(C3) Concert Band - Pacific March

Composed by Dennis Eve­land

    This wonderful march was written in tribute to the victims of the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941. It is on the upper end of grade two or the lower end of grade three in difficulty. The percussion parts, scored for snare, bass, cymbals, and bells, are more interesting than those usually found at this grade level. The first theme is scored for clarinet, tenor saxophone, and euphonium, which adds a delightfully warm tone color.  After an eight-measure percussion soli, the second theme enters. Here, the low brass and clarinets play a contrasting theme basically made up of half notes, carefully marked to provide a pleasing rise and fall in the dynamic level. After this section a third theme enters, followed by a recap of the opening theme. Articulations and dynamics are clearly marked throughout. This is an interesting, fun march that I strongly recommend. ($50, 2:08, TRN) T.B.

(C3) Concert Band - Fanfare for a New Generation

Composed by Dennis Eveland

    This is in an ABCBA form. Brass introduce the exciting fanfare gestures in the opening A section. The supporting thematic material in the B section, stated initially by the alto saxophone, horn, and euphonium, soon repeats with added counterpoint. Frequent meter changes alternating between 6/8 , 3/4 , and 2/4 characterize the middle section.
    The work eventually makes a transition to the B material and comes full circle, ending with the fanfare of the beginning. The quick tempo is consistent throughout (quarter = 148). Ten players will be needed for the elaborate percussion scoring, including timpani and three mallet players on bells, xylophone, and marimba. The technical skills, combined with the rhythmic and articulation details, place this work at the difficult end of this grade level. This is a colorful and appealing curtain raiser for your next concert. ($50, 2:30, Grand Mesa Music) J.T.

Concert Band - G Force: The Ultimate Roller Coaster Ride

Composed by Dennis Eveland

    Filled with energy (4/4, quarter =156-162) and musical highs and lows, this vibrant composition features interesting lines, rhythmic variety, and driving percussion writing. Precise execution of slurred triplets and syncopated rhythms, consistent articulation of staccato notes throughout, and good blend during f and ff passages are required for a memorable performance of this exciting piece. ($80, 3:15, TRN) M.H.