From the composer who brought you Imperium and Ancient Voices comes this strik...From the composer who brought you Imperium and Ancient Voices comes this striking piece for younger groups that is once again solid and impressive sounding yet very practical to teach. Michael s use of contemporary harmonies interesting textures and...more
Jefferson Forest Sketches is a programmatic work depicting the beauty and gran...Jefferson Forest Sketches is a programmatic work depicting the beauty and grandeur of the Jefferson National Forest along the Appalachian Mountains. From dawn breaking over the mountains to breathtaking panoramas to a seemingly endless expanse of...more
River Rendezvous conceived as a work for multi-levelband festivals however it...River Rendezvous conceived as a work for multi-level band festivals however it also serves as a dynamic stand-alone composition for grade 3 bands. Representing moods and scenes of the Fox River in southern Wisconsin the two contrasting movements may...more
It would be difficult to find another grade 2 selection with as much drama and...It would be difficult to find another grade 2 selection with as much drama and musical depth as this impressive work from young band master Michael Sweeney. Depicting the momentous events of the final day of battle at Gettysburg in the Civil War...more
Featuring some of America s most beloved folk melodies MichaelSweeney has cra...Featuring some of America s most beloved folk melodies Michael Sweeney has crafted an emotional and satisfying work for young players. You ll hear recurring strains of Swing Low Sweet Chariot woven together with Wayfaring Stranger a sensitive...more
The term dark horse originated in horse racing describing an unknown entry but...The term dark horse originated in horse racing describing an unknown entry but also carries the connotation of an underdog in politics or sports. Composed in 6/8 and using a single brisk tempo throughout Night of the Dark Horse is an energetic...more
This unusual work portrays the transformation of matter from solid to liquid a...This unusual work portrays the transformation of matter from solid to liquid and ultimately to gas. You ll hear a single musical theme transformed throughout starting with a very rigid and dense opening statement. From there the theme is treated in...more
Here is something different for contest or festival. Written in the style of a...Here is something different for contest or festival. Written in the style of a tone poem this work uses minimal melodic development but builds emotional intensity through changing textures and evolving harmonies. Great for teaching breath control...more
Explorer Level (correlates with Book 1 p. 11) Using brash open harmonies and b...Explorer Level (correlates with Book 1 p. 11) Using brash open harmonies and bold tutti rhythms Paul has created a powerful-sounding work for beginners to sink their teeth into. Using only quarter and half notes this is sure to sound great with only...more
Opening with a majestic brass fanfare punctuated bythe percussion section her...Opening with a majestic brass fanfare punctuated by the percussion section here is a masterful overture for young players that contains a well-rounded array of moods and styles. The primary theme features a driving pulse and a few mixed meters while...more
The centerpiece of this work for band is the memorable Appalachian folk hymn D...The centerpiece of this work for band is the memorable Appalachian folk hymn Down to the River to Pray which was featured in the 2000 film O Brother Where Art Thou? Interspersed with this melody is a faster original theme that provides a...more
The lush harmonies in this lyrical and emotional piece will provide your stude...The lush harmonies in this lyrical and emotional piece will provide your students with a wonderful learning tool to improve listening skills while at the same time providing a spellbinding effect for the listener. Featuring a blend of soft textures...more
Written for a middle school band in Cedar Rapids Iowa the composer states that...Written for a middle school band in Cedar Rapids Iowa the composer states that although commissioned prior to the catastrophic flood of 2008 that affected so many people including students and teachers the work took on new meaning as a way to cope...more
This new overture (fast-slow-fast) from MichaelSweeney opens with a dynamic u...This new overture (fast-slow-fast) from Michael Sweeney opens with a dynamic unison statement and features powerful percussion writing throughout. The lyrical slow section includes a short trumpet solo and lush woodwind scoring. Mike s unique use of...more