Grade 2

Grade: 2

Price: $49

A powerful statement in recognition of the Allied D-Day armada! The contrasts of style, dynamics, articulations, and harmonic balance in this work make it a superb learning experience with an important historical connection. Perfect for festival or concert, James Curnow's ARMADA OF FREEDOM will be a memorable event in your concert season.

Grade: 2

Price: $54

Jim Curnow's six melodic variations on the Bach chorale “Awake, my Heart and Sing” should be a staple of every young band library. Chorale-style playing does so much for the young band's intonation, tone quality and phrasing. Including this one in your next festival program is certain to reap great rewards by honing your group's ability to make quality sound. Even bands which normally play music of higher grade levels will find a valuable experience in Bach Variants.

Grade: 2

Price: $52

A bold trumpet motive will grab attention right from the start! What follows is a majestic theme, tuneful and bright, that will let young musicians sound their best. Colorful writing, lovely counterpoint in the woodwinds and good use of pitched percussion are just a couple of the notable elements. This is a solid choice for festival or concert programs!

Grade: 2

Price: $59

Rhythmic excitement and powerful melodies suffuse James Curnow's memorable symphonic portrait titled The Buccaneers. Interesting modal diversions combine with widely varied colors and densities to make this a piece that will move your developing group to an even higher standard of musical expression. It will be a rich and rewarding musical experience for your band as well as an energizing experience for the audience.

Grade: 2

Price: $49

On June 2, 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place following a ritual that has been used since 750 AD. Because Canterbury is the ancient religious center of Great Britain, the Archbishop of Canterbury (the head of the Church of England) has presided over the coronation ceremonies of rulers of England for many generations. Canterbury Coronation seeks to capture both the ancient solemnity and the spirit of celebration that is inherent in a coronation and its accompanying ceremonies.

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)

Grade: 2

Price: $60

The distinctive music of China and its rich history in the arts give this medley a special appeal to student performers. James Curnow's excellent blend of three traditional folk melodies is ideal as a teaching piece for young bands, and also an effective number for contest or festival. Includes: Dayung Sampan, Shalihonba and Yangtze Boatmen's Chantey. Dur: 2:30

Grade: 2

Price: $59

Two of the best-loved themes of Mozart and Haydn are carefully arranged here for the young piano soloist with concert band. A great reward for the hard-working student, and a change-of-pace and important experience for your band as they not only perform works by these two masters, but also get a chance to be the accompaniment for a solo work. A great opportunity for everyone!

  • Andante from Concerto No. 21 Mozart
  • Serenade Franz Joseph Haydn

Grade: 2

Price: $55

Incorporating a continuous set of variations (style, harmony, rhythm) on the Westminster Chimes of London's Big Ben, this concise overture in one tempo celebrates an energetic and powerful spirit that the sounding of bells evokes in all of us. Nicely paced with simple meter changes and textural varieties. Dur: 2:45

Grade: 2

Price: $52

You must hear this exciting Grade 2 concert piece by James Curnow. An engaging short thematic statement sets the stage for energetic development and harmonic exploration. Contrasts in scoring density help to emphasize the excitement of Dance Episodes. An excellent choice for concert or contest.

Grade: 2

Price: $54

The original Grade 4 edition of Fanfare and Flourishes is an exhilarating piece that has become a staple in the repertoire of many mature bands. Now rescored in this easier version for younger bands, it can be enjoyed by musicians of all levels. The power and brilliance of the original comes through loud and clear; this is a great concert opener for your next program!

Grade: 2

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

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: $55

Named after President Lincoln, “Old Abe” was a famous bald eagle who served as mascot for the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. Legend of Old Abe is a marvelously descriptive work for young bands that takes the listener on a journey of Old Abe's exploits. From a peaceful and serene opening the work progresses through the sounds of conflict and battle. The mood turns reflective and then triumphant as the music celebrates this amazing true story. A wonderful cross-curricular opportunity for your bandroom as you bring history to life through music. Dur: 3:50

Grade: 2

Price: $45

The exciting and the mysterious combine in unforeseen ways as we traverse the enigma of Colorado's Phantom Canyon. A provocative and unusual kind of music for the younger band to explore, your musicians will find this new composition to be compelling and satisfying to play. There is also lots of potential for working with the history and geography departments with this one. Lots of color and interesting melodic cross-relations make this a great teaching piece as well as an audience favorite. (Grade 2)

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: $55

In classic band overture style, this time-tested composition from 1993 contrasts a bold opening with an energetic scherzo and variations of the opening theme. Quality literature for festival or contest.

Grade: 2

Price: $50

There is lots of fun to be had with this light and energetic composition. The knee-slapping rhythms and fiddle-style riffs help make it the perfect lighter moment on your concert program. In addition, the scoring is kept well within its grading level guidelines to make sure it's accessible for all the players. Dur: 1:35

Grade: 2

Price: $50

In the style of a lively hoedown, here is an entertaining fast-paced number that's fun to perform and will sound great. There is plenty of built in contrasts in scoring dynamics as well as carefully placed percussion effects. A perfect change of pace! Dur: 2:00

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

Price: $59

This contemporary-sounding work makes a fine concert opener or festival selection. Your band will demonstrate a wide variety of styles in less than three minutes! There is plenty of enjoyable “flight time” for the upper woodwinds, exciting passages for the brass, and a fetching liberally-cued brass ensemble section.