General Catalogue  Up a Level         

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 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

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.

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

The magic of Cuban “carnaval” music is the basis for this lively and very infectious easy work. Listen as the parade slowly approaches and the trumpets lead the ensemble with the main theme. Following this are question and answer statements typical of the style and a feature spot for percussion (who will have a field day with the unique instruments). While this is playable with as few as 4 percussionists, having more players will add to the festive atmosphere. (2:50)

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)

Explorer Level. Dark and sinister are not words normally associated with music for beginning bands. However, this original provides powerful and dramatic sounds even at this very easy level. With nothing father than a crotchet (quavers in percussion), your players will be eager to tackle this one!

Explorer Level. An important ingredient in your beginning band's first concert is a suitable march. What better choice than this gem from Michael Sweeney that guarantees success right from the start. A powerful-sounding fanfare leads to a march theme built on only quarter and half notes. Also included is a short feature for the percussion section. A winner! Dur: 1:50

Aleatory music for Grade 1? Why not? Through carefully controlled parameters, your beginning players can actually create their own erupting volcano effect. Mazama was the imposing mountain peak in southwest Oregon that erputed 7000+ years ago and became the serene and beautiful present day Crater Lake. Fires of Mazama opens with bold sounds and powerful melodies before the 'eruption' changes everything. AFterwards, a calm chorale leads to the exciting final strains in this ingenious and impressive piece for beginners! Duration 3'20'

Percussion feature. 'Glock Around the Clock' really gives your Percussion section something to work on! It describes the busy day in the life your Glockenspiel player, who never has quite enough time for everything. The day begins with the ticking clock (temple blocks) then the alarm goes (triangle), to be wound up again (guiro). A sort of Perpetuum Mobile is started by the Glock - always in a hurry ... never enough time ... caught in the traffic (klaxon)... even the cuckoo clock somehow becomes discordent. A lot of hustle and bustle - with just a hing of Bill Haley and His Comets! Duration 4:00 Very Easy

London is one of the largest, busiest and most vibrant of capital cities and hosts millions of visitors from around the world every year, who come to enjoy its many attractions and rich history. From the daily Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to the annual Trooping the Colour, which celebrates the Queen's official birthday, ceremony plays an important part in London life and symbolises the city for many tourists. A London Intrada celebrates this love of ‘Pomp and Circumstance’. Duration 2'30

This overture is set in ABA concert form. An energetic 4/4 march, set off by the contrasting 3/4 B section.

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

Michael Sweeney has successfully harnessed the menacing power of this Moussorgsky classic in this easy version that remains amazingly true to the original. Featuring interesting parts for all sections (particularly low brass!) this carefully crafted arrangement includes an authentically soft ending as well as an optional loud ending. (2:40)

This beautiful melody is taken from the final movement of Beethoven's sixth symphony, which has the title, Shepherds' Song: grateful feelings towards God after the storm. Bring the classic period alive with this great arrangement by Philip Sparke. 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.

Beginning groups will love this unique programmatic suite of four short movements, each of which portrays a well known prehistoric creature (or two!). Clever and very easy, it includes: Stegosaurus, Brontosaurus, Pteradactyls and The Battle (Tyrannosaurus and Triceratops). A really different work at this level! Originally published in 1987, this edition now includes a full performance CD. (5:40

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 SSSSSSS....watch out for this dangerous varmint as the sound of its rattle travels throughout your band unseen! This clever novelty number for beginning bands will delight your players and keep the audience guessing. Dur: 1:30

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.

From Khachaturian's Gayane Ballet, 'Sabre Dance' is just as you would expect with a solid contemporary scoring. A highly energetic arrangement for your beginners that is familiar to all. (1:54)

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)

The sarabande originated in the early 17th century and is a stately dance in triple time. It was popular in France and Spain but as a dance it quickly spread throughout the courts of Europe and the style was soon adopted into instrumental music in dance suites for solo instruments as well as orchestra. Something of this style has influenced Simple Sarabande; although its harmonic language is perhaps more up-to-date it could be seen as a ‘period piece’. Duration: 3:00

Soft-shoe Shuffle can be made into a percussion feature by bringing the sandpaper blocks to the front of the stage – with added choreography, if required! As many players as possible should be allocated to this part. Duration: 2:45

Drawing on the rich African musical tradition, here is a collection of three captivating themes in a miniature suite format. Included is Jikel' Emaweni, a South African Folk song in a moderate tempo, the up tempo Zulu folk song Jabula Jesu, and moving national anthem of South Africa N'kosi Sikelel' I Afrika. The percussion writing is exotic sounding but can be played using traditional instruments as well. A marvelous introduction to the sounds of Africa for young players.

Playable by even the youngest Star Wars® fans, this suite of three brief movements includes 'Prologue and Opening Scene,' 'Anakin's Betrayal,' and 'Anakin vs. Obi-Wan.' Themes from Star Wars® Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is a vivid treatment allowing your beginners to join in the excitement of this blockbuster film music. May the force be with you! (3:41)

There is a flavour of medieval chivalry in this appealing easy overture. Strong themes and active percussion writing characterize the opening section. A brief slow section featuring the woodwinds precedes the energetic and powerful finish. Impressive yet very playable. (2:55)

Pee Wee's big tune! Everybody will know this one and it's great for beginning bands.

Tuba in Cuba has a Latin flair that provides a terrific opportunity to recruit new tuba players. This work from Victor Lopez features the melody only in the bottom of the band. The tuba part is cued to support the section's melody statement, and the spicy flavor is added from the percussion section. ¡Qué bueno! (1:45)

Explorer Level. Let your beginners crank up the energy level on their very first concert with this driving rock original. Featuring tutti rhythms and nothing faster than a quarter note (except percussion), every section gets a chance to rock out on this winner. Dur: 1:30

This clever work for beginning bands combines two well-known folk songs about bridges—Sur le pont d'Avignon (On the Bridge at Avignon) and London Bridge. Your students will have fun playing each tune separately first, and then both tunes are combined in a unique, follow-the-leader fashion.

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)