Grade 1
Psalm 42
This graceful arrangement of the traditional four-part English chorale is perfect for teaching clear tone concepts to your band. The work is scored for beginning band or beginning string orchestra, allowing for the combination of the two ensembles for a tour-de-force year-end concert. Dur: 2:20
Rising Star
This very easy composition by Samuel Hazo was designed specifically to provide beginning players the opportunity to experience a lush and chorale-like setting. With nothing faster than a quarter note, this is an excellent vehicle for teaching concepts such as independent moving lines, phrasing, balance and dynamic contrasts. Dur: 2:45
Grade 2
As Winds Dance
Here is a fresh, contemporary-sounding piece that “painlessly introduces middle level students to syncopation.” Commissioned by high school band director Stephen Kraus (holder of the Guinness world record for longest parade march), As Winds Dance is an enjoyable breeze. Dur: 2:00
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Introducing your young musicians to J.S. Bach's poignantly familiar work is now possible with this easy arrangement by Samuel R. Hazo. Treated in an easy-to-grasp 3/4 time signature, your students will experience the genius of Bach and the alluring qualities of this gorgeous theme. Each section of the band gets a turn at the melody, and rhythmically there is nothing faster than a quarter note. Guaranteed to sound great with limited rehearsal time! Dur: 1:45
Our Kingsland Spring (Movement I of "Georgian Suite")
Commissioned by the Georgia Music Educators Association District 8 Honor Band, this lyrical work uses flowing melodic lines and creative scoring to create an effective setting for young bands. Sam skillfully alternates sections of light and delicate writing with full broad-sounding chorale passages in a work that definitely sounds more impressive and complex than its easy level would indicate. Dur: 3:25
The Quest
Young bands are showcased to their full potential with this rewarding composition which uses intriguing minor and major harmonies and interesting suspensions. A bold yet easy work with style and drama. Dur: 2:00
Rivers (Movement II of "Gregorian Suite")
Commissioned by the Pickens County (GA) Middle School Band on the occasion of the band program being split into separate schools, this marvelous composition for young players explores the emotions of separation. Sam uses the analogy of a river that, when divided, maintains its identity yet becomes two separate entities. Three themes are presented individually then come together in grand fashion at the end. Dur: 4:35
Seconds Out
|
In boxing, the term “seconds out” refers to the moment when coaches and trainers (or seconds) must be out of the ring, leaving the competitors alone to face the competition. In a similar vein, this composition provides a musical description of the challenges and triumphs of students as they transition from middle to high school, leaving their “seconds” (parents, mentors, etc.) behind to face life on their own terms. Featuring a strong sense of urgency throughout, Seconds Out is solidly written for inexperienced ensembles with plenty of tutti scoring, and interspersed with sections of contrasting dynamics and effective percussion writing. Dur: 3:50
|
Soundcloud file...
ScorePlay is available for this piece. You may view the score and listen to the recording of Seconds Out below.
|
Three Concert Fanfares
These brief yet powerful fanfares will serve a variety of functions for concert programming. Written with moderate and stately tempos, these fanfares are easy to learn but provide a grand and impressive sound for just about any ensemble. Dur: 2:00
We Meet Again (Concert Opener)
We Meet Again is a regal overture for developing bands that evolves from a powerful fanfare into a fugue-like allegro section, building to a glorious ending. This concise concert opener will excite young musicians the first time through the piece, and keep them intrigued with each repetition. Commissioned by the Waller (TX) Jr. High Band and premiered at the 2009 National Concert Band Festival. Dur: 1:50