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£30.00The St Louis Blues - Sandy Coffin, W C Handy
Two-Step MarchCommissioned by John Wallace, this arrangement of The St Louis Blues has been crafted by Sandy Coffin through close listening of the available recordings of the Harlem Hellfighters Band. Sandy had been heavily involved with the Historic Brass Society symposium 2017 held in New York and assisted John with his research on this fascinating band and the style of music it generated.Eye-witness accounts refer to the 369th band 'dancing' rather than 'marching'. Above all, in modern performance, finding a 'dancing beat' is crucial to a successful performance of this Ragtime march in order to do justice to the great pioneering work of James Reese Europe.Note the flutter-tonguing and use of muting, the counter-melody in soprano cornet, and the wilder and yet wilder nature of each repetition of the Chorus.Look and Listen:Background to the Harlem HellfightersThe US Army 369th Regiment, made up largely of African-Americans from New York, became known as the Harlem Hellfighters because of the heroic reputation which accrued to them during the actions they engaged in during the First World War in Europe.James Reese Europe was one of the most active African-American composer/musical directors in the pre-war American music scene. The legendary Harlem Hellfighters Band, which he assembled in 1917 from African-American and Puerto Rican musicians, came at an important transitional point in musical history. A new form of music called jazz was emerging from Ragtime and the performing style of Europe's band was immersed in the flow of this new direction.Europe's Harlem Hellfighters influenced and inspired everyone who heard them, including the welcoming crowd when they disembarked in France, bowled over by their swinging rendition of La Marseillaise. Reese Europe became a war hero, commanding a machine-gun unit as well as the band.On return from War in 1919 the band led a ticker-tape parade along Fifth Avenue in New York and soon made about 30 shellac recordings. These recordings display some of the fingerprints of their performing style: ragging, improvising, muting, wailing, smearing (their word for glissando) - and from the evidence of their recordings they took the printed page as a blueprint for individuality.In May 1919 during the Hellfighters' triumphant coast-to-coast tour after their return, James Reese Europe was tragically murdered, bringing to premature close, at the age of 39, the work of a great musical innovator.
Estimated dispatch 7-14 working days
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£37.50
Polish Adventures - Gavin Somerset
Composed for the All Saints Wind Band, Sheffield after their trip to Poland in the summer of 2003. This work reflects the different parts of the tour in four continuous movements... PROGRAM NOTES AS THEY APPREAR ON SCORE COVER I don't wish to ramble on with the program notes, do I do believe that if you know the story behind a piece of music, it just puts that extra something into the players performance. In 2002, the All Saints Wind Band, Sheffield, embarked on a 10 day tour of Poland. The group spent 28hrs on a couch packed with instruments, only to arrive finding Poland experiencing its worst summer in 70 years. In 2003, they decided to go back for another go! This time, luxury all the way, no 28hr coach journey, just a 1 1/2hr flight. This piece tells the story of the 2nd tour of Poland in four continuous movements... First the introduction. Early one morning, prepared for the drive to the airport, everyone tired, but excited. A day prior to this, some parents of the children set off in a van driving the instruments to the hotel, some 300 miles away. Bar 13 introduces the "Van" theme. Once arriving at the airport, the movements begin... 1. MORNING FLIGHT A very self explanatory part of the piece, and impressionist in its writing. Flying high over England and the channel, giving a sense of speed we were travelling at (compared to the poor lads in the van somewhere below us!) The Largo before F tells of the short coach journey to the hotel, and settling into what was our new home for 10 days. 2. IN THE STORM The weather was definitely an improvement on last year. So much so, that it became a regular event of the day to go and play rounders in a nearby field. This particular day however, with everyone concentrating hard on the game, it escaped everyone's attention that there was a very large storm creeping over the high mountain range near us. As the title of the movement suggests, the scene involved 25 of us running as fast as we could back to the hotel. Unfortunately, the heavy rain ran faster than us. 3. LAST MEMORIES As most of the people in the band were 18 this year, it was apparent that this would be their last event with the band. Many of the group had grown up together for the last 7 years and so, as the tour came to a close, there was a sense of sadness in the air, but everyone would always have the memories. 4. FINALE & HOME The van and the brave volunteers that went with it, set off the day before the rest of us flew home. This last movement reflect the whole tour, bringing back all the main themes from the different movements before arriving back at the school, just in time to see the van pull up. The "Van" theme makes its presence heard again towards the end. This piece was performed by the Wind Band at the leaving concert of many of the players in the band. I dedicate this piece to the band which is still functioning with new players, and to all those who took part on this tour.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£29.50Empty Chairs at Empty Tables - Schonberg, Boublil & Kretzmer - Cathryn Rogers
Les Miserables has been entertaining thousands of people the world over since its premiere in Paris in 1980. With a hit soundtrack of memorable songs, Empty Chairs at Empty tables is one of the more reflective works from the musical. As Marius' returns to the caf alone, the solo survivor following the battle (other than Jean Valjean), he regrets and reminisces over the loss of his friends in this moving work that, like many other titles from the musical, works extremely well for Brass Band. A great addition to any concert programme and a sure hit with audiences across the globe.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£29.50Red Dwarf - Howard Goodall - Andi Cook
Over the years, Howard Goodall has provided the BBC and others with memorable themes for TV shows that have over time, become iconic in stature. The theme tune to 'Red Dwarf' is certainly no exception. The return of the programme with the new series has been welcomed by millions and now, for the first time, the iconic theme tune has been arranged by Andi Cook for brass band. Perfect for use as an opener or general concert item, the arrangement also contains an optional cut to shorten the work if required for and entertainment contest programme. This new release is a must for all bands looking to give their concert programme a boost of energy.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£37.50
Brass Monkey's Occasions - Gavin Somerset
Never be caught out again on a concert with this selection that caters for just about every occasion. Your training band will be prepared to perform anything from a Fanfare to the National Anthem and even 'He's A Jolly Good Fellow'. The music included in this publication is used all over the world, all year around. "Land Of Hope & Glory" is also included, in the same key as the popular senior band arrangement (by J. Ord Hume) so your training band can join in with the senor band in a proms concert finale. This release puts well-known, often requested tunes in one publication letting your training band shine, whatever the occasion. Music included isaAFANFARENATIONAL ANTHEM (God Save The Queen/King)ROYAL NAVY HYMN (Melita)HARVEST HYMN (St. George's Windsor)ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS (St. Gertrude)DANNY BOY (Londonderry Air)HE'S A JOLLY GOOD FELLOWF.A. CUP THEME (Eventide)LAND OF HOPE & GLORY (Pomp & Circumstance March No.1)
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£29.50Don't You Want Me (Baby) - The Human League - Gavin Somerset
Originally released in 1981, this single by The Human League took the took the Christmas No.1 spot and has since gone on to sell over 1.5 million copies, making it the 23rd most successful single in British history. The music has easily stood the test of time, with many still seeing the track as a firm favourite for parties. Now for the first time, the work is available for band. This is a great way to show off a brass band's versatility and reach out to audiences of all ages. Something different and a must have.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£24.50Swanee River - Stephen Foster - Alan Beaumont
The song "Old Folks At Home" over the years has become better known by the lyrics of its first line (Way Down Upon The) Swanee River. The composer Stephen Foster (also known for songs such as "Oh! Suzanna" & "Jeanie With The Light Brown Hair") struggled to find the perfect river to fit his melody, until his brother suggested the "Suwannee" river in Southern Georgia/Northern Florida, although, Foster misspelled the name intentionally to fit the melody line. The song has been the official state song of Florida since 1935. This rousing arrangement by Alan Beaumont will take your audience on a foot tapping, lighthearted journey. With the melody featured in a variety of different styles, the comedy sounds of duck calls, car horns, sirens & other surprises will keep the audience (& players) on their toes. A wonderful addition to any bands library, not to be missed.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£24.50Staff Of Faith - Swiss Traditional - Gavin Somerset
No concert programme is complete these days without a hymn tune being given the treatment that only a brass band sound can deliver. It is therefore refreshing when a lesser known work becomes available for bands to perform. This Swiss traditional melody has grown in popularity over the last decade and is heard in churches across the globe sang to the words 'My Faith It Is An Oaken Staff' by Thomas Lynch. This setting by Gavin Somerset uses the full colours of the brass band spectrum and allows several instrumentalists the chance shine in this warm and entertaining work with a big finish ending.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£24.50Shenandoah - Trad - Gavin Somerset
A gorgeous arrangement of a simply stunning tune. This American folk tune has become a huge hit over the years as artists such as Bing Crosby, Bryn Terfel and more recently, Hayley Westenra. Its lyrics meanings have long been a topic for discussion, the "rolling river" being either that of the "Missouri River" or, the actual "Shenandoah River". Rivermen, settlers and even slaves have undoubtedly added lyrics to this hair-raising tune. Playable by all levels of bands, this simple, yet very effective arrangement uses all the colours of the brass band to send shivers down the listener's spine.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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£29.50Albion Treasures - Gavin Somerset
A stunning hymn-like medley that takes you on a trip around the British Isles. Starting in Scotland with "Highland Cathedral" which continues to make appearances throughout, and then into "Amazing Grace" whilst "Danny Boy" (Londonderry Air)" flows underneath. Whilst "Danny Boy" continues to build, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is heard ringing over the top as the piece builds to its emotional climax. Afterwards, a quiet calm of all the pieces skilfully woven together softly flow whilst the tune to Parry's "Dear Lord & Father Of Mankind (Repton)" leaves us with a delicate, soft finish to the journey. Suitable for any standard of Brass Band.
In stock: Estimated dispatch 1-3 days
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