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This lovely setting of the beloved American folk song Barbara Allen is presented for developing bands as a series of variations in which all sections of the band have an opportunity to play the melody.

Battlestar! is a piece intended to spark imagery in your students' minds. The beginning features driving rhythms and an exciting dramatic melody followed by a battle scene and victory!

Recorded by Lady Gaga, here is her recent huge hit in a solid arrangement for beginning players.

From the shores of Canada's east coast comes this simple but beautiful folk melody. This lovely arrangement of Cape Breton Lullaby offers an excellent opportunity for teaching expression and lyrical playing while adding a refreshing change of pace to your next concert. Your audiences will savor this charming touch of Nova Scotia.

This uplifting march begins with the clarinets presenting the melody over a single snare drum accompaniment. The textures increase as the melody is developed, leading to a heavier minor section featuring strong lines by the low brass and woodwinds. A modified roll-off by the percussion section leads to a seamless modulation and the final presentation of the melody. A dynamic augmentation of the melody brings the march to a stirring conclusion.

Not so long ago, a visit to any motion picture show always started with a classic cartoon that preceded the main event. These wonderful, wacky animated short features were accompanied by some of the most creative music of its time. Crazy for Cartoons reminds us of those simpler days, and the humour, drama, and action that were musically represented in those incredible soundtracks.

The Beatles are as hot as ever, and here is a solid arrangement of one of their best. Including the distinctive drum pattern and familiar melodic lines, this will sound great even with limited rehearsals.

This energetic overture opens strongly with the low brass presenting a melodic arpeggio motive that recurs throughout the A section of the piece. The B section provides an excellent contrast with an expressive presentation by the woodwinds leading to a sensitive chorale setting. With shifting minor and major modes, the section builds with the brass before ending in a tranquil manner. A repeat of the opening section leads to a dynamic coda, bringing the piece to an exciting conclusion.

A colourful and attractive piece for young band, Havasu Falls uses syncopated rhythms and a tuneful melody to provide a delightful backdrop for this beautifully developed piece. Expert craftsmanship allows the full colour and capabilities of the orchestration available for young bands to develop to their full extent, providing an outstanding canvas for young musicians to grow and develop their skills.

This stunningly beautiful ballad from the Broadway musical Les Misérables has enjoyed renewed popularity thanks to Susan Boyle, and also the TV show Glee. Robert's arrangement makes this accessible to even very young players.

This 1965 funk classic became one of James Brown's signature hits. The trademark syncopations are written here in a very repetitive and “teachable” fashion, and lend a definite sense of authenticity to this very easy arrangement.

The catchy, syncopated melody and happy island beat of this piece will musically transport you and your students to the blue water, white sands, and balmy air of the Caribbean! The piece, which demonstrates Jamaican mento and reggae influences, provides a fun opportunity to work with students on a recurring syncopated rhythm and characteristic articulations. These, together with some simple yet important folk percussion writing, capture the spirit of Jamaican music. Jamaica Me Crazy, mon, but everything is irie!

This catchy tune lets the band cut loose with a strong jump beat powered by an old school bass line and active percussion. A dynamic introduction leads to the melody presented by the trumpets and then repeated by the rest of the band. The solo tom-tom leads to the give-and-take middle section that builds into a repeat of the melody. A short coda section provides a big finish to this exciting piece. Careful attention to articulation markings will add even more energy to the rhythmic patterns throughout the piece.

Arranged in a driving dance groove and with interesting parts for all players, here is a great-sounding yet easy version of this popular Lady Gaga hit.

This Wilson Picket hit from the '60s is energetic rock and roll at its best. Here is a playable version for beginning groups.

Originally recorded by Bill Withers in the '70s, and recently updated on the hit TV series Glee, this familiar rock hit will be a fun one for the band and audience alike. Robert Longfield does a nice job of passing the melody around to all sections

The music of Coldplay continues to resonate with all age groups. This is one of their best in a solid easy arrangement that will be quick to learn.

Mendelssohn wrote his March, op. 108, in 1841 for a festival celebrating the famous painter Peter Von Cornelius' visit to Dresden. It is a stately and festive sounding work, and a rarely performed gem by one of the world's great composers. Careful observance of articulations and dynamics will make this march spring to life.

Maritime March is a jaunty British-style march opening up in the key of C natural minor (Aeolian mode). Sixteenth notes combined with simple syncopations highlight the second strain in a question- nd-answer section that pits the woodwinds against the brass. The traditional trio moves to the key of E flat and features the low clarinets in unison with the French horns. This is a very appealing march that will be easy to put together and really make your young band shine

Shady Grove is an Appalachian folk song that bears some resemblance to the English ballad Matty Groves. Although its verses have hundreds of variations, its origin is most likely as a courting song

Stomping on Ants is approximately 93 seconds of bluesy, wiggly cuteness in which various sections of the band function as both the ants and the stomper. Incorporating brass flutter tongue, two brief familiar musical quotes, and a surprise ending, the piece is perfect for any band looking to get its audiences giggling!

Once on a spooky Christmas eve, as Santa was making deliveries, a fog rolled in and howls rang out, and Santa landed on a 'haunted house'! This creative premise leads to a spooky-cool treatment of the Christmas favourite, Up on the Housetop. The piece includes an optional narrator part (which reveals a surprise ending), and uses toy percussion instruments to great effect. Up on a Haunted Housetop is an unexpectedly delightful piece to programme for your winter concert.

This festive arrangement of four beloved German Christmas carols is an ideal holiday concert opener. Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, Ring, Little Bell, How Great Our Joy, and O Christmas Tree are skillfully set with lively accompaniments and an energetic approach that typifies the joy of the season.