A super new grade 1 with a melody that just resonates “Pirates”! From the composer: The Beginning, “musically describes the seascape (fog, gentle waves, grand ocean, etc).” The Middle, “is the cat and mouse chase through the small islands of the Outer Banks.” The End, “describes the various events in the battle ending with Blackbeard’s defeat.” This is one of those pieces that the kids beg to play every day!
Using the melody of a 19th century slip jig, the composer has succeeded in creating a very accessible Grade 2 setting, without losing the dancelike quality that is reminiscent of the music loved by the Scotch/Irish settlers of the Appalachian Mountains. Mr. Kiefer says “There’s a reason that great melodies last forever.” This short clip gives you both parts of the melody and a very cool percussion break. Kids will love it!
Using the melody of North Carolina’s state song, “The Old North State”, the composer has brought to us a delightful classical concert band setting of the highest quality. Right in the middle of Grade 3, every line for every instrument is exactly what needs to be. This clip is just a snippet from the middle, but it gives you a great idea of the musical quality and workmanship.
You guys will love this. Terrell Cordice tells us of his step dad coming to pick him up from marching band practice in his “big ol’” Pepsi truck. From the composer: ‘The title 'For a Nickel' came from a part of the lyrics from the Pepsi version of 'D'ye ken John Peele' and is also in reference to the style of the piece - I wanted to write something that sounded like what you might hear some very talented musicians on a street corner playing, with their instrument cases open in hopes that people that pass by might drop a nickel or two in there.” This short clip of the introduction gives only a small idea of what is to come. A true Grade 4 that the students can really sink their teeth into! (Some great solos for your top players!)
