Areopogus - By Ralph Ford

Areopogus [ar-ee-op-uh-guhs], "the hill of Ares (Mars)," was a rocky hill located northwest of the Acropolis in ancient Athens, Greece. This original Ralph Ford work, created with eerie modal melodic content, was inspired by this alien hill. The work is composed in G minor; your ensemble will sound mature beyond their years. A dynamic contemporary original composition for your beginners!

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Aria - By Johann Sebastian Bach / arr. Jack Bullock

One of Bach's most loved melodies, taken from Suite No. 3 for String Orchestra is arranged in this sensitive setting without percussion. There are absolutely no technical concerns so you have the opportunity to make serious music with this emotional ballad. (3:15)

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Aria Cantabile - By Frank Erickson

Here is a marvelously moving, yet highly sophisticated offering of tonal colors. Teach line and structure. Highly recommended for concert or contest. This title is available in SmartMusic.

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Aria Della Battaglia - Arr. Mark Davis Scatterday

The current edition of Gabrieli's Aria Della Battaglia was transcribed for the modern orchestra wind section from the Canto Dialoghi Musicali de Diversi Eccelentissimi Autori: Venice 1590. The work is subtitled "per sonare d'instrumenti da fiato" ("to be played by wind instruments") and is one in a long line of such descriptive works dating from the sixteenth century with no instrumental designation whatsoever. The popularity of this genre, however, did not fade with the close of the Renaissance. Rather, a rich development continued into the nineteenth century with Beethoven's Wellington's Victory, the so-called "Battle Symphony," being a latter-day example.

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Aria on a Bach Prelude - [Johann Sebastian Bach] / arr. Frank Erickson

Based on the first prelude of J. S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, this "Aria" incorporates a newly written melody in the upper instruments over Bach's original arpeggiated accompaniment. Long sustained notes make this piece an excellent study in smooth and lyric playing and its simple harmonic construction makes it easy to prepare. Originally written in the key of C, this version has been changed to B-flat to help the piece become more accessible to the maturing concert band.

Ariel - By Carl Strommen

This original overture demonstrates a sense of lightness and buoyancy. The title is borrowed from the sprite-like character in William Shakespeare's "The Tempest." A spirit whose name is derived from "air," Ariel is capricious, ethereal, and mischievous---adjectives that apply to this piece. A cherished new addition to the repertoire! (4:00)

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Arith-Metric No. 1 - By Brian Balmages

An exciting piece that explores self-paced developing music for literally any combination of instruments. Inspired by Terry Riley's In C, the piece includes short fragments that performers move through at their own pace. Explore pacing, development and orchestration with this piece that works for literally any possible combination of instruments!

Armada - By Victor López

Armada is an original composition written by Victor Lpez and inspired by the Spanish Armada, which was the fleet that sailed against England under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1588, with the intention of overthrowing Elizabeth I. This one is a guaranteed winner at your first concert!

Armenian Dances, Part 1 - By Alfred Reed

Based on authentic Armenian folk songs collected by Komidas Vartabed, this work has been expanded through contemporary use of rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic content to showcase the modern wind band. A wonderful staple in wind literature. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

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Armenian Dances, Part 1, Selections from - By Alfred Reed / arr. Douglas E. Wagner

Part I of Armenian Dances is the first of a four-movement suite drawn from the folk song arrangements and original musical works of Armenian composer Komitas Vardapet collected during the early 20th century. Each of Reed's four movements is represented in this lush through-played medley. Douglas Wagner has crafted a rewarding musical addition to the young band repertoire. (3:00) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.