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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!

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

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

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

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

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

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