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Let the rhythmic joy of these African folk songs invigorate your audience at your next concert. The young band will enjoy performing this excellent arrangement by James Curnow with foot-stomping and hand-clapping as well as accessibly enjoyable instrumental parts. Good, easy band arrangements of authentic African melodies are somewhat rare considering the immense wealth of styles of music that infuse the continent. Perfect for multicultural events. Duration: 4:00

From radio to motion pictures to television, all have glamorised what we know as The Wild West, but the folk songs from that era have lived on in an unaltered state. They tell stories of the lives, loves, and losses of the brave souls who ventured into a then uncharted landscape. Here is a musical salute to that time and its people, featuring SWEET BETSY FROM PIKE, THE STREETS OF LAREDO, THE LONE PRAIRIE, and LITTLE BROWN JUG. (2:04)

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. Here is one of the most enduring hymns ever written. In the skilled hands of Paul Lavender, this is a great sounding piece for beginning groups. Scored with easy ranges and tutti rhythms.

Four Grade 0.5 pieces: Russian Folk Dance (Beethoven); Popcorn; Lullaby (clarinet feature); March of the Midgets

Four Grade 1 pieces in one set: Largo from New World Symphony (Dvorak); The Marine’s Hymn; Down Deep; Slam Dunk.

Giddyup! Michael Story has scored Mel Brooks and John Morris’ energy-charged Blazing Saddles at the beginning level. You’ll hear the sounds, smell the smells and envision the sights of the old west. The theme from this comical film will be just the boost for your concert! Duration: 1:49

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 1-2 You'll have your beginning band really rockin' with this entertaining composition that features a catchy melody and tutti rhythms. There is even a section where the percussion is featured playing the melody. Great motivation for your first concert. (2:00)

March in 6/8 & 2/4. Duration: 2:30

Take your students on a colorful trip down the old Camino Real (King’s Highway) with this authentic Latin style arrangement. The Camino Real was the road that connected the missions established along the California coast by Spanish missionaries. Your percussion section gets a chance to shine playing maracas, claves, tom-tom and bass drum. Duration: 2:10

The starkness of a 12th-century plainsong begins CANTUS. The pace quickens as the textures thicken and become increasingly complex. The conclusion finds a meditative chorale with echoes of the opening, symbolic of the cyclical quality of our own lives! The composition is a highly evolved statement for the young ensemble and a vital new work in this genre. (3:09)

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)

The final bars of CENTURIONS take Grade 1 music to new heights of excitement! Artful composition for the first year band with limited ranges and rhythms makes this one you’ll use again and again. Some easy use of 16th notes (for the Snare Drum only) helps to generate that extra bit of energy that lifts this one over the top while keeping the Percussion parts interesting for the players. Flute fingerings are kept easily manageable throughout and Brass ranges are carefully controlled. Appropriate for any concert, CENTURIONS will inspire your young musicians to a bold and dramatic performance. Excellent for cross-curriculum teaching with history . Duration: 2:05

The chorale that forms the basis of this piece is entirely original but attempts modestly to evoke something of the spirit of the great composers of the Tudor age, at once rich but slightly austere, with an occasionally modal feel. There are almost no changes of metre and the marking is Largo, demanding a dignified tempo which lets the music breathe but keeps it moving. Duration: 1:20

(Largo from symphony No.9 in E Minor (Dvorak); Largo from Xerxes (Handel))

The charm of the days of the wild, wild west never grows old. It is a part of our history (whether we're native or naturalised) that romances a time of wagons, horses, hardship and discovery. Mike Story's easy salute stylizes the sounds of the era.

Here is a fun and easy way to introduce the blues to your beginning players. Includes a low brass (and woodwind) “bass line” feature in the beginning, some easy chromatic lines, and tasty finger snapping. Totally cool! Dur: 2:30

This mainstay of grade 1 band literature features solid scoring and memorable melodies.  Stirring strains of trumpets and flutes carry the main melody after the opening fanfare.  This march offers easy and advanced snare drum parts that can be played simultaneously.  A must for every young band library!

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. Made famous by Harry Belafonte, bring a little bit of Jamaica to your next concert with this effectively written arrangement. The brass and woodwinds use only quarter and half notes, while the percussion writing helps bring the arrangement to life. Just add palm trees and white sand!

It twirls - it whirls - it’s just right for your very first concert! Dervish, dedicated to the composer’s young daughters, is all the energy and lively spirit captured in this original work. If you can’t tame the energy of your upbeat band, you can easily channel it into this dynamic new work. Duration: 1:34

Explorer Level. Using brash open harmonies and bold tutti rhythms, Paul Lavender has created a powerful-sounding work for beginners to sink their teeth into. Using only quarter and half notes, this is sure to sound great with only a few rehearsals. Dur: 1:40

The sequel to Castles and Dragons, The Dragon’s Lair tells the tale of the knights’ search for the dragon’s whereabouts, using a sturdy tune and countermelody in C minor to describe their confidence and swagger. Once the dragon is spotted, the music becomes faster and more accented as the knights engage the dragon in a fierce battle. Once the dragon is vanquished, the main theme returns as the knights celebrate their victory. The piece contains plenty of percussion parts to keep your players busy, and uses a friendly key structure to facilitate student progress on accents and playing complete phrases. Duration: 2:45

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!

Travel back in time to revisit the ancient legends of the dragon in this powerful new work for young bands. Filled with driving rhythms and strong, accented lines, this piece is a surefire student and audience favourite. Many cultures around the world share a fascination with their own stories of dragons, and this music brings that fascination to the musical stage. Duration: 1:0)

Experience the merry sounds of Olde England in this easy, but authentic sounding work in the Renaissance style. Written in a mixture of mixolydian and major tonalities, this piece is a great tool for exposing students to the sounds and traditions of an essential time in musical history. This is an excellent selection for working on dynamic control and playing with delicacy. Duration: 2:00

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

This famous melody became very popular during the American Revolution and was first published in 1778 as a patriotic hymn. It served as the unofficial national anthem during that war. Michael Story infuses this tune with satisfying harmonic structuring and presents it in a version playable by the youngest band or ensemble. (duration 1:51)

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'

This is an opportunity for you to introduce some great classic melodies to your beginning band. The Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods are represented in creative and accessible ways so that your students can be successful in concert and gain a real feel for some of history’s great composers. You can also work with the History department to do some cross-curricular study. The suite format means that you can perform all three pieces in order, play only the movements your group has time to prepare, or intersperse the three sections with other groups or soloists you may choose to program. Any way you use it, this is a solid educational tool. Useful! Diratopm: 2:30

This regal theme is presented three times but is interrupted by two contrasting statements. Scored in rondo form, Flourish for Winds and Percussion is packed with a variety of tonal colors and is certain to be a welcomed piece on your beginner’s program. Bravo! Duration: 1:53

Freedom's Road 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 1-2. Get your beginning band off to a great start on their first concert! This impressive-sounding composition has bold lines for brass and contrasting melodies for woodwinds all with nothing faster than quarter notes (8ths in percussion). Guaranteed success. (1:50)

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 1-2.. Here is a terrific sounding easy march that is sure to build confidence in your young players. With interesting parts for all sections, this is music for beginning bands at its best. A perfect opener for that all important first concert!

Break out the tools for Garage Band. Literally! With featured parts for hammer, ratchet and electric drill, this simple to assemble and a super choice to show your band with a little bit of a twist. Duration: 1:29

Easy marches that sound authentic and still work with beginners are hard to find. Here is a gem from Eric Osterling that works great even with small bands with incomplete instrumentation. With catchy melodies and repetetive rhythmic patterns, this one is easy to learn. Duration 1'30'

Rock and roll for your beginners—you bet! This Mick Jagger and Keith Richards pop hit will have the whole audience rocking. The melody is quite familiar but falls perfectly in the fingers for beginners. A real winner! Duration: 2:17

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

Cleverly written with creative effects and an energetic style, Richard Saucedo has created a unique-sounding original for very young players that's guaranteed to be a blast to perform. Duration: 2:15

This famous work, the finale from Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, has gone from the keyboard Medium to an orchestral version arranged by Ravel, and now to a very easy concert band arrangement by Mike Story. The power and drama is all here in an easy-play form.

The Gymnopedies, originally written for piano, are French composer Erik Satie’s most famous works. In traditional Satie style, Gymnopedie No. 1 is characterized with a joyously simple melody in 3/4 time with a rich harmonic structure that is not technically demanding. A new classic arrangement at the beginning level! Duration: 2:39

Every young band wants to rock. This is the perfect arrangement to teach the band about articulation and style. A trumpet solo and a drumset solo with an optional trade-off with congas, tom-toms, bongos (or whatever is available) allow the band to feature their “star” players. Young bands will love to get into the groove of this catchy tune. Rock on! Duration: 3:10

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 1-2. Paul has skillfully arranged this stadium anthem so that even beginning bands can “rock on”. What a great motivational tool for your young players! (Includes CD.)

John Philip Sousa's classic march has been scaled to the beginning level. The traditional dynamics are clearly displayed. This is a sure-fire winner. Although manageable by beginners, more advanced ensembles may choose to perform this march with reduced preparation time. Programmed on any concert, used as a warm-up for a competitive performance or simply as an encore, this arrangement will fit the bill

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 1-2. Using nothing faster than a quarter note (8ths in percussion) Paul Lavender has done a masterful job of creating a fun and effective blues feature for beginning bands. When your students complain about too much homework, at least now they can play a tune about it!

This landmark work for beginning groups helped to set the standard for music at this level. Boldly written to include dissonances, varied scoring effects, and driving rhythmic ostinatos, Michael Sweeney's classic is dramatic and mature sounding beyond its easy level. This new edition includes full performance CD recording. Duration: 2:30

The last decades of the 20th century saw man's first steps in space exploration. Since the first moon landing by Neil Armstrong in 1969, these adventures in outer space have captured the public's imagination and have given birth to scores of science fiction movies, books and TV series that have tackled the subject. Infinity and Beyond .... takes as its inspiration the wonderful film scores of composers such as John Williams and Jerry Goldsmith, who have almost invented a style which could be called 'space music'. Duration: 3:00

Here's a tasty treat for your beginning band -- island tang influenced by some characteristic African rhythms. This fun-to-play composition musically depicts the traditional danzon musical style. (2:21)

“Jasmine Flower” is a setting of the traditional Chinese folk song “Molihua,” likely originating in the southern China provinces. The tune is a vital part of Chinese New Year celebrations and was also featured prominently during the closing ceremonies of the 2004 Summer Olympics. The soothing pentatonic melody is reminiscent of the simple beauty of the lovely white jasmine blossom and its delightful scent. Duration: 2:03

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. Young players are always drawn to the exciting sounds and styles of Latin music. This dramatic new composition from John Higgins is very easy yet features great melodies, dynamic effects, and driving percussion writing.

The regal “Taps” interspersed with all the flowing elegance of “America the Beautiful” results in a stunning gallant work for your beginners. Michael Story’s The Legacy of Heroes (In Memory of Our Fallen Soldiers) is an awe-inspiring work. Duration: 2:14

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. From Charlie Brown and the gang, everybody's favourite cartoon theme is available here in a very easy arrangement for concert band. Even with no syncopation, this is amazingly true to the original. Fun for all! (2:00)

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

The Eagles are back! This is the title track from their most recent record-selling compact disk and it fits in the beginning band repertoire just right. A deliberate rock beat is the basis on which this soulful tune is built. Solidly scored and in a comfortable range. Duration: 2:46

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 1-2. Combining solid rhythms and strong melodies, this very easy adventure theme by Paul Lavender will make your beginning band sound impressive. You'll experience almost instant success with this one! (Includes CD.)

Franz Joseph Haydn’s lovely musical setting of “Come, My Soul, Thou Must Be Awakening” has been scored for beginners in 3/4 time. The flowing melody is tuneful and will add to the musicality of your ensemble. First stated by the upper woodwinds, the full band builds to an emotional conclusion. Breathtaking! Duration: 2:19

Kate Bush composed this pleasant ballad for The Golden Compass film score. The first in the trilogy, this theme is fluid and richly harmonized. A lush addition to enhance the musicality of your beginning band! Duration: 3:00

Written for the beginning band’s very first concert, this playful tune uses only five notes (the first five notes learned in most band methods) with rhythms no faster than a quarter-note in scale-wise patterns that will build technique and provide a great performance experience. Your beginners will enjoy showing off their newly learned skills with this five-note showpiece. Duration: 1:45

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 1-2. It's hard to believe that this impressive piece for beginners uses nothing faster than quarter notes (a few 8th notes in percussion)! Michael cleverly uses the sound of stomping feet and bold harmonies creating an effect that sounds harder than it really is. (Includes CD.)

Treat your beginners to a fresh sounding original march that will make them shine on their very first concert. All winds play their first six notes taught except for the clarinets who also play their low B. Eighth-notes are carefully presented as pairs of repeating pitches, and the snare drum part is all single strokes playing interesting eighth-note patterns. Duration: 1:50

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

Handel’s opera Scipio was written in 1725 and performed the following year in the King’s Theatre, London. Following Handel’s death his operas fell into obscurity until the 1960’s when they experienced a major revival. This famous march from Scipio has how

Duration: 1:45 .Simply Classics Grade 1

Duration: 1:00 Simply Classics Grade 1

Section features have long been a favourite medium for both performers and audiences, as they create the opportunity to showcase the talent of particular instrument groups within bands. Since many of today's ensembles have a 'healthy' number of flutes, this charming composition focuses the proverbial spotlight on these musicians. It's an absolute winner! (duration 1:51)

The mountain upon which has been carved the likeness of four Presidents serves as the inspiration for this concert overture. Block chords give spatial grandeur akin to the geographical local, and a stately melodic line signifies the national importance of the area. Easy to prepare and perform.

In this age of space travel and jet aircraft flying faster than sound, it's just plain fun to get a bit nostalgic and think back to the days when travel meant steam engines and clickety-clacking railroad cars. Trains are a romantic link to a colourful period of our history, and James Ployhar brings this vision to your concert stage with no danger of flying soot, just good memories. Your audience and your percussion section will get lots of mileage out of the train whistle. (duration 1:14)

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)

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. Here's an easy march that everyone will recognize and enjoy playing. Skillfully arranged for beginning groups, Paul's arrangement features easy rhythms and interesting percussion parts. (Includes CD.)

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

This Christmas song is from a collection of Medieval songs Piae Cantione. These tunes were preserved in a printed edition dated 1582 but the tune Personent Hodie is believed to date backt o 1360. Popularly known as 'On This Day Earth Shall Ring', the carol tells of the birth of Christ with a verse recounting the visit of the Wise men. American Grade 1. DurationS 2:09

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

Looking for a fresh-sounding easy overture with some bite and musical depth? This bold work from John Moss could be just the one for your band. Constructed using a fast-slow-fast design, the transitions are carefully planned and there are interesting parts for all sections, including percussion. Duration: 2:4

Quasars are the brightest observable objects in the universe, created by super-massive black holes in the centers of galaxies. This piece attempts to musically portray the awe of the vastness of our universe, and the reflective middle section explores the wonder each of us has when viewing the nighttime sky. Duartion: 2:25

Quem Pastores Laudavere first appeared in a manuscript dated 1410 which was found at Hohenfurth Abbey in Germany. The melody and additional verses were published in many 16th century German song books (also with the title Wachet Auf) and remains a Christmas favourite to this day. American Grade 1. Duration 2:09

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

For years, mankind has been fascinated by the rings that surround the second largest planet in our solar system. In this well-crafted original work, Michael Story musically captures the mystery and immense beauty of these magnificent celestial phenomena. Solid scoring allows no exposed sections, adding security for your musicians and for their performances of this well-paced composition. Duration: 2:21

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.

A River Trilogy provides a wonderful opportunity for first year bands to work on legato style. After an original introduction, the full ensemble plays the African-American spiritual “Deep River.” A clarinet and flute duet ushers in the early English folk song “The Water is Wide,” and the full band concludes with a lovely treatment of the American classic “Shenandoah.” Duration: 2:15

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)

Shades of Kenny 'you know who'! The terrors in your alto saxophone section come center stage as you feature their talents for all to hear - Saxsational! (1:49)

Your students will love how mature they can sound on this seafaring journey! Seafarer’s Hymn gives the developing band a chance to shine while getting a great introduction to lyrical playing. Featuring brass and woodwind choirs, this piece gives everyone a chance to play the melody and also contains enough parts to keep the percussion section involved! Duration: 2:00

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. Here is a sensitive yet very playable version of this beautiful folk melody. From a soft beginning with woodwinds followed by the low brass playing the melody, this arrangement builds to a dramatic statement by the full band. Even at this easy level, Mike uses a creative harmonic scheme and scoring effects to ensure an effective performance. (2:15)

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

Duration: 2:00

This is a little salute to the wonderful music of Duke Ellington, taking Mood Indigo as its model. Something Borrowed, Something Blue will allow the young band to approach this masterpiece’s laid-back style, using chords and harmonies that they may be hearing for the first time. The flexible instrumentation of this work makes it ideal for bands without the full quota of players. Bring the world of jazz to life with this smooth classic.

Theme from Piano Sonata No.11. Duration: 2:55 Grade 1

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.

Experience the action and adventures of an international agent in Spy Games! This “thriller” will have your students and audience members alike on the edge of their seats. A high-energy choice but solidly scored and very playable at the beginning level. Duration: 1:58

Here is an arrangement that sounds great even for the youngest bands and won’t take a lot of rehearsal time to prepare! Duration: 1:10

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)

The bold opening motif of this work flows through various parts of the ensemble and interacts with other musical ideas to weave a single fabric of many threads -- just as we humans interact with our voices to the world that surrounds us. Fascinating musical commentary. (duration 2:56)

Franz Joseph Haydn, a prolific composer, wrote over 100 symphonies. Many of these symphonies had nicknames, including 'The Drum Roll', The Military', and this, No.94, 'The Surprise'. History tells us that Haydn, wearied of audiences losing attention at his concerts, wrote in a 'surpirse', in the second, tranquil, movement with a sudden loud chord. No doubt Haydn held the audience's attention through the rest of the performance! American Grade 1 Duration 0:44

Although this outstanding arrangement is accessible by even very young bands, every section has the melody at various times, and each variation is represented with a different texture and accompaniment, keeping the lively dance tune fresh and invigorating as the piece catapults toward the surprise presto ending! Thoughtful use of percussion adds to the colorful scoring. Students will love this high-energy delight from the Renaissance era. Duration: 1:20

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.

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. Using a strong rock-style foundation and a dynamic theme, here is an entertaining trumpet solo (or section) feature that your entire band will enjoy – especially those with 3 valves! Dur: 2:00

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.

The melancholy waltz 'Bonnie George Campbell' and a sprightly dance with characteristic Scottish rhythms ' Up and Waur Them A' Willie. Duration: 2:55

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. Here is a marvelous yet easy arrangement of this familiar spiritual in a gospel-rock style. The flutes and percussion start things off, then the entire band joins in the fun. Woodwinds and brass trade phrases and there is even a short canonic section bringing everything to a grand finish. (1:55)

Ray Charles brought us some characteristically unique music. This arrangement of What'd I Say has all the style and energy of the original for your beginners. Reinforce counting and rhythm with this pop arrangement. (1:47)