Among the Clouds - By Brian Balmages

Flying is a favorite activity of lucid dreamers, who are able to become aware that they are dreaming and then control their actions while inside the dream. Among the Clouds takes us into the minds of these dreamers as they drift off to sleep and wake up in a world where they own the skies. After a slow, enchanting opening conveys the sense of drifting off to sleep, the aggressive theme of the fast section begins the amazing flight. This theme develops in several ways before coming to an invigorating conclusion. Highly accessible and exciting for medium level bands!

Amplitude - By Vince Gassi

Amplitude rhymes with attitude and that's just what this new rock chart has plenty of! And because you ordered by midnight, you also get a heap o' drivin' rhythm, an infectious beat, and a way cool tune. 'Nuff said! (2:25)

An Afternoon at the Ballet - Arr. John O'Reilly

If you've enjoyed conducting John O'Reilly's An Evening at the Symphony and A Night at the Opera, you're going to be equally as pleased with this delightful sequel. Ballet themes from The Nutcracker, Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky, and La Gioconda (Dance of the Hours) by Ponchielli are gracefully presented with a nice variety of colors and textures.

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 Australian Sea Ballad - By Robert Sheldon

The Australian folk song "Catalpa" was inspired by the escape of Irish prisoners from a jail in Freemantle, Western Australia in 1876. It is said that the song became so popular in area pubs that it was banned and anyone caught singing it would be arrested. This beautiful setting allows for the utmost blend and sonority of the full band and provides a wonderful contrasting moment in any concert program. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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. This title is available in SmartMusic.

An Everlasting Spirit - By Brian Beck

Inspired by Psalm 139, "An Everlasting Spirit" is a dedication to those who have always been there. Whether supportive parents, loving family, or dedicated friend---we all need each other and need to be there for each other.

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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!