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All works listed are for concert band unless otherwise indicated. |
Aesop's Fables(Grade 4-5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
The PMEA
Journal said of this four-movement (10:00) piece for band and narrator: "What a sheer delight
these wildly contrasting settings of the Fables are to audiences of all ages.
Watson has taken four familiar episodes and brought them to life with narrator
and a large wind ensemble instrumentation......The work has a very wide audience
appeal -- story lines and imaginative musical interplay captivate children and
adults alike. It is without a doubt the finest programmatic/narrative that we've
ever come across for band. FOUR STARS!" Commissioned by the West Chester University Wind Ensemble, Kenneth Laudermilch,
director and selected as Finalist in the 1999 G. Schirmer Young American's
Band Competition. |
Appalachian Folk Carol(Grade 1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear sound clip |
This hauntingly beautiful arrangement of the tune "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head" explores the Nativity with peaceful reverence and mysterious wonder. The setting includes expressive tempo changes, lush scoring for full band, transparent episodes for woodwinds, and delicate percussion writing, offering bands ample opportunity for performing with musical beauty and eloquence. This Alfred Challenger series piece will be available summer 2012.
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Appalachian Hoedown(Grade 2)C. L. Barnhouse Click to hear 30-second clip |
Performers and audience alike will have fun with this upbeat, rollicking medley of two well-known fiddle tunes, "Old Joe Clark" and "Bile Them Cabbage Down". Folksy percussion, bluegrass rhythms, and even foot-stomping create a hootenanny atmosphere in this compelling, yet playable, arrangement for young bands. YEE-HAW!
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At the Feast of Stephen(Grade 1-1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
The Christmas carol, "Good King Wenceslas," dates back to the 13th century and tells the story of a kind king who goes out in the severe cold to give charity to poor folks on December 26, the day after Christmas. Dec. 26 is also known as St. Stephens Day, and the familiar Christmas carol was based on the real life Duke of Bohemia, Saint Wenceslas. In this setting, the tune "Good King Wenceslas" appears in a rustic, lively 13th century style. J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," and Alfred top-seller (Debut series).
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Awake the Iron(Grade 1.5-2)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
"Desperta ferro!," or "Awake the Iron!" was the battle cry of Medieval Spanish soldiers called the Almogavars. In the dim light of dawn, as they prepared for battle, these fierce soldiers would beat their swords on rocks shouting this phrase. The sparks that flew from the rocks in the eerie light of dawn, together with the soldier's call to arms, would give any enemy pause. Awake the Iron, with its insistent unisons, energetic rhythms, modal themes, and powerful percussive writing, mirrors the ferocious intensity of the medieval battlefield. This Alfred Debut series piece is a J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," and was selected for the 2010 Bandworld Top 100 list!
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Call to Valor(Grade 1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear sound clip |
The dictionary defines valor as "boldness or determination in facing great danger; heroic courage." Call to Valor musically invokes both the resolute strength and quiet courage required to face difficulties and the unknown. The piece begins with a brief, animated introduction followed by a bold fanfare theme. A quieter, contrasting section alternates bugle calls with field drum solos, but then builds to the return of the opening material. A perfect fanfare opener or exciting closer for your next concert. This Alfred Challenger series piece will be available summer 2012.
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Country Dance(Grade 1-1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
This starts simply but develops into a rousing, rustic romp (think of the folk tune settings of Orff or Bartok). It's rhythmically basic and not hard to put together as an ensemble, but includes a few chromatic notes for most players to learn and a brief "Presto" closing statement (Debut series). Commissioned by the Far Hills (NJ) Country Day School Philharmonic, Amy Burns, Director.
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Concert Piece (for Solo Horn & Band)(Soloist, Grade 4; Band, Grade 3)Available from the composer. Click to hear 30-second clip |
Commissioned with a grant from the International Horn Society (Meir Rimon Fund), this accessible work pits the solo horn against the forces of the band in a conversation throughout its A-B-A (fast-slow-fast) form. First performed by Mark Syslo, soloist and the Parkland High School Symphonic Band, Jason Lerew, Director.
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(The) Days and Knights of Arundel(Grade 2)Wingert-Jones Click to hear 30-second clip |
[String orchestra with timpani.] The Days and Knights of Arundel paints a musical portrait of one of the most famous medieval castles in England. Established in the 11th-century on the River Arun in the south of England, during the reign of William the Conqueror, Arundel's imposing stone walls and towering "keep" have served over the centuries to project the crown's might to subjects and would-be invaders. A stately opening theme, in 5/4, represents Arundel's Gothic facade and the noblemen and knights who have passed through her gates. The contrasting material of the middle section (m. 52) suggest the ghosts that legend says haunt Arundel. A transition back to a heightened version of the opening theme returns the focus to Arundel's grandeur for a dramatic close. |
Dreidl Adventure(Grade 2)Wingert-Jones Click to hear 30-second clip |
[String orchestra, with optional piano] Imagine that, at least in the mind of a child, playing the dried game at Hanukkah is more than a game - it's and adventure! Strategy is plotted, risks are taken, the battle is on. That is the premise of this epic, cinematic setting of the beloved Hanukkah tune, "S'vivon" (The Dreidl), coming summer 2012. |
Fantasy On An Old English Air(Grade 4.5)Hal Leonard (Concert Works Unlimited) Click to hear 30-second clip Full Recording |
Based on phrases from the 18th-century tune, "Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes," the Instrumentalist magazine calls this piece "an outstanding instrumental fantasia." The PMEA Journal calls it "an expansive work with waves of color and textures abounding". Commissioned by the Whitehall High (PA) School Band, Rick Hilborn, Director. Available as print-on-demand from Hal Leonard.
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Festive Intrada(Grade 2)Wingert-Jones Click to hear 30-second clip |
[String orchestra with optional piano.] From it's effervescent main theme to its graceful contrasting theme, this well-crafted concert work will have your ensemble singing with classical elegance! While the sound and style evoke the 18th-century, the writing is very approachable by younger performers. Festive Intrada is the perfect piece to lend an air of excitement and sophistication to your program for concert, contest, or special occasion. |
Figurations(Grade 5-6)Concert Works Unlimited (Shawnee Press) Click to hear 30-second clip (Movt. 1), Click to hear 30-second clip (Movt. 2), Click to hear 30-second clip (Movt. 3) |
The word figuration evokes both the surface-level deployment of underlying structures and harmonies, as well as stereotypical gestures associated with variation form. The material for each movement is based on its own 3- or 4-note motivic cell (a set), out of which figurations emerge and develop. The figurations are mostly textural. Small melodic cells progress in each movement as they unfold, shift, build and develop.
Although there are cyclical relationships, each of these three Figurations may be performed as a satisfying, stand-alone piece or in any combination desired. These first three Figurations mark the beginning of a series, with more similarly-conceived movements planned.
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Freedom Brigade(Grade 1.5)Jon Ross Music Visit Jon Ross Music to preview. Click to hear 30-second clip |
This march features two contrasting themes. Although written to be played by 2nd year players, its themes give the impression of a more mature piece. Freedom Brigade is dedicated to everyone who serves the cause of freedom around the world.
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Golden Legacy(Grade 3.5)Available from the composer. Click to hear 30-second clip |
Golden Legacy was written to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lehigh County (Pennsylvania) Band Festival. The piece celebrates the musical passing of the baton that is a feature of the band tradition. The music for Golden Legacy reflects both the joy and reverence many of us feel in our role as transmitters of cultural art, of the band tradition. The piece alternates between two themes; one a fanfare that becomes a purposeful march, the other a chorale (or hymn tune) that undergoes several variations. The last of these variations erupts in celebration with full woodwind scoring, brass fanfares, and exciting runs by the bells and chimes. The legacy is golden because it marks a tradition we hold so dear.
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Ghosts in the Graveyard(Grade 1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
The spooky sounds of haunted houses and Halloween come to life in this fun piece for young band. Whether you program it in the fall, winter, or spring it's sure to be a favorite of students and audience alike. The piece gives your low brass and woodwinds some prominent melodic material, makes clever use of novel percussion, and even includes a flute section "scream". The title is the name of a well-loved regional children's game played in schools around Halloween. A J.W. Pepper Editor's Choice, Alfred top-seller, and one of my most-performed pieces for young band (Debut series).
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Hanukah Is Here(Grade 1-1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
Alfred's catalog says, "This new work musically conveys both reflection and joy with colorful scoring and expressive writing." I'm very proud of the orchestration's symphonic effect for this age player. J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," and Alfred top seller.
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Heavy Metal(Grade 1-1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
Heavy Metal has the right elements to get young players excited about band! With it's driving rock beat, catchy "hook," and infectious power chord rhythm, your students will beg you to rehearse it and be excited about performing it in concert. And what's more, this little gem features your band's own "heavy metal" section, the low brass, with prominent yet playable parts (doubled for confidence). J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," and Alfred top seller (Debut series).
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Huckleberry Hedgehog(Grade 1)Alfred Publications Click to hear sound clip |
Huckleberry Hedgehog portrays the happy, but somewhat quirky, exploits of a spiny little mammal and was written for the first year band students at Kratzer and Cetronia Elementary Schools in the Parkland School District (Allentown, PA). Kratzer School is on Huckleberry Road and the Cetronia School mascot is the hedgehog.
The piece offers beginning band students the chance to play fun, expressive music by combining a limited number of pitches typically presented in the first year of instruction with a variety of interesting articulation and dynamic markings. Everyone, including low brass and low woodwinds (always well-doubled) gets the opportunity to play important thematic material in special moments throughout the piece. This Alfred Debut series piece will be available summer 2012.
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In the Cool Department(Grade 1.5, with Grade 3 soloists)Wingert-Jones Click to hear 30-second clip |
[String or Full orchestra with Soloists.]The "cool department" is (of course) the MUSIC department, and in this fun piece for optional full or string orchestra with soloists you and your musicians will show the audience why! Accompanied by playable ensemble parts written in a breezy, swing jazz style, the more challenging solo parts include players from each instrument family: clarinet (woodwind), trumpet (brass), violin (string), and percussion (snare drum with brushes). The infectious, tuneful melody is guaranteed to make this piece a toe-tapping hit with players and audience alike.
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Jamaica Me Crazy(Grade 1.5-2)Alfred Publications (coming 2011) Click to hear 30-second clip |
This piece demonstrates Jamaican mento and reggae influences and provides a fun opportunity to work with students on a recurring syncopated rhythm and characteristic articulations. These, together with some simple yet important folk percussion writing, capture the spirit of Jamaican music. Thanks to my wife, Kim, for suggesting this title! This Alfred Challenger series piece is a JW Pepper Editor's Choice and is available summer 2011.
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Jolly Old Saint Nick(Grade 1)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
This is a light and airy arrangement of the favorite children's Christmas song with short, one-measure features for each section of the band (Debut series). J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice."
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Joyful Rock(Grade 1-1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
This pop-beat arrangement of the Beethoven "Ode to Joy" theme alternates bright, happy tutti passages with features for various sections. Upbeat and joyful from start to finish, this Debut series piece was named an Editor's Choice by J.W. Pepper.
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Lion of Ireland, Based on "Brian Boru's March"(Grade 3)Alfred Publications (coming 2011) Click to hear 30-second clip |
An exciting concert piece based on "Brian Boru's March," a traditional Irish tune named for the legendary 11th-century ruler. Framed by dramatic opening and closing statements, the rustic Celtic tune gives way to original material, all in a showcase for band that reflects the valor and glory of the storied "last high king" of Ireland. Published in Alfred's Young Symphonic series, and selected for the 2011 Bandworld Top 100 list.
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Magic Valley(Grade 3)Set for publication by Alfred in 2009 Click to hear 30-second clip |
Magic Valley musically depicts the rugged beauty of the Snake River Canyon in southern Idaho. The piece, based on an original hymn tune which represents the spirituality of the region, begins simply but gradually builds into a stirring, expansive tone poem. This piece was commissioned by the American Composers Forum and the Magic Valley Arts Council as part of the ACF's "Continental Harmony Project," and was premiered by the Twin Falls Municipal Band, Ted Hadley, Director, and the College of Southern Idaho Wind Ensemble, George Halsell, Director. J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice." |
Morning Star(Grade 1)Jon Ross Music Visit Jon Ross Music to preview. |
Music figures prominently in the rich Christmas traditions of the Moravian church, dating back to the Protestant Reformation in Eastern Europe and established in America during the early 18th century. In most congregations, the hymn "Morning Star" is sung antiphonally with a child soloist as the highlight of the service. The classical simplicity of Morning Star, as well as the antiphonal performance practice associated with it, are captured in this arrangement for young band. |
Night Journey(Grade 3)Wingert-Jones (concert band version, coming 2011) Click to hear 30-second clip |
This musical portrayal of Theodore Roethke's poem about a late night train ride was commissioned by the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association (originally in three versions: concert band alone; concert band and SAB chorus; and SAB chorus and piano). Watson conducted the premiere by the Algonquin Regional High School Band & Chorus at the 2007 Massachusetts Music Educators Association Conference in Boston, MA. The concert band version is published by Wingert-Jones, available summer 2011. |
Old-Fashioned Sleigh Ride(Grade 1)Alfred Publications Click to hear sound clip |
Old-Fashioned Sleigh Ride paints a warm, nostalgic musical portrait of a one horse, open sleigh ride like those depicted in a "picture print by Currier & Ives." Woven into an easy-going theme are the clip-clop of horse's hooves (temple blocks), the regular ringing of bells on bobtails (sleigh bells), and the occasional whip (slap stick) and horse's whiny (trumpet). This piece is sure to become an instant holiday classic for young bands! This Alfred Debut series piece will be available summer 2012.
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On Holiday(Grade 2)C. L. Barnhouse Click to hear 30-second clip |
This is bright, happy and evokes the air of excitement all kids feel when they're getting away from school for a break to go "on holiday". It is appropriate for a holiday concert (obviously), but also for a spring concert (since spring break and summer vacation are at hand). |
Quick 'n Easy Carols for Band(Grades 1-1.5)Wingert-Jones Coming Fall 2012 |
Nine of your favorite Christmas carols arranged in four parts to work for almost any instrument combination, with ample doublings for smaller bands. These are written to be rehearsed and ready to play in about one or two meetings with your young instrumentalists (elementary/middle school). Comes with piano reduction, vocal parts (with words for caroling), and percussion if desired. Includes "Jolly Old St. Nicholas," "Up On the Housetop," "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," "Deck the Halls," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "Joy to the World," "Good King Wenceslas," and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" all in easy arrangements for elementary/middle school band students. Suitable for small ensemble, full band, duets, trios, concert selections, neighborhood caroling, family recital, or cheering up the folks at the old-age home :) You get the idea.
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Siege of Badon Hill(Grade 3)Hal Leonard (Concert Works Unlimited) Click to hear 30-second clip |
Both legend and written history tell of an astounding and valiant 6th century leader who led the Britons in a series of battles against the invading Saxons. The Welsh historian, Nennius, calls this great medieval leader by his legendary name: Arthur. Wearing a cross on his shield, Arthur single-handedly defeated 900 barbarians in the most famous of these battles, at Badon Hill, forestalling at least for a time the Saxon take over.
The Seige of Badon Hill, with innovative use of voice and sounds, begins as Arthur's army rises to meet the dawn and prepare for battle in prayer. In no time, the battle is joined in an Allegro con brio. Horses charge; swords, shields and armor clash. The determined Britons, led by the valiant Arthur, press forward and - in the end - are victorious in defending their land. Commissioned by the Southern Lehigh Middle School Band, Nancy Beitler, Director. |
Silent Night, Holy Night(Grade 1.5)Available from the composer. Click to hear 30-second clip |
Silent Night, Holy Night is a dramatic and beautiful arrangement that will help performers and listeners rediscover the sacred in this all-too-familiar Christmas carol. Nonetheless, it is technically accessible and is very performable by 2nd (and certainly 3rd) year bands.
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Slam Jam!(Grade 1-1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
This is a really funky novelty for basketball dribblers and band. It's lots of fun if you use other faculty (gym teachers, music department, etc) as your basketball squad. I've directed this with my own band and when guest-conducting a district festival for young players; it hit a home run with the audience each time. To make it work for a combined finale with strings, I've written special string parts (not published with the band arrangement). If you get the piece and want to use these, email me and I'll send you the string parts for free.
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Thrills and Trills!(Grade 2-2.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear |
When it comes to trills, why should the woodwinds have all the fun? Not so with Thrills and Trills! This circus-style march is a rambunctious, thrill-a-minute crowd-pleaser where trills are the main event and every player in band gets into the act. This Alfred Challenger series will be available summer 2012.
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"Troika", from Lt. Kije Suite(Grade 2)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
This delightful arrangement of Prokofiev's light classic captures the essence of the original in an interesting, yet very playable adaptation for intermediate players (Alfred Young Symphonic series).
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Tu Ungane(Grade 1.5-2)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
Tu Ungane (Swahili, pronounced TOO une-GAH-nay) means "Let's join together" and refers both to musicians coming together to play, as well as African and Western styles merging musically. Western musical styles such as Gospel, Blues, and Jazz owe much to African influence. African music has been influenced by the West as well, fusing British military and brass band music, along with the hymns and songs of missionaries from Europe and the United States, with tribal folk elements. Tu Ungane explores this musical cross-pollination incorporating the Tanzanian folk song "Asali Ya Nyuki" ("Honey of Bees") and original musical material in the style of the British-African fusion. J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice."
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Up on the Haunted Housetop(Grade 1.5)Alfred Publications (coming 2011) Click to hear 30-second clip |
Once on a spooky Christmas eve, as Santa was making deliveries, a fog rolled in and howls rang out, and Santa landed on a "haunted house"! This creative premise leads to a spooky-cool treatment of the Christmas favorite, "Up On the Housetop." The piece includes an optional narrator part (which reveals a surprise ending), and uses "toy" percussion instruments to great effect. This Alfred Challenger series title is a JW Pepper Editor's Choice and is available summer 2011.
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Walkin' Cool(Grade 1-1.5)Alfred Publications Click to hear 30-second clip |
This is a cool shuffle groove, with lots of repeated (but fun) rhythms. Of all the pieces I've ever written for young band, this is the one my own students have liked most. A J.W. Pepper "Editor's Choice," Director's Pick, Alfred top seller, and one of my most-performed pieces for young band (Debut series).
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When Men and Mountains Meet(Grade 1.5)Wingert-Jones Click to hear 60-second clip |
The title, and the inspiration, for the piece When Men and Mountains Meet comes from the short poem, "Great Things Are Done," by William Blake. I ran across these words while I was working on a commission for the East Stroudsburg Area School District, situated in the Pocono Mountains (PA). Blake's poem impressed upon me the effort and determination it must have taken to establish a community in the mountains. Wall upon wall of rock had to be blasted, great masses of earth had to be moved and graded, and all sorts of materials had to be brought up and down the slopes. The piece opens with a broad, somewhat dissonant, statement that represents man's first intimidating encounter with the mountain. Straight away, however, a fast, insistent theme takes over to convey the industry and tenacity of the effort to settle the area, building roads and bridges, laying rails, erecting homes and establishing businesses. A contrasting section with a descending theme portrays the grace and magic of the winter recreation offered by the mountain's slopes. A return to the fast theme closes the piece, leaving us aware that truly great things are done "when men and mountains meet." This commission was part of ESASD's "Composer Series," whose past recipients include Brian Balmages, Andrew Boysen, Stephen Bulla, Elliot Del Borgo, Quincy Hilliard, John O'Reilly, William Owens, Robert Maggio, and Jack Stamp.
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