Advance of the Roman Legions - By Michael Story

Musically presenting all the majesty and grandeur of ancient Rome, this original is a bold contest opener or closer that will permit your ensemble to sound confident. Introducing just a few accidentals and reviewing how long they last, this regal and distinguished original work will fill the stage! (2:15)

Adventum - Arr. Jared Barnes

This arrangement captures the anticipation, arrival, and celebration of the holidays through the use of sacred and secular carols alike. The piece opens with a quiet setting of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," then continues with a colorful and energetic rendition of the "Ukrainian Bell Carol" before drawing the piece to an exciting conclusion against a cacophony of ringing bells. (4:05)

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Aeolian Winds - By John F. Edmunds

In Greek mythology Aeolus was called "god of the winds." Legend has it he was visited by Odysseus and his crew, and that he provided for a west wind to carry them home. The E-flat major scale is fully exploited in this skillfully composed and orchestrated melody, whose brief excursions into foreign tonal centers are clearly notated with accidentals rather than new key signatures. With grateful ranges and limited technical demands throughout, dramatic impact is achieved through a variety of dynamic levels and non-harmonic tones. This title is available in SmartMusic.

Aerospace Overture - Music by Cora Gable

A triumphant tribute to space exploration, this bold composition will challenge your students both interpretively and technically. It begins with a resounding Maestoso introduction in 3/4 time that builds in intensity to a faster Con Brio section in 4/4. Low brass and saxes start the second section off with a syncopated modal bass line that reappears throughout the work. Driving rhythms and effective scoring keep everything cooking right to the end. (Grade 1 )

Affirmation Overture - By Robert W. Smith

With a supremely atmospheric setting, this original overture provides a crisp, grand major work with wonderful content, but minimal technical demands. Sweeping lyrical thematic material meshes superlatively with strong rhythmic content. This work packs the power to captivate for concert or contest.

Africa: Ceremony, Song, and Ritual - By Robert W. Smith

A stunning work of gigantic proportion---filled with the mystery, the fire, and the intrigue of the Dark Continent. A large percussion section will give this composition its drive. Robert suggests that all available percussionists encircle the audience in the final section, drawing the audience inside the worship circle. (9:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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African Adventure - By Robert Sheldon

Take your young musicians and the audience on a trip to a mysterious continent with this tuneful and rhythmic offering. The tribal Swahili beat and authentic-sounding harmonies will provide a colorful and vibrant moment on your next concert. "African Adventure" correlates to Book 2, Level 3 of Sound Innovations for Concert Band. It is an enhanced version of the popular piece of the same name that appears in Sound Innovations, Book 2.

African Bell Carol (for Percussion and Winds) - Traditional / arr. Robert W. Smith

The traditional "Ukranian Bell Carol" has been expertly scored in a multi-cultural setting for young band and percussion by veteran arranger Robert W. Smith. The arrangement begins quietly with percussion disguising the familiar melodic material. A series of musical evolutions builds to an impressive conclusion. This selection is sure to be a holiday treat for years to come. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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African Dreams - By Brant Karrick

William Kamkwamba was raised in Malawi, an African country where magical thoughts prevailed but modern technology was a mystery. From books he read, young William imagined building a windmill that might, one day, bring electricity and water to his village and drastically change the lives of his neighbors. Hoping to someday study science, his country was debilitated by famine that forced William to drop out of school and forage for food as thousands throughout the country died of starvation. However, William's passion remained indefatigable and, using scrap metal, tractor parts, and bicycle halves, he ingeniously built a crude yet operable windmill that powered four lights and his radio. News of William's achievement soon spread beyond his country's borders, and the young boy who was once thought of as crazy became a hero to many around the world. (5:30)

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African Marching Song - Traditional / arr. John O'Reilly

The South African folk classic "Siyahamba" is authentically treated in this special arrangement for young band. Repeating percussion patterns using tom toms, bass drum, claves, and cowbell keep the African feel moving while syncopated block harmonies round out the accompaniment. Trumpets and flutes get to shine on the opening melody, and in typical African call and response tradition, everyone gets to join in as the arrangement progresses. Correlated to Accent on Achievement, Book 2, page 23. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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