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 imaginitive 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 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!
|
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.
|
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. Commissioned by the Far Hills (NJ) Country Day School Philharmonic, Amy Burns, Director.
|
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.
|
Fantasy On An Old English Air(Grade 4-5)Concert Works Unlimited (Shawnee Press) Click to hear 30-second clip |
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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 and, along with Walkin' Cool, one of my most-performed pieces for young band.
|
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.
|
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, Joyful Rock was named an Editor's Choice by J.W. Pepper.
|
Magic Valley(Grade 4)Available from the composer. Click to hear 30-second clip |
Available in two versions for concert band. The short version (Grade 3) is a self-contained working out of a beautiful, original hymntune. In the full version (Grade 4), the spirit of the people of south central Idaho is distilled musically. An angular theme, punctuated rhythmically, represents their robust tenacity; an original hymn represents their spiritual nature. A magic water leitmotif, drawn from the opening four notes of the hymn, is laced throughout. The musical portrait closes with the water motif sounding over and over, more and more broadly, suggesting the Magic Valley's expansive and striking beauty which has attracted and held settlers for one hundred years! This piece was commissioned by the American Composers Forum and the Magic Valley Arts Council for the Twin Falls Municipal Band, Ted Hadley, Director, and the College of Southern Idaho Wind Ensemble, George Halsell, Director. |
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)Available from the composer. Click to hear 30-second clip |
This setting of Theodore Roethke's poem of the same name was commissioned by the Massachusetts Instrumental & Choral Conductors Association, and is available 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. |
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). |
Siege of Badon Hill(Grade 3)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.
|
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.
|
"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. In production for Alfred's Young Symphonic series for spring/summer 2008.
|
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. It was a J.W. Pepper Top 5 and Director's Pick and one of my most-performed pieces for young band.
|