The publications on this page are available at www.halleonard.com
GRADE 1
Grade: 1
Price: $45
Here is a high-energy piece that gives your young percussionists a chance to shine. James Curnow employs a wide range of percussion instruments and effects in this entertaining and rollicking tour de force! Dur: 1:45
Grade: 1
Price: $45
From Rimsky-Korsakov's opera Snow Maiden, “Dance of the Tumblers” is considered to be one of this composer's most well known themes. Although brief in duration, this vibrant and energetic dance contains a wealth of music, and with its light-hearted spirit, is a perfect teaching tool for young players. Dur: 1:35
Grade: 1
Price: $45
With its Latin title translated as “onward and upward” this brief yet energetic overture for second-year players captures the spirit of adventure found in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1841 poem of the same name. The energetic pulse and powerful melodies will engage the imagination of your young players. Dur: 2:20
Flex Band
Grade: 1
Price: $40
This easy yet exciting composition for young players captures the energy and forward motion of a whirlwind. James Curnow creates musical diversity through melodic development and rhythmic contrast, plus a brief bit of calm before the frantic pace and windstorm returns. Sure to be an engaging work for your band.
GRADE 1.5
Grade: 1.5
Price: $39
Grade 1-1/2 literature acts as somewhat of a bridge between beginner
literature and “real” music for the young musician. With that in mind,
it is critical to choose just the right Grade 1-1/2 compositions as your
group develops.
As something of a competition for musical
dominance between the brasses, woodwinds and percussion, AGON may be the
perfect choice for your festival opening number. Each section, in fact
every player, is shown to be an important part of the ensemble. Both
smooth and marked playing are called for, while many stylistic and
dynamic contrasts complete the recipe for a great young band showpiece.
Grade: 1.5
Price: $44
The beautiful Japanese folk song “Ancient Castle” is transformed and enhanced through subtle variation in this stunning setting by James Curnow. Curnow, who is so respected by directors of more experienced bands, shows how effective he is at the very easy level as well. Offering ample opportunity to focus your band's attention on intonation and blend, this is a fine showcase of the musicianship of your young band!
Grade: 1.5
Price: $42
This impressive yet easy contemporary piece makes young musicians sound beyond their years. The rhythmic ostinato at the beginning gives the impression of a complex meter, while what the young musicians are reading is actually easy to understand; and the relentless energy once again proves that James Curnow composes exciting concert fare for every ability level. The eight measures leading up to the “flashpoint” are a great spot to work on breath control through the gradual, powerful crescendo. Ignite your next concert with Flashpoint!
Grade: 1.5
Price: $39
In the beautiful mountains of the Peak District nestles the small, quaint village of Taddington. From the opening fanfare to the lyrical middle section, Taddington Square portrays the beauty of this village, its people and the rugged surrounding countryside.
GRADE 2
Flex Band
Grade: 2
Price: $55
One of the classics of young band literature, this composition by James Curnow is found on many state lists throughout the country. Described as a song of jubilation, Canticum opens with a very distinctive and rhythmic main fast theme. The beautifully melodic slow 3/4 theme alternates between various choirs of the ensemble then leads to a dynamic return of the main theme and powerful coda. A must for every band program! (3:35)
Flex Band
Grade: 2
Price: $55
This familiar Korean folk tune is arranged in a series of variations through different styles and textures. A very effective setting scored with flexible options for bands with instrumentation challenges.
Grade: 2
Price: $50
Refreshing harmonies are the hallmark of this exciting new expression of one of America's best-known and most inspiring themes. Reminiscent of the chorale prelude style, this treatment explores a wide range of interesting and unexpected compositional techniques. Everyone will find something to enjoy in this remarkable arrangement. Dur: 3:20
Grade: 2
Price: $60
Written in a sophisticated and dynamic style, this work from James Curnow is more impressive sounding than the easy grade level would indicate. Opening with a rhythmic and intense “toccata,” this theme is contrasted with a sustained and lyric chorale section. Both themes are combined at the end for a powerful and rewarding finish.
Grade: 2
Price: $60
Here is the classic Norwegian march skillfully adapted for flexible instrumentation by James Curnow. Featuring stirring melodies and a nice variety in scoring textures, this unique march is a welcome addition to the repertoire.
GRADE 2.5
Grade: 2.5
Price: $64
Come and join the fun as we present your band in a circus extravaganza! A Day at the Circus takes you on a musical tour where you will meet clowns to make you laugh, breathtaking acrobats, lion tamers and even the Human Cannonball. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Grade: 2.5
Price: $64
Descriptive and adventuresome, James Curnow's A Day in Space is the perfect performance piece for the modern age. The inspiring opening brings the excitement of a momentous event to your concert stage. The thrilling lift-off carries the listener high above the planet into Earth orbit - where magnificent views, a space-walk, the re-entry and finally the celebration of a job well done bring this fanciful excursion to a rousing climax. This piece provides wonderful possibilities for cross-curricular teaching with the science department.
Grade: 2.5
Price: $65
Come and join the fun as we present your band in a circus extravaganza! A Day at the Circus takes you on a musical tour where you will meet clowns to make you laugh, breathtaking acrobats, lion tamers and even the Human Cannonball. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Grade: 2.5
Price: $47
Come and join the fun as we present your band in a circus extravaganza! A Day at the Circus takes you on a musical tour where you will meet clowns to make you laugh, breathtaking acrobats, lion tamers and even the Human Cannonball. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
GRADE 3
Grade: 3
Price: $69
Displaying an aura of power and brilliance, this exhilarating work is a perfect concert opener and can be effectively performed with small ensembles with incomplete instrumentation. Dur: 2:00
Flex Band
Grade: 3
Price: $55
Displaying an aura of power and brilliance, this exhilarating work is a perfect concert opener and can be effectively performed with small ensembles with incomplete instrumentation. Dur: 2:00
Grade: 3
Price: $75
This work was inspired by the legendary American patriot and hero of the Revolutionary War. Movements include: Intrada, Intermezzo and The Rangers. James Curnow's musical craftsmanship is once again evident in this impressive piece for intermediate bands. Dur: 5:50
Grade: 3
Price: $60
James Curnow's Renaissance Suite for full band continues to be a popular choice for contest and festival. Here is a version carefully adapted for flexible instrumentation that features these distinctive 16th-century dances by Susato. I. Las Mourisque (Basse Danse), II. Mille regretz (Pavane), and III. La bataille (Pavane). Dur: 6:30
GRADE 4
Grade: 4
Price: $85
Based on the traditional American shaped-note melody The Promised Land (first published in the 1800's), Beyond the Stars captures the spirit of the early American church musicians who voiced their enthusiasm for life and the freedom of worship through both vocal and instrumental music. The music features several mini-variations wrapped up in four large variations (Fast, Fast, Slow, Fast-recapitulation). The composer has created new thematic material for each variation by excerpting motifs from three separate phrases of the original shaped-note melody. A stunning and powerful work for winds. Dur: c. 6:20
Grade: 4
Price: $75
This distinctive six-movement suite is one of Jim Curnow's most
requested works. Inspired by the writings of Saint Francis of Assisi,
the suite succeeds in expressing his love for peace and his respect for
all creatures. Each movement is a short tone poem that uses the modern
concert band as the vehicle for creating spectacular musical images.
I. Prologue
II. Brother Sun
III. Sister Moon and Stars
IV. Brother Fire
V. Mother Earth
VI. Epilogue
Grade: 4
Price: $59
Based on Marc-Antoine Charpentier's (1634-1704) “Te Deum,” FANFARE AND FLOURISHES was originally commissioned for the 1991 European Brass Band Championships held in Rotterdam, Holland.
GRADE 5
Grade: 5
Price: $129
A concert centerpiece, this major work from James Curnow explores the spiritual perspectives of the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest in North America. The five movements investigate the cosmos and its four worlds; with such complete contrasts as “The Undersea World” and the ceremonial dance in “The Mortal World,” an authentic First Nations melody in “The Spirit World” and the ethos of “The Sky World,” the wonders are many.
Grade: 5
Price: $125
Commissioned for the University of Akron Symphonic Band, this dynamic work celebrates 100 years of music composed for the Olympic Games. Based on three primary themes, the first is a brilliant fanfare that serves as an introduction as well as a unifying link throughout. Second is the 1896 Olympic Hymn (music by Spyros Samaras) set in a beautiful lyric style which builds to a magnificent climax juxtaposed with the opening fanfare. The final section presents a new version of Mr. Curnow's own Olympic Fanfare and Theme for the Olympic Flag which was commissioned for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and performed again in 2000. The dramatic closing is again combined with elements of the opening fanfare. Dur: c. 6:40
Grade: 5
Price: $129
Using a symphonic variant style (like that of Hindemith's Symphonic Metamorphosis), James Curnow has written a magnificent compositional exploration of themes based on the shape-note tune “Resignation.” Advanced groups love to play music at this level of challenge and substance, and directors will appreciate the developmental techniques woven into its fabric. Add a history unit on The Sacred Harp for some cross-curricular work.
Grade: 5
Price: $129
