Band

Ridgeview Centrum is a fanfare written in composer Alvin Singleton's style of subtle spontaneity, which is experienced through a fusion of classical and folk music elements. In the historic tradition of fanfares, this work was written by Singleton in honor of the students and band teacher he worked with during his BandQuest residency at Ridgeview Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia. (Includes score and parts.)

1861 is a lyric hymn/fantasia for young concert bands, based on the beautiful 19th century Anglican hymn Lead Me, Lord (written in 1861 by Charles Sebastian Wesley). The hymn itself features a gorgeous melodic line over biting harmonies and striking counterpoint, and provides the pillars for this work. First is a soloistic treatment, followed with a dramatic full band tutti, and finally a section of evocative humming. Throughout are unique textures and colorful improvisitory accompaniments.

Bloom is a moderate-tempo work celebrating the warmth and joy of Spring. The music blossoms from an initial tranquil pulse into a rapturous tide of warmth and beauty. Playable by younger bands, this work provides a mature musical experience for middle school, junior high, high school and college-level ensembles. (Grade 4) (6:25) Recorded by the Tarleton State University Wind Ensemble on BCM - Men of Industry - Steven Bryant, conductor

A wild ride from the composer of October and Ghost Train! Equus is the Latin word for horse, and this moto perpetuo perfectly captures the fury and majesty of this magnificent animial. Commissioned by Gary Green and the University of Miami, Equus is not for the faint of heart! (Grade 5) Dur: 10:00

The title First Light refers to the arrival of dawn - specifically the composer's experience of dawn in the mountains surrounding Lake Garda in northern Italy. There, the light of the sun arrives in distinct stages: the night sky begins to brighten quite early, though the sun remains hidden behind the mountains for several hours. Abruptly, the first direct ray of sunlight crests the mountaintop, bringing with it intense, palpable heat. The town below, nestled in the narrowspace between the water's edge and the steep mountain slope, remains in darkness for a while longer, until the sunultimately sends light cascading down the mountainside, illuminating everything. (Grade 5) Dur: 8:30

Libertas Imperio is the first concert band release based on music from Eric Whitacre's groundbreaking theatre work, Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings. Epic in scale and sonority, this highly charged piece takes a brooding, churning groove and builds it to an extraordinary climax, creating a thrilling wall of sound that will leave players and audience alike charged and inspired.

The Marbled Midnight Mile is a companion to Bryant's earlier works Dusk and First Light - the three of them together forming a loosely-related night cycle. The title evokes an extended journey through the myriad wandering thoughts that occur in the solitude of night. The music makes only modest technical demands of the ensemble, but is a perfect vehicle to expand the band's musical maturity and sensitivity. Dur: 8:00 (Grade 4)

The Marbled Midnight Mile is a companion to Bryant's earlier works Dusk and First Light - the three of them together forming a loosely-related night cycle. The title evokes an extended journey through the myriad wandering thoughts that occur in the solitude of night. The music makes only modest technical demands of the ensemble, but is a perfect vehicle to expand the band's musical maturity and sensitivity. Dur: 8:00 (Grade 4)

Inspired by rock and jazz drummers, Sticks & Stones provides an opportunity for a talented drummer to demonstrate his/her skills in FRONT of the concert band. As the featured soloist, the drummer's part allows ample opportunity to create their own part, within a theme and variations structure. (Grade 3)