st and 2nd Cornets and Trombones, with crescendos each time. These should be significant and sound as though they emerge from nowhere, completely cutting through the overall texture.Sections E and F are both passages of building intensity. Various contrasting motifs are layered, including a subtle reference to the hymn tune Ein' feste Burg (A mighty fortress is our God) from the Euphonium. The music becomes more busy and muddled, before reaching its climax at section G where the lyrical melody is heard again, this time from the Solo Cornets and Euphonium.In bars 141 to 145, there is a reference to Dean Goffin's My strength, my tower in the Basses, as used in Turris Fortissima. Allow this motif to dominate, keeping the notes full and grand-sounding. In bars 149 to 151 there is further use of the line from Ein' feste Burg in the Baritones, Trombones, Euphoniums and Basses leading into the final section.- Steven Ponsford
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£44.95Triumphant (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Triumphant was written as the opening work for the 2024 Future All-Stars final concert. Based on the well-known hymn Victory in Jesus (S.A.S.B. 464), the piece reimagines the familiar melody and words with energetic drumline-inspired rhythms and driving Bass groove.O victory in Jesus, my Saviour, for ever!He sought me and bought me with his redeeming blood;He loved me ere I knew him, and all my love is due him -He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.Musically speaking, the rhythmic pulse should remain confident and consistent throughout, with the percussion establishing the groove and the band locking in with precision. Take time to find a tempo that allows the Bass and Percussion parts to remain clear and accurate. A slightly steadier pace will produce a stronger, more convincing groove. However, a slower tempo can result in the band's playing becoming too heavy. Melodic lines should be played on the longer side, allowing phrases to sing over the rhythmic accompaniment that can be more defined and articulated. As the work builds, be patient and disciplined with dynamics, saving the band's fullest sound for the climactic moments, maximising their impact.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£55.00Triumph Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 1383 - 1386, March 2026
1383: Festival March - Lead On! (Andrew Wainwright)A dynamic march, commissioned by Majors Paul and Dawn McFarland during their appointment as Area Commanders of The Salvation Army's Dallas-Fort Worth Area, premiered at the 2023 Thanksgiving service at the Dallas Adult Rehabilitation Centre. Featuring the classic hymns Storm the forts of darkness (S.A.S.B. 980) and Lead on, O King eternal (S.A.S.B. 964), the piece captures the drive, hope, and mission at the heart of The Salvation Army's work in North Texas.1384: Confession (Kenneth Downie)This arrangement is based on the tune Lord of all (T.B. 440), one of the welcome additions to the 2015 Salvation Army tune book. Introduced to the arranger by Andrew Blyth, whose appreciation for the melody highlighted its gentle charm, the piece is dedicated to Andrew and the Peterborough Citadel Band, where he served as Bandmaster and continues to play.The music pairs the tune with the reflective words of We have not known thee as we ought (S.A.S.B. 630), a hymn often used in worship as a moment of confession and heart-searching before God. Its inclusion encourages both performers and listeners to approach worship with humility and sincerity.Although labelled simply as "German traditional," the tune's graceful simplicity is immediately evident. This arrangement preserves that character while introducing subtle harmonic colour and developing the tune's rising fourth motif as a unifying musical thread. The gentle nature of the melody remains central throughout, with a slightly heightened energy in the fifth phrase carefully drawn out without disrupting the overall serenity. The sharing of thematic material between Cornets and Horns calls for smooth, unobtrusive ensemble playing, allowing the tune's beauty to speak naturally.1385: God in good (Stephen Hull) This arrangement brings together two much'loved melodies: Goodness of God, a favourite from the final years of the arranger's service as Divisional Music Director in the Wisconsin/Upper Michigan Division, and the simple, enduring chorus God is so good. Heard often at summer camps, the song's message stayed with him, eventually inspiring this thoughtful musical pairing that highlights God's unwavering goodness throughout our lives.1386: A march in time (Martin Cordner)Written to celebrate the 130th anniversary of Thetford Corps (UKI Territory), this lively march pays tribute to a legacy of faithful witness, joyful service, and a community moving forward in God's light. Premiered by Cambridge Citadel Band during the anniversary weekend, the piece weaves together three cherished songs: Marching on in the light of God (S.A.S.B. 968), Jesus, precious Saviour (S.A.S.B. 501), and Light up the sunshine in your heart.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£77.00General Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 2246 - 2249, August 2024
2246: Christmas Prelude - David's City (Noel Jones)In 2 Samuel 5, we read of David's anointing as King of Israel at the age of thirty, a reign that lasted for forty years. Bethlehem was known as 'David's city' because he was born there and worked as a shepherd on the nearby hills. Verses 1, 2 and 5 of Once in Royal David's City (C.C. 68) are featured in this Christmas Prelude. There are also brief references to the carols O come, all ye faithful and O little town of Bethlehem between verses.2247: Cornet and Euphonium Duet - This Kingdom (Stephen Bulla)Geoff Bullock's song, This Kingdom, has been made well known by the American gospel singer Ron Kenoly. Stephen Bulla wrote this duet for a Brass Spectacular concert held in Basel, Switzerland, in May 2019.2248: Wonder (Stephen Gibson)When we stop to consider the mystery of God's love for each one of us, its enormity can only cause us to wonder. The opening bars of this music create an atmosphere, using a rolling accompaniment underneath sustained, music and chromatic Cornets, setting the style for the entire piece. Occasional references to Albert E. Webber's chorus Can you wonder? are heard throughout.2249: O to love thee! (Michael Davis)This piece takes its title from the first verse of Francis Bottome's words, Precious Jesus, O to love thee! The introduction establishes the baroque form of a prelude which leads into the tune Glory to the lamb (T.B. 327). Following a brief interlude, the melody is passed through several sections of the band, with delicate countermelodies in the Flugel and Horns. The majestic ending eventually comes to rest on the final tonic chord.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£44.95Deus Solus (Brass Band - Score and Parts)
Deus Solus (meaning God Alone) was composed for the Melbourne Staff Band's 130th anniversary at the request of Bandmaster Ken Waterworth. It is based on three Christian tunes - the 18th century hymn O God, our help in ages past (S.A.S.B. 47), and the more contemporary songs God and God alone (Phill McHugh) and Chris Bowater's Faithful God (S.A.S.B. 360). The work begins quietly and with a sense of the unknown, with references to O God, our help in ages past, alluding to the formation and early days of the band.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£77.00General Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 2238 - 2241, December 2023
2238: Fanfare and allegro on the Doxology (Steve Kellner)The Doxology, set to the tune Old Hundredth (T.B. 31), is used widely around the world by Christian denominations, including Salvationists. This concert opener is based on the short but powerful hymn of praise to the Triune God.2239: To the endless day (Kenneth Downie)This is a meditation on the hymn tune Ruth (T.B. 191), written by Samuel Smith. It is a particular favourite of Don Jenkins, whose late wife was also called Ruth. This music is dedicated to Don, a distinguished trombone soloist and former Band master of Bristol Easton Corps Band.The music is always associated with the hymn by William Walsham How, whose words begin 'Summer suns are flowing over land and sea' (S.A.S.B. 59) with the title coming from the end of the final verse.2240: Euphonium Solo - He giveth more grace (Ray Steadman-Allen)This 1996 arrangement of Blacklands (T.B. 527), the composers own hymn tune written in 1963, is being published posthumously. The hymn tune sets the words 'He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater' (S.A.S.B. 30) with an emphasis on the generosity of God.2241: The Calvary effect (Ian Clarke)Around AC 30, on a hill often refered to as Mount Calvary, an event took place that was to change the world forever. The Calvary effect is a reflection, in musical form, on that event and what it still means to people today. If features two tunes: first, in a quiet reflective mood, we hear the highly emotive Healing Stream, associated with the words 'Jesus, keep me near the cross; There is a precious fountain' (S.A.S.B. 178). This then makes way for the chorus; 'Lord, make Cavalry real to me' (S.A.S.B. 182), which is at times indistinct and almost lost in its surroundings, reflecting the sentiments of the chorus. A return to the main tune follows, this time in a positive, passionate setting. The music finishes with a triumphant 'Hallelujah!'.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days