Regency Court Overture   
by Bruce Pearson & Chuck Elledge
WB246 • Grade 1 • $40.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 1, page 23

A dazzling overture that will conjure up images of pomp and pride! This composition is written in a traditional ternary form including vibrant tutti sections featuring the percussion, legato themes, colorful harmonies, and rhythmic augmentation. Using only eleven notes this overture gives students confidence at an early start and will add a touch of class to any concert.

King Arthur’s Coronation March   
by Steve Hommel
WB243 • Grade 1 • $40.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 1, page 13

Using only seven notes, this high-spirited march is an exceptional opener for a first concert! Various rhythmic patterns are employed throughout, with the percussion providing exciting contrasts in a rhythmic counterpoint. Following an energetic rhythmical interlude featuring the percussion section, the woodwinds and brass join in for a jubilant finish. The legend of King Arthur continues in this exciting new march for young bands!

German Dance “The Sleigh Ride”   
Mozart / arr. Bruce Pearson
WB233 • Grade 1 1/2 • $45.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 1, Page 29

Wonderful melodies, lively rhythms, and ingenious colors masterfully capture Mozart’s style in one of his most frequently heard German Dances entitled “The Sleigh Ride”. A charming arrangement of three separate bell parts brings forth the festive sound of ringing sleigh bells. Arranged to re-create classical scoring, this joyful programmatic piece will be a favorite with young musicians and audiences alike.

Canterbury Overture   
by Barrie Gott
WB235 • Grade 1 1/2 • $45.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 1, page 29

A fresh and cheerful overture written in simple ABA form. Opening with a strong march-like feel in 2/4 time, the beginning section has a joyous melody that is first introduced in the trumpet section. The slower B section in 3/4 time, introduced by the clarinets, contrasts delightfully with the recurring A theme that ends the piece. This exceptional satisfying overture will challenge the early musicianship of the younger and developing player.

Echoes of Time   
by Bruce Pearson
WB238 • Grade 1 1/2 • $45.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 1, page 31

A brilliant composition written to bring to life the sounds of past civilizations. Utilizing contemporary compositional techniques such as prepared dissonances, tone clusters, hand clapping, singing, and recorder playing, this innovative piece will be a concert highlight! After the slow ethereal opening, the band catapults into a primitive dance section before concluding with a haunting melody performed by recorder.

Barrington Overture   
by Bob Cotter
WB242 • Grade 2 • $50.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 2, page 21

Written with rich melodies, solid chord structure, and interesting percussion parts, this original overture will captivate both players and audience. Originally written as a festival piece for the composer’s local middle school, it also has worked remarkably well for honor bands. Not only is it fun to play, but it is also a wonderful teaching piece.

Pioneers   
by Ralph Hultgren
WB237 • Grade 2 • $50.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 2, page 15

Pioneers…the ones who lead into the unknown. Pioneers…the explorers of new worlds and new ideas. Young musicians will enjoy exploring their talent, venturing into the sounds of a new work from a composer from a distant land. With this exciting new piece from one of Australia’s shining stars, students will discover things about themselves, about the composer, and about each other.

Music for the Royal Fireworks   
Handel / arr. Bruce Pearson & Wendy Barden
WB232 • Grade 2 • $50.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 2, page 25

This arrangement features three of the movements form Handel’s masterwork – “Overture” (movement I), “Rejouissance” (movement IV), and “Menuet” (movement VI). Originally scored for 24 oboes, 13 bassoons, 9 trumpets, 9 horns, and 3 timpani, this remarkable arrangement provides an extraordinary opportunity for young players and audiences to learn about the brilliance and majesty of the Baroque era and the English Royalty.

Psalm   
by William Himes
WB239 • Grade 2 1/2 • $55.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 2, page 20

Since the time of King David psalms have been an essential expression of faith and worship, conveying a range of emotions from prayerful meditation to effusive celebration. Psalm was created for young bands to capture the spirit of these ancient songs. Contagious melodies, energetic rhythms, accessible counterpoint, and warm sonorities converge in a work guaranteed to connect with young musicians and their audience.

Canticle   
by Bruce Pearson
WB234 • Grade 2 1/2 • $55.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 2, page 25

Canticle uses melodic motives from St. Francis of Assisi’s hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King.” It opens with a festive fanfare and proceeds to a lively A section. The middle section uses the motif in a relative minor before concluding with a majestic celebratory ending. All instruments have fun, exciting, and challenging parts. An ideal programming choice for concert, contest, or festival performances.

First Concert: A Demonstration Performance   
by Bruce Pearson
WB236 • Grade 1 • $40.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Book 1

Designed to utilize just six notes, First Concert: A Demonstration Performance is playable after only six to eight weeks of instruction. By programming this 15-minute demonstration concert for the student body or parent/teacher meeting, the visibility of the band program will be raised, there will be greater appreciation for the process of learning to play a musical instrument, and students will be able to achieve this short-range goal. The composition includes a sample letter of an invitation to parents and administrators, a poster announcing the concert, and a complete 15-minute concert including a narrator’s script.

Great Warm-Ups for Young Bands   
by Bruce Pearson
WB245 • Grade 1 – 2 1/2 • $45.00
Correlated with Standard of Excellence Books 1 & 2

The warm-up is one of the most important components of a good rehearsal for it sets the rehearsal atmosphere for the day and warms up the musician’s muscles, mind, instrument, and ear. Consisting of “Chop Builders,” “Technique Builders,” “Articulation Builders,” “Ear Trainers,” “Tuning Exercises,” and Chorales, Great Warm-Ups for Young Bands will improve the musicianship of young instrumentalists and set the framework for successful rehearsals and performances.