Spring 2023

Music from "The Incredibles"

Composer: Michael Giacchino

Arrangement: Jay Bocook

The Incredibles, a 2004 American animated superhero film produced by Pixar Animation Studios, features a musical score composed by Michael Giacchino. The music for the film ranges from lighthearted and whimsical to tense and dramatic, reflecting the emotions of the characters and the events of the story. Some of the notable pieces from the soundtrack include "The Glory Days," "Life's Incredible Again," and "Dash." Overall, the music from The Incredibles adds to the film's excitement and contributes to its overall sense of adventure and heroism.

The Silver Quill

Composer: Sammy Nestico

 Arrangement: Sammy Nestico

"Silver Quill" is a jazz piece arranged by Sammy Nestico, a renowned American composer, arranger and conductor known for his work in the big band jazz genre. The piece was arranged for big band and features a variety of different instruments, including trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and rhythm section.

The arrangement showcases Nestico's ability to create a cohesive and dynamic ensemble sound, with each section of the band given opportunities to showcase their individual skills and abilities. The piece features a driving swing feel, with a catchy melody and a strong sense of groove. Nestico's arrangements are known for their sophisticated harmonies and intricate counterpoint. The piece is also characterized by its use of call-and-response techniques and syncopation, which adds to the dynamic and energetic feel of the piece.

The Silver Quill is a great example of Sammy Nestico's ability to write for big band and will showcase the ensemble's musicianship, technique, and energy. It will be a great addition to any concert program, and will be sure to entertain and excite audiences of all ages.

The Klaxon March

Composer: Henry Fillmore 

Arrangement: Frederick Fennell

The "Klaxon" march was composed by Henry Fillmore. It is a popular concert march for band, composed in 1927 and dedicated to the Klaxon Company, a manufacturer of car horns. Fillmore was known for his lively and energetic marches, and the "Klaxon" march is a prime example of his style, featuring catchy melodies, strong rhythms, and bold brass fanfares. The march is considered a standard in the wind band repertoire, and is often performed by high school, college, and professional bands. 

Battle Hymn 2000

Composer: J.W. Howe and W Steffe

Arrangement: James L. Hosay

"Battle Hymn of the Republic," also known as "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory," is a patriotic song written by Julia Ward Howe in 1861, during the American Civil War. The lyrics are an adaptation of the passage "Glory, Hallelujah" from the traditional hymn "Say, Brothers, Will You Meet Us." The lyrics were originally written as a poem and were later set to the tune of the popular song "John Brown's Body." The song was a popular union marching song during the Civil War, and it is still performed today. 

Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld

Composer: Jacques Offenbach

Arrangement: Lawrence Odom

"Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld" is the popular overture from the 1858 operetta of the same name by Jacques Offenbach. The operetta is a satirical retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in the underworld.

The overture is known for its catchy, upbeat melody and its use of the "can-can" dance, which was a popular dance in Paris at the time the operetta was written. The overture also incorporates elements of the "Infernal Galop," also known as the "hell's galop," which is a fast and energetic dance that is meant to evoke the frenzied atmosphere of the underworld.

Offenbach's operetta was highly popular in its time, and the overture has become a staple of the classical music repertoire. It is often performed at concerts and as an encore piece. The overture has also been used in a number of films and television shows, and is a popular piece for marching band performances.

It's a light-hearted, fun and energetic piece that is sure to entertain any audience.

Tico-Tico

Composer: Zequinha Abreu

Arrangement: Naohiro Iwai

"Tico-Tico" (also known as "Tico Tico no Fubá" or "Tico Tico on the Cornmeal") is a Brazilian choro-style song composed by Zequinha de Abreu in 1917. The song is known for its catchy and upbeat melody and is often performed by Brazilian and Latin American musicians. It is typically played on the guitar or piano and features a fast-paced, syncopated rhythm. The lyrics, which are in Portuguese, tell the story of a bird named Tico-Tico who is in love with a girl named Fubá. The song is considered a classic of Brazilian popular music and has been covered by many artists throughout the years. 

Fanfare for the Common Man

Composer: Aaron Copland

"Fanfare for the Common Man" is a composition by American composer Aaron Copland. It was first performed in 1942 by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Eugene Goossens. The piece was commissioned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as part of a series of fanfares written to celebrate the common man during World War II. The piece is written for full orchestra and features a prominent brass section. It is known for its bold, triumphant, and patriotic character. The work is composed in a simple ABA form and the melody is primarily in the brass section, with the woodwinds and percussion providing support. The piece is often performed at patriotic events and has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire. 

To a New Dawn

Composer Philip Spark

"A New Dawn" is a composition by Philip Sparke, a prominent British composer and arranger known for his work in the brass band genre. This piece is a powerful and uplifting work, evoking the feeling of a new beginning and the start of a bright future.

The work features a strong melody, which is first introduced by the solo horn and later passed around the various sections of the brass band. The use of counterpoint and harmony adds depth and richness to the piece, while the driving rhythm keeps the energy high throughout.

One of the key elements of "A New Dawn" is the use of dynamic contrasts. The piece starts softly and builds to a powerful climax before fading away to a peaceful and serene ending. This structure creates a sense of journey and progression, perfectly capturing the spirit of the title.

"A New Dawn" is a perfect piece to showcase the skill and versatility of a brass band, with its intricate ensemble passages and opportunities for individual virtuosity. It's a powerful and uplifting work that is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Shennandoah

Composer: Leonard Ballantine

Arrangement: Brian Bowen

"Shenandoah" is a traditional American folk song of uncertain origin. The song tells the story of a sailor longing for his home in the Shenandoah Valley, and his love for a girl he left behind. The song is typically performed as a ballad and is characterized by its distinctive melody and lyrics that reflect the longing and homesickness of the sailor. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, and is considered a classic in American folk music. It is also used in many films and television shows as background music. 

Soundtrack Highlights from Les Miserables

Arrangement: Jay Bocook

Les Misérables is a musical with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel. The musical is based on the 1862 novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.

The musical tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who is hunted for decades by the ruthless inspector Javert, after he breaks parole. Along the way, Valjean and a host of characters are swept into the violent upheaval in France during the early 19th century.

The musical's score is notable for its use of recitative-style singing, in which the lyrics are sung in a spoken rhythm, rather than a melodic one. This gives the music a heightened sense of realism, and allows the actors to convey the intense emotions of the characters.

The most famous and recognized song from the musical is "I Dreamed a Dream" sung by Fantine, a tragic character who is driven to prostitution to pay for her daughter's care. Another iconic song is "On My Own" sung by Eponine, a unrequited love of Marius. "Bring Him Home" sung by Valjean, is a powerful ballad that is sung towards the end of the musical.

The musical's themes of love, redemption, and social justice continue to resonate with audiences today, making it one of the most successful and beloved musicals of all time.

Swing's the Thing

Arrangement: Warren Barker

"Swing's the Thing" is a classic jazz tune composed by Benny Carter in 1937. It is a lively, upbeat tune that features a swinging rhythm and catchy melody. The tune is often performed in a big band or swing ensemble setting, and features solos for trumpet, saxophone, and piano. The tune is in a medium tempo and in the key of B flat. The melody is catchy and the harmony is complex. The rhythm section, including drums and bass, play an important role in driving the swing feel of the tune. Overall, "Swing's the Thing" is a classic example of the swing jazz style and is a must-know tune for any jazz musician.

March Semper Fidelis

Composer: John Philip Sousa

Semper Fidelis, meaning "Always Faithful" in Latin, is the official march of the United States Marine Corps. It was composed by John Philip Sousa in 1888 and is one of his most famous compositions. The march is typically played at military ceremonies and events, as well as at the funerals of U.S. Marines. The piece is known for its bold, powerful melody and its association with the Marine Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment. Sousa himself was a veteran of the Marine Corps, having served as the leader of the Marine Band from 1880 to 1892. 

Viktor's Tale

Composer: John Williams

Arrangement: Paul Lavender

Ammerland

Composer: Jacob de Haan

Jacob de Haan is a Dutch composer, arranger and conductor of classical and light classical music. He is known for his compositions for wind bands, orchestras and choirs, and has written over 800 works to date. He is considered one of the most performed composers in the wind band genre. His music is characterized by its melodic and harmonic richness, and its ability to connect with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Many of his works, including "Ammerland" draw inspiration from his homeland, the Netherlands. 

The March from "1941"

Composer: John Williams

Arrangement: Paul Lavender

"The March from 1941" is a film score composed by John Williams for the 1979 film 1941. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a comedy about the panic in the United States following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

The march, which serves as the main theme for the film, is a fast-paced and energetic piece that captures the chaos and confusion of the time period. Williams uses a combination of brass and percussion instruments to create a sense of urgency and excitement. The melody is simple yet memorable, and is repeated throughout the film in various arrangements.

The march also features a countermelody played by woodwinds, which represents the characters' individual struggles and perspectives amidst the chaos of the historical event. The march ends in a grand and triumphant way, reflecting the American spirit of resilience and determination.

Overall, "The March from 1941" is a dynamic and memorable composition that perfectly captures the tone of the film and the historical moment it portrays.