Considered by many musicians as one of the most beautiful melodies ever written, “On the Steppes of Central Asia” will challenge and reward the Grade 2 band.
A beautiful medley of three Hymns: the Lutheran Advent Hymn "Lo, He comes with Clouds Descending;" the communion hymn "What is this Bread;" and Anglican hymn "O, Taste and See (Psalm 34)." The melodies of these hymns are blended throughout the piece with the grandiose recapitulation of the advent hymn which brings the medley to a close. An interesting element is the use of the communion hymn as a bridge between the three hymns.
This piece is the first two sections from Ravel’s “Mother Goose Suite.” The melodies are haunting and the tonality is a welcome change to the music. As few notes as possible are utilized with the base goal of 6 notes for each part. The Clarinets do not go over the break.
The Pilgrims Chorus comes from the German opera Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner. The song represents the penitential journey of pilgrims as they travel to and from Rome to receive absolution. The noble aspirations of the penitents are embodied in this song, which sings the praises of God's mercy and the peace obtained by those who remit the debt of their sins.
This piece for solo Tuba and Band was written in memory of Lyle Lundstrom, Tuba player, most recently, for the Pomona Concert Band, Pomona, California; The Golden State British Brass Band, Southern California; and the La Mirada Symphony, La Mirada, California. A member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, he passed away in 2014.
This march in a minor mode is based on the Lutheran Hymn "Washed in the Blood of the Lamb." It is a teaching piece for the dotted-eighth sixteenth figure and written for the middle school band.