Gateway Sheet Music Virtual Reading Session, Grade 3

"Northstar Fanfare" is a bold and uplifting composition that opens any concert with a burst of energy. Its engaging colorful harmonies and sweeping theme will captivate audiences from the first note to the last. Let your spirit soar as you journey through the music, inspired by the guiding light of Polaris, the north star.

Meant to evoke a sense of optimism and hope, "Light Appears" strives to illustrate the warmth and expressiveness of the wind ensemble.

Gavin Lendt captures the energy and optimism of a new day in Sunbloom, a fast-paced and uplifting Grade 3 work inspired by the motion and momentum of a runner’s journey. From the quiet spark of dawn to the adrenaline of the starting line and the final push toward the finish, this piece pulses with drive and determination. Light pops-style flair, joyful themes, and rhythmic vitality combine with moments of lush, expressive scoring to create a work that radiates warmth and spirit. Ideal for concert or festival performance, Sunbloom celebrates energy, motion, and the joy of forward momentum.

Program Note by Erick Von Sas - On December 31st, 2022, I wrote this poem: Luca The Bringer of Light From the East On the bright Spring Son He bears his lamp With open palm Welcome and warm Like the setting sun of Sicily In a house of sacred wood He watches his world Take Flight At the time, my wife was pregnant with our first child, and we held hopes for an early April birthday. Alas, my life continues to revolve around Pisces, and Luca Harry Von Sas was born March 18th, avoiding the Italian purgatory of a St. Patrick’s Day birthday. As young parents, we didn’t know the depth of emotion and joy that we would share together over the next nine months (upon the writing of these program notes), but Luca, much like all small children, is incredible. Danielle has captured the spirit of my poem and our beautiful babe in this uplifting and spirited fanfare. You can hear the play of the waves early on in the piece (a la Debussy) as we soar low over the sea. A bright fanfare eventually breaks through as the sun crests the ocean, and we hear the jubilant sounds of light in all colors. In the middle section, we hear a wondrous lullaby full of complex timbres and curious resolutions. Danielle manages to capture Luca’s inquisitive spirit, broad smile, and easy giggle as we transition from sleep to activity in the recapitulation. Challenging harmonies greet us at the close, but they are not without resolution. “With open palm” the Feather drifts along and we race to the end as the sun sets on a brilliant spring day. The sound of the drum insists that there is more to life’s great adventure even as night falls.

Sixteen of America's best-loved folk songs, transposed from major to minor keys in a clever, twisted medley. Can you identify them all? This musical romp is fun to play and fun to listen to, while testing your knowledge of American musical history. Commissioned by the Colleyville (TX) Middle School band in memory of David Zahrndt, Fine Arts Director of the Grapevine-Colleyville school district. Several tunes in the medley were chosen to retrace his career path through Kentucky, Arkansas, and Texas.

This piece is a minor take on an old folk song often used in American Elementary music education. Old Brass Wagon is originally a fast paced, major key, barn dance with four verses. In this variation, I've twisted the harmony into minor and slowed down the melody to give it a spooky, ethereal sound.

inspired by mark twain''s poem "warm summer sun", shine kindly here evokes the beauty of nature as sunlight dances across the water. the piece begins with delicate mallet figures, representing the play of light on the sea, and gradually builds in intensity with shifting rhythms and soaring melodies that reflect the natural beauty of the composer's surroundings. the work culminates in a dramatic conclusion, offering an uplifting experience through its intricate harmonies and flowing lines.

Ralph Vaughan Williams' March Past of the Kitchen Utensils is a unique "walking" style English march. There are several teaching moments that you and your students will enjoy as you prepare this piece for concert or festival. If you're looking to bring something unusual to a festival or assessment, or to end a concert with a fun march, consider March Past of the Kitchen Utensils.

Arranged by Matthew R. Putnam, this Native American folksong has been set with the intent to give all royalty proceeds back to the original people to inhabit the North American continent.

Bring your students' dreams to life in this explosion of colorful energy! In Your Wildest Dreams by Tyler S. Grant sends the message that "any dream is possible." The themes will be memorable to both students and audiences alike, with plenty of opportunities for everyone to be in the spotlight. Suitable for any occasion and highly inspiring! (2:00)

Score and Parts, Softcover Written in 1916, THE AMERICAN COLORS is a patriotic and vivacious splash of Americana. It is highly original and, as was often done during the composer's time, quotes COLUMBIA, GEM OF THE OCEAN in the Trio.

Score and Parts, Softcover A gorgeous ballad with longing melodies, lush harmonies, breathtaking colors and emotionally impactful moment. Pure enjoyment.

Score and Parts, Softcover Rhythmic, incisive, and energetic, Juilare is truly a jubilant work that will open or close a concert with an emphatic statement. From beginning to end, this is perpetual movement and excitement.