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They're spooky and kooky...TV's favourite family were also featured in a hit movie. But the theme stays the same and it's all fun. Clever and easy percussion effects for beginners.

Rarely does any single publication have such an effect on band literature as this unique and striking composition from 1994. Individually, the parts are relatively simple. Yet the combined effect is sophisticated and impressive far beyond its easy level. Michael uses a wealth of contemporary devices (including tone clusters, recorders, singing, pencil tapping) to create an aura of prehistoric times. This new edition includes a full recording and is a must for every program. (3:45)

This driving rock favourite is guaranteed to be a big hit with your students!

This miniature suite of Appalachian favourites includes Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair, Sourwood Mountain and Simple Gifts. Even at this easy level, Paul Murtha has skillfully combined a mixture of musical styles in an arrangement that is well-paced and attainable by beginning bands. Duration 2'30'

These traditional themes have never sounded so good at this easy of a level! Written in 2/4 rather than cut time, this arrangement includes interesting parts for all instruments – including the low brass and percussion. Featuring Marine's Hymn, Anchors Aweigh and The Caissons Go Rolling Along, this is the perfect

This novel setting of the traditional carol Good King Wenceslas will musically transport you and your students to the royal Christmas banquet hall of a medieval king!

Explorer Level. Starting with a drum cadence and gradually adding each section of the band, this very easy march is perfect for your beginner band.

Made famous by The Beach Boys, even beginning bands can have fun with this rock hit from the '60s. The simple rhythm patterns make this one quick to learn. (1:20)

From the renowned Belwin catalogue. These four simple pieces can be played individually, but played together are a great combination for your ver beginners to get some concert experience: In the Calm of the Starry Night; The Bermuda Triange; Our Tumultous, Trustworthy and Terrific Trumpets and The Soul of Our School

From 'Wayne's World' and Queen, the rock anthem.

This hard-hitting arrangement of Steppenwolf's biggest hit is certain to be a favourite with your beginner band

Bugler's Dream for Explorer Level. Full band arrangments correlated with the Essential Elements 2000 Band Method. These are an excellent resource for beginning band material whether using this Method or not. Grade 1-2Probably the best-known of all the Olympic themes, Paul's solid arrangement is very easy (only 6 notes and nothing faster than a quarter note) and will sound great with beginning bands. Celebrate the summer games with this fabulous arrangement.

Bold themes and contrasting musical styles characterize this well-constructed overture for beginning players. Michael is known for providing interesting parts for all players, and this work features clarinets on the main theme, trumpets using mutes, dynamic percussion parts, and strong brass lines. Also included is a brief slow section with a flowing melody and lush harmonies. Great for teaching or performance. (3:20)

Drawing on the rich and varied tradition of Celtic folk songs, this piece opens with the touching and melodious The Parting Glass. The flutes and percussion take center stage on the dance-like Tha Mi Sgith (A Fairy's Love Song), then finally the entire band gets into the act for the rousing finish. Dur: 3:05 (Includes full performance CD)

Written in a style similar to Michael's popular Celtic Air and Dance, here is another terrific setting of Celtic tunes arranged for very young bands. This arrangement opens with a beautiful and flowing version of the familiar air Danny Boy. The setting concludes with the lively Star of the County Down featuring the percussion section and a dance-like melody. Duration: 2:50

One of the most moving melodies ever written is this well-known theme from Holst's “Jupiter”(from The Planets). Paul Murtha has beautifully adapted this for the beginning level through skillful scoring and careful pacing. Dur: 1:50

Energetic and rhythmic accurately describe this attractive composition for beginning bands. Written in a minor mode, the main melodic elements are created using only quarter notes. Underlying rhythmic drive is provided by a repeated 8th-note pattern, and the piece is effectively enhanced with carefully planned dynamic contrasts. A rewarding piece that is fun to play! Duration: 2:1

Your band is going to love getting down with this powerful, blues-drenched rock chart. From the driving beat of the opening bass line through the contrasting call and response (featuring your low brass and woodwinds), Doctor Rock will grab hold of your audience and never let go. Destined to become your band’s favourite and most-requested number!

Tchaikovsky's most frequently performed work is now available in a highly simplified version for young players. An impressive concert finale!

Performer Level. Full band arrangments correlated with the Essential Elements 2000 Band Method. These are an excellent resource for beginning band material whether using this Method or not. Grade 1-2. With its modal harmonies and hauntingly beautiful melody, this favourite will sound terrific with your beginning players thanks to Michael Sweeney's skilled arrangement. Duration: 2:15

Duration: 8:56. Although a very long piece for this level, you an select just to play some sections if desired.

A mysterious opening percussion motif sets the mood in this evocative tone poem written especially to showcase the expressive capabilities of your young band. Featuring haunting Dorian mode melodies, powerful brass fanfares, and creative percussion writing, Heroic Legend will captivate the imagination of your students while developing their musicality. Dynamic and exciting

Beatles classic in a playable version for beginners.

Hunter’s Mountain is an aggressive beginning band composition that was written to capture the energy and imagination of young musicians. With very limited demands, this composition offers young players a chance to perform with success in their early stage of development! Only the first six notes of the B-flat concert scale are utilized. Duration: 1:45

This charming setting of James Lord Pierpont's classic festive tune is designed to be rehearsed and performed at the earliest stage of instruction. A solid march feel with repetitive phrases ensures a joyous Christmas presentation.

This work was inspired by the composer's Irish heritage and the rich history of Ireland. With three main themes, this programmatic work opens with a peaceful sunrise with mist rising from the bog. The second theme describes the great hall of a majestic medieval castle, complete with vibrant colors and pageantry. The exciting “battle” theme follows and ultimately resolves to a return of the earlier themes. A wonderfully effective setting for beginning players! Performance time: 3:10

With this very easy arrangement, even beginning bands can enjoy this Michael Jackson hit from 1988.

Such an important part of our band-history, here's a wonderful opportunity to introduce your students and remind your audiences of nine classic marches. All staged at a constant, yet comfortable tempo, each section of the band has a chance at one familiar march-melody or another ensuring endurance is not a factor. Bold and exciting, this one will have them cheering in the aisles

Here's the ever popular “stone age” TV theme in an arrangement that is easy to learn and fun to play.

This easy arrangement of the tender and moving ballad from The Phantom of the Opera will sound great with just about any band.

A vigorous combination of the Paso Doble and the Flamenco, Paso Flamenco has an intense modal quality that’s a snap to rehearse. The distinct percussive sounds are joined with the charismatic melody. Great opportunities for exploring rhythmic accuracy in a very musical work. A real attention-getter! Duration: 1:52

Composer Philip Sparke has long been fascinated by history's pioneers. In all fields of human activity, there has been someone with enormous vision who has made the first step into the unkown. Explorers have found new lands, doctors have discovered new medicines and scientists are pushing the bounds of echnology ever further. But there was always one 'pathfinder', someone who was not afraid of the unknown, who dare to go one step further than anyone before him. The march is dedicated to those pioneers who have risked everything for the sake of their vision. Duration: 2:00

Tales of swashbuckling pirates and this musical depiction of the pirates' secret hideout are sure to be a hit with your students. Using only the first 7 notes taught, with no rhythms faster than a quarter-note (eighth-notes in the snare drum), this is perfect for that first-year concert.

This hero's theme is John Williams' musical thread that ties all the films together. Skillfully arranged by Jack Bullock for your beginning band, the iconic march from the movies is certain to be just the ticket for your beginners. Raiders March will be a bold musical statement at any concert.

The classic American Folk Song, Big Rock Candy Mountain, gets a fresh new treatment in this rock style arrangement Rockin' Candy Mountain by John O’Reilly. Simple but effective percussion patterns keep the rock feel going throughout and a “question and answer” section between the percussion and winds adds further interest. The original song describes a fantasy world where “hens lay soft boiled eggs” and there are “peppermint trees” in the Big Rock Candy Mountain. Duration: 2:15

First the groove is established, then the clarinets introduce this familiar melody, followed by the rest of the ensemble joining in, with the percussion and low brass rocking in the background. A wonderful holiday choice for your first year ensemble to play after only a few months of instruction! Duration: 1:53

Here is a marvelous arrangement of this traditional melody using several variations in tempos and styles. The striking opening uses a fanfare-like style and open 5th harmonies, and is followed by a woodwind statement of the theme. A faster and more rhythmic variation is then followed by a majestic and powerful closing segment. (3:15)

Inspired by the character and spirit of the city it's named for, Spirit of New Orleans is an energetic and dynamic march written specifically for beginning players. Solid scoring and easy rhythms guarantee success with this one. Dur: 1:15 (Includes full performance CD)

Using modal harmonies, dynamic percussion sounds and bold melodies, here is a great-sounding piece that your beginning players can really dig into. With nothing faster than a quarter note (except percussion), this will sound terrific with very limited rehearsal time. Dur: 1:30

The Beach Boys classic Surfin' USA comes alive in this terrific arrangement playable by first year musicians. Plenty of fun!

Everybody gets to join the fun in this dynamic new rock chart! Blues scale melodies alternate over a driving bass line to a funky rhythmic groove, leading to an exciting call and response, pitting brass against woodwinds, as your percussion section rocks out! Your band will love rehearsing and performing it – let them show your audience that This Band Rocks! Duration: 2:25

Johnnie Vinson has expertly adapted two movements from this well-known suite by Peter Warlock based on 16th-century dance music. “Basse-Dance” is a stately and moderate tempo dance in 3/4, while “Mattachins” is an energetic sword dance in 2/4. The unique stylings, and at times unusual harmonies, have been preserved in these delightful setting for beginning players. (2:20)

Michael takes this tender and lyrical folk song and creates a marvelous setting for beginning players. Even at this easy level, this arrangement provides a wealth of musicality through creative harmonies and skilled scoring. Every section gets a chance to play the melody at some point. Dur: 2:20 (Includes Full Performance CD)

Here's a favourite from the past with a new twist. Every member of your ensemble can be given the opportunity to improvise for one measure. This tune is a great way to provide independent creative playing possibilities. You won't be able to stop your band from playing 'You Really Got Me.' (1:57)