An American Christmas - Traditional / arr. Robert W. Smith

Opening with a grandiose fanfare-like rendition of "Jingle Bells," this work incorporates a very typical "Americana" style included with your favorite holiday tunes. You'll experience a wide array of Christmas sounds -- regimental toy soldiers, jazzy toy soldiers, rockin' merry Gentlemen, and "Jingle Bells" with the flavor of "Stars and Stripes Forever." What could be more American than Christmas, especially from the pen of Robert W. Smith? (2:41)

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An American in Paris - By George Gershwin / arr. Jerry Brubaker

The honking of auto horns conjures up a vision of Parisian drivers careening and lurching around the streets of this fabulous city. We're off on a madcap whirl from the genius of George Gershwin. Close your eyes and listen to the colors---you'll know exactly where you are. A stunning setting!

An Angel Fantasie - By Douglas Akey

Here is an outstanding opportunity to both ring in the season and help your students to develop the important skills of rhythmic independence and stylized articulations. An Angel Fantasie is a creative treatment of the well-known Christmas carol Angels We Have Heard On High. This arrangement forgoes the usual melody/harmony scoring in favor of introducing the young musician to simple contrapuntal writing. The theme is treated lyrically for the first half of the arrangement before introducing lighter articulations "alla baroque."

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An Austrian Carol - Traditional / arr. Robert Sheldon

"Still, Still, Still" is an Austrian Christmas carol and lullaby. In German, its first line translates to "Hush, hush, hush, for the little child wants to sleep!" The melody is a folk tune from the region around Salzburg, and appeared for the first time in 1865 in a folk song collection of the founder of the Salzburg Museum. Correlated to Sound Innovations for Concert Band, Book 2, Level 2, this lovely setting for young band provides opportunities for expression and lyricism on any holiday concert. (2:50) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

An Irish Ayre for Winds - By Warren Barker

Lush harmonizations and mellifluous melodies characterize this gorgeous Irish ballad-style piece by Warren Barker. The warm introduction gives way to the first statement of the lilting melody by a solo clarinet. After adding the rest of the clarinet section, the trumpets take over the theme, leading to a soaring statement by the entire ensemble. Eventually, the stirring theme modulates and unfolds into an expansive climax. This lyrical showcase will make a beautiful impression on your band as well as your audience!

An Irish Ballade - Arr. John Kinyon

An Irish Interlude - By Warren Barker

Every concert needs a quiet, relaxed piece that allows you to work on phrasing, musicality and sensitivity. This beautiful ballad by Warren Barker certainly fits the bill. This title is available in SmartMusic.

An Unending Legacy - By Barry Milner

The legacy we leave will be as a result of what we taught; what is our legacy to our children, country and/or world? This beautiful melody will evoke a remembrance of someone who has had or is having a profound impact on your life; remember to thank them for it. (4:35)

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Anchors Aweigh - By Charles A. Zimmerman / arr. Jerry Brubaker

A young band arrangement of Anchors Aweigh scored by the former chief arranger for the United States Navy Band will certainly join the forces! Originally composed by Lieut. Charles A. Zimmermann in 1906, it was later adopted as the official song of the U.S. Navy. This solidly-scored rendition will make your band sound huge! (2:09)

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Ancient Airs and Dances - By Ottorino Respighi / based on a piece by Vincenzo Galilei / arr. Michael Story

Respighi's treatment is based on baroque lute music. Tremendous teaching opportunities to reinforce light staccato articulations, contrasting styles, and balance. A delicate work solidly scored for developing bands suitable for any concert or contest performance. (2:45) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.