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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)

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

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!

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 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.

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

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.