Band

This is the 1st Movement of The Venetian Collection and was inspired by a painting of the surrealistic Belgian painter Ren Magritte [1898 - 1967]. Voice of Space was commissioned by l'Orchestre d'Harmonie de Strasbourg [France] on the occasion of the band's 155th anniversary. (Duration 9:15)

This is the 1st Movement of The Venetian Collection and was inspired by a painting of the surrealistic Belgian painter Ren Magritte [1898 - 1967]. Voice of Space was commissioned by l'Orchestre d'Harmonie de Strasbourg [France] on the occasion of the band's 155th anniversary. (Duration 9:15)

Our sky is never the same - from day to day or even hour to hour. It holds the brightest and darkest things we will ever see, and in addition is capable of displaying every imaginable color and mood. Through this expressive work, Samuel Hazo has translated the many qualities of the sky into musical moods. The opening section features flowing melodies beautifully developed between soloistic and full ensemble playing. The sinister fast section features driving rhythms, mixed meters and a crescendo that evolves into a powerful setting of the original melody. Sam's sense of timing and emotional pacing is strongly evident in this effective work. Dur: 5:45 (Includes Full Performance CD)

With a driving rhythmic pulse, strong melody in a minor key, and a bold, edgy style, this exciting original work will have immediate appeal with players and audiences alike. A slow and flowing middle section features the woodwinds (followed by the full band) and offers an effective contrast to the powerful opening and closing segments. Perfect for contest or festival. Dur: 3:40 (Includes full performance CD)

Hal Leonard is proud to welcome the talents of Douglas Akey with this wonderful contribution to the concert band repertoire. Commissioned by the Indiana Bandmasters Association, this descriptive work is built around two contrasting themes. The first is a haunting slow melody which reoccurs later in a more developed and expanded form. The fast section uses a strong theme with a creative harmonic structure along with occasional mixed meters. With Doug's skillful orchestration and colorful percussion writing this piece is an excellent choice for festivals or contests.

Performer Level - Grade 1 Here is a marvelous yet easy arrangement of this familiar spiritual in a gospel-rock style. The flutes and percussion start things off, then the entire band joins in the fun. Woodwinds and brass trade phrases and there is even a short canonic section bringing everything to a grand finish. (1:55)

In August 1956, Clinton, Tennessee was the the site of one of the most significant events of the American Civil Rights movement as 12 courageous teenagers walked into history becoming the first students to desegregate a state-supported high school in the south. Commissioned by the East Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, Richard Saucedo captures the mood of this monumental event along with its sense of anger and frustration, but also with feelings of hope and determination as the nation struggles to defeat bigotry and fear. Dur: 5:45 (Grade 5)

Robert Jager's adventuresome work is inspiried by the awesome presence of the Vietnam memorial in Washington, D.C. Jager's contemporary approach explores new musical territory for mature wind band and makes a powerful and thought-provoking statement. Commissioned by the United States Air Force Band.