Gateway Sheet Music Virtual Reading Session, Grades 1-2

Inspired by fairy tales and magic, Into the Enchanted Forest includes a modal melody paired with evocative percussion writing to conjure images of ancient castles shrouded in mist. Deeply expressive and imminently accessible, this fantasy-style work by Jack Wilds is as cinematic as it is musical. (1:30)

Irish Fantasy draws inspiration from an Irish folk melody ("The Road to Lisdoonvarna"), which Davide Pedrazzini freely transforms and elaborates. The result is a fantasy that is very characteristic and surprising, just as the landscapes of Ireland are surprising.The majestic opening theme, which brings the Dorian mode to your ear, is common in Celtic music. Performers will also experience rich counterpoint that includes a fugue section where all the instruments chase each other. A final accelerando will lead to a recapitulation of the majestic opening. The composer created this piece while recalling his holiday in Ireland. Let yourself be carried away on this surprising journey! (3:20)

Lush harmonies dot the page in this wonderful new work for band by composer Yukiko Nishimura. The delicate nature of the "Lily" is on display in this joyful and inspired work!

"Let’s Dance" was written with the ballet and can-can dances in mind, combining simple and elegant themes into an energetic work for band. The piece makes heavy use of the can-can to build energy and excitement as the music develops!

A Festive Celebration was written as a teaching piece for my students during late October / early November 2023. I tend to write for my students often, and this piece was written to help my 7th grade students build sustain / air support, but also as a piece that would allow them to be successful in their current range and help work on tone. I tried to keep the range within the first six notes of the Bb Concert Scale, but there are a few instruments that were written to extend beyond that. As I'm sure is the case with many middle school directors, I also have a rather large percussion section, and I wanted to write something that would sit within the one octave'ish range on the mallet instruments and allow them to realize that there's nothing to be afraid of in playing mallets, and that it can actually be a lot of fun (I'm a percussionist, so I'm a little biased)

Silent Echoes is a poignant tapestry of emotions, woven from threads of reverence, love, and longing. Composer Travis Freshner’s heartfelt melodies celebrate the lives of our companion animals who share our journey for a short time, but leave a lasting impact. The long, lyrical phrases and sustained soft passages leading to an emotional climax make this an excellent piece for contest and festival season. Correlates with Tradition of Excellence Book 2, page 30.

Set sail into adventure with Perilous Seas, a fast and fiery Grade 1.5 work by E. Benton Lilliefors. Beginning with a slow, ominous introduction, the piece quickly launches into an aggressive 3/4 minor-mode battle between band and percussion—pirate crew versus sea monster. Low brass melodies and woodwind countermelodies bring the swashbuckling story to life, while creative percussion writing fuels the action. With its cinematic pacing and imaginative narrative, Perilous Seas is a thrilling choice for concert or festival programs that your students will love to play.

Epiphany! is all about contrasting styles. Several short conversations occur between the percussion, woodwinds, and brass sections in various combinations throughout the piece. The group has an “epiphany” at the end of the piece where they finally play together, united in song! Correlates with Tradition of Excellence Book 1, page 23.

The music of George M. Cohan is timelessly American and unsentimentally patriotic. Delighting audiences for years, his works revel in the delight of all that is America. This collection includes "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Give My Regards to Broadway," and "You're a Grand Old Flag." (2:00)

FIRE! Christina Huss's new work "Encendio" is a tour de force fit for the combustion engine! Firey rhythmic lines and explosive harmonies will keep them on the tip of their seats.

the cauldron explores the transformation of an ancient ritual, combining dark harmonies with intense, swirling rhythms. the piece begins with eerie simmering sounds, building tension through percussion and brass. as the piece progresses, the music becomes more fiery and dramatic, evoking images of magic and ritual. the climax leaves listeners with a sense of mystery and unanswered questions, perfect for a spooky or dramatic performance.

Expressive and deeply sentimental, I Still Think About You is a lyrical Grade 1.5 work by Jorge Vargas that gives young musicians the chance to explore beauty, nuance, and emotional depth. Opening with a tender clarinet melody, the piece unfolds with rich harmonies and colorful orchestration, gradually building in intensity to a powerful full-ensemble climax before gently returning to a soft, reflective conclusion. A poignant and musical addition to any concert or festival program.

Written at the peak of the early 20th century period of intense folk music interest in Great Britain, A Somerset Rhapsody draws upon tunes collected by Cecil Sharp (to whom the work is dedicated) in his travels throughout that area of exceptional natural beauty in Southwest England. Holst chose three of these folk songs that are seamlessly presented in this arrangement: the pensive "Sheep Shearing Song," the bold "High Germany," and the doleful "The True Lover's Farewell." Penned in 1906, A Somerset Rhapsody displays definite hints of the iconic First Suite in E-flat (1909) and Second Suite in F (1911) for military band soon to come. This arrangemment by Douglas E. Wagner, is an excellent way to introduce your students to the music of Holst. (2:50)

Christina Huss certainly knows how to write for the youngest musician. "Game Changer" is at once a fun new work, while also being a fantastic analogy for how band directors view their newest class of future musicians.

Get ready to stir things up with Into the Hornet’s Nest, an electrifying Grade 2.5 work by Jorge Vargas that’s packed with energy and edge. Set in a gripping minor mode, this piece features driving rhythms, bold syncopation, biting chromaticism, and relentless percussion that keep the momentum buzzing from start to finish. A thrilling choice for an opener or festival performance, Into the Hornet’s Nest delivers high engagement, dramatic tension, and just the right amount of sting.

Score and Parts, Softcover Boys and girls of every age. Would you like to see something strange? Young concert bands are now able to enjoy one of the most popular movie songs of all time. An excellent choice for reinforcing chromaticism, this is perfect for programming at anytime of the year!