“The Educator’s Guide to Grants”

Would you like funding to update your music technology resources? Do you need uniforms or instruments for the marching band? Are you searching for funding for professional development or travel to study abroad? The Educator’s Guide to Grants is designed to help schools and non-profits find funding and create proposals to access funds successfully. Novices just learning to negotiate grant writing and more experienced writers seeking million-dollar awards will find insight and assistance with this guide. A CD-ROM included with the book features a screened list of hundreds of funding sources matched to each grant area.

Shop Stanton’s for your sheet music needs!

Salute America!

Let your concert band show pride in their country with one of these great new arrangements – perfect for your spring or summer concert, or any patriotic occasion!

Aces High
Ron Goodwin, arr. Larry Daehn
Grade 3.5
Aviation history honors the flying aces of the Battle of Britain, as does this stalwart march/movie theme, splendidly executed with powerful, heroically flowing themes laced with spirited woodwind ostinati and triumphant fanfares.

Suite for Band: New England Sketches
Gene Milford
Grade 3.5
A great descriptive suite with outstanding original music by Gene Milford interspersed with familiar old tunes. A masterwork!

The Blue and the Gray
Clare Grundman, arr. Robert Longfield
Grade 3
Published in 1961 commemorating 100 years after the start of the Civil War, Clare Grundman’s classic work has become a staple in the repertoire. Robert Longfield’s adaptation for younger bands maintains the character of the original as well as all of the tunes, but in a shorter and more concise setting.

For more recommendations like this, browse Patriotic music for Concert Band at stantons.com. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

New Star-Spangled Titles for Young Band

Patriotic numbers make the perfect addition to any concert program, but especially as we approach summer! Share one of these fantastic, new selections with your young band:

Brighton Camp
Randall Standridge, Grade 2.5
Using the familiar folk songs Brighton Camp, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, and The Cruel War as a basis, Randall Standridge has created a unique concert march with a built in American history lesson. Perfect to pay tribute to the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, this arrangement works as a patriotic concert selection, march, and as an interesting choice for contest. Its light style, legato vs. staccato rhythms, and section independence will advance your band’s musicianship, and the layering of the various melodies puts this arrangement over the top!

Call to Valor
Scott Watson, Grade 1.5
Valor is defined as “boldness or determination in facing great danger; heroic courage.” “Call to Valor” musically evokes 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. “Call to Valor” is the perfect fanfare opener or exciting closer for your next concert.

Fanfare for the Unsung Hero
Matt Conaway, Grade 2
Stirring and dignified, this original patriotic fanfare is perfect for Memorial Day, Veterans’ Day, or any patriotic celebration, and is an ideal opener. Majestic percussion, stately (and basic) 16th note patterns, and bold brass statements set the stage for a rousing, mature-sounding salute.

To the Colors
Ronald C. Knoener, Grade 2.5
Written in the style of a U.S. Civil War marching song, this enjoyable patriotic march features the historic flag-raising bugle call To the Colors. The lightness of style and battery percussion enhances the character and reverence of this march. Open a concert or patriotic program by processing the colors in to this fantastic, respectful work followed by the Star-Spangled Banner!

For more great suggestions for your young band, contact Stanton’s band department. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Down Front: New Concert Band Solo and Section Features

Do you have an excellent solo player or section that you want to feature on your next concert? Try one of these pieces recommended by Stanton’s Band Department:

Allegro Francaise
F Horn, Trombone, or Euphonium Solo Feature
J. Ed. Barat, arr. Andrew Glover, Grade 3
Barat’s “Andante and Allegro” has been a staple of trombone solo repertoire for decades, and now the Allegro has been excerpted and arranged for the Barnhouse “Spotlight” series by Andrew Glover. An excellent solo to showcase your trombone, euphonium, or horn soloist.

Can’t Help Falling in Love
Alto Saxophone Feature
arr. James Swearingen, Grade 3
Elvis’ classic hit finds inspired life in this romantic ballad beautifully scored to feature your best alto saxophonist.

Cinema Paradiso
Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Alto Sax or Trumpet Solo Feature
Ennio Morricone, arr. Robert Longfield,
Grade 3
From the classic 1988 film Cinema Paradiso, this beautiful theme has been recorded by artists ranging from trumpeter Chris Botti to violinist Joshua Bell. This wonderful setting by Robert Longfield allows you to feature your choice of solo instrument with full band accompaniment. (solo options include: oboe, flute, clarinet, alto sax, or trumpet)

Lightning Fingers
Clarinet Feature
Henry Fillmore, arr. Robert E. Foster,
Grade 4
Lightning Fingers showcases the musical and technical virtuosity of the solo clarinetist in this original work by legendary bandmaster and composer Henry Fillmore. It is a happy, showy display piece which has been enjoyed by generations of performers and audiences alike. Robert Foster’s new edition cleans up some inconsistencies present in older editions and makes it accessible to a new generation of band musicians.

Miss Trombone
Trombone Section Feature
Henry Fillmore, arr. Nicholas J. Contorno,
Grade 3.5
“Father of the Trombone Smear,” Henry Fillmore, wrote a series of fifteen novelty ragtime solos known as The Trombone Family. Miss Trombone – the first of these – was written in 1908. Dr. Contorno’s setting maintains all the fun and mischief of the original.

A Night in Tunisia
Saxophone Section Feature
arr. Paul Murtha,
Grade 3
Authentic, newly inspired treatment of Dizzy Gillespie’s Afro-Cuban groundbreaker features your saxophone section as it deftly shifts between swing and Latin styles, and sizzles with rich jazz flavors.

Overture for Brass Quintet & Band
Brass Quintet Feature
Clarence Barber,
Grade 4
Literature for brass quintet with band is scarce and this is a welcome addition to the repertoire that demonstrates the versatile sonority of both the brass quintet and concert band. It is melodic yet contemporary with unusual rhythmic and harmonic twists.

For more solo and section features, contact Stanton’s Band Department. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Show-offs: New Solo and Section Features for Young Band

Is your young band filled with a bunch of show-offs and attention grabbers? Let them put their skills to the test with one of these great section features!

Chillaxin’
Trumpet Section Feature
Matt Conaway, Grade 1
Feature your trumpet section on this laid back, groove-rock tune with the slang title. It’s all here: 12-bar blues form, a tune that follows the chord changes (open it up to feature some middle school soloists!), a solid bass line, and 8th note rhythmic breaks. This chart makes it on authenticity and your students will have fun!

The Elephants (from Carnival of the Animals)
Low Brass Section Feature
Camille Saint-Saens, arr. Matt Conaway, Grade 1.5
Bring those low voices into the spotlight! In this setting from Saint-Saens’ “Carnival of the Animals,” Matt Conaway has created an accessible and audience-friendly feature for those oft-forgotten basses in the back that is also a fun choice for recruiting performances!

Trumpets of Symphony Hall
Trumpet Section Feature
arr. Todd Stalter, Grade 1.5
Add a touch of light novelty to your concert, introduce your band to some standard classical themes, and feature your trumpets all at the same time! Your audience will enjoy the variety of this arrangement showcasing themes by Beethoven, Mozart, Dvorak, Haydn, Brahms, and more, while your trumpet section and ensemble navigate multiple changes of playing style and dynamics.

UFO
Euphonium Feature
Edward Kennedy, Grade 1
The title of this work conjures up images of outer space and flying saucers. However, it’s also a pun on the affectionate name often given to the Euphonium in the U.K. and Australia: EUPHO. This exciting work will give your euphonium or baritone players a chance to shine and have some fun, either as soloists or in a section feature.

Walking the Planks
Mallet Percussion Feature
Robert W. Smith, Grade 0.5
Using a nautical theme, Robert W. Smith has created this work to reinforce musical concepts and highlight this crucial area of skill development for percussionists. Using only six notes, the melody flows seamlessly across the planks while providing a delightful musical experience for all. The optional accelerando leads to a very exciting conclusion.

For more great suggestions for your young band, contact Stanton’s band department. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

From Prime Time to the Silver Screen for Band!

The soundtracks from our favorite movies and TV shows offer a wealth of great music that can “walk the line” between pop and classical. Choose one of these great arrangements recommended by Stanton’s band department:

Music from Brave
arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 1.5
Here are the main themes from the popular Disney/Pixar movie Brave in a concise and easy to learn setting for very young players. Sure to sound great with limited rehearsal time.

Highlights from Brave
arr. Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 3
Featuring a marvelous blend of Celtic-flavored themes, Patrick Doyle’s soundtrack from the blockbuster Disney/Pixar film Brave ranges in mood from haunting and lyrical, to powerful and majestic.

Dark Shadows
Danny Elfman, arr. Victor Lopez, Grade 2.5
Director Tim Burton brings the cult classic series Dark Shadows to the big screen. A great opportunity to introduce cinematic soundtrack, this medley certainly depicts the intensity of Danny Elfman’s original score.

Game of Thrones
arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2
The dark and dramatic theme from the popular HBO series Game of Thrones is one of the most distinctive and effective themes for TV or film to come along in several years. Arranged in a powerful setting for young bands, this is sure to be a hit with your students.

Highlights from How to Train Your Dragon
John Powell, arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2
Composed by John Powell, the exciting and emotionally powerful music from the DreamWorks film How to Train Your Dragon has taken on a life of its own. Here is an adaptation for younger bands by Johnnie Vinson that includes the tender lyricism as well as dramatic heroic moments of the original.

James Horner Movie Magic
arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
James Horner has written some of the most memorable and striking movie themes of the past 30 years, and Michael Brown has assembled several of them in this stunning medley – “The Bioluminescence of the Night” (from Avatar), “Southampton” (from Titanic), “The Plaza of Execution” (from The Mask of Zorro), Rocketeer Main Theme, and Theme from Field of Dreams.

Skyfall
arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 3
The theme to the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall was co-written and performed by popular British singer-songwriter, Adele, and won both the Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Faithful to the original, Jay Bocook’s arrangement for band is sure to spark your students, and be a hit with your audience!

For more great suggestions for your concert band, contact Stanton’s band department. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Vintage Vinyl: New Arrangements of Classic Pop and Jazz for Band

When you consider your options for programming pop music titles this spring, remember there is a wealth of classic pop and jazz available in quality arrangements for your concert band. If your students aren’t already familiar with these timeless hits, it’s YOUR job to educate them:

Best of Chicago
arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 2
The early hits by supergroup Chicago were remarkable for their driving rock style combined with a distinctive and integral use of horns. Here’s a fast-paced and dynamic medley for young players that includes the familiar tunes Make Me Smile, Saturday in the Park, and 25 or 6 to 4.

Can’t Help Falling in Love
arr. James Swearingen, Grade 3
Elvis’ classic hit finds inspired life in this romantic ballad beautifully scored to feature your best alto saxophonist.

Come Fly with Me
arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
Written for Frank Sinatra and the title track of his 1958 album, this wonderful big band-style arrangement remains masterfully true to the original recording. Perfect for pop, summer, or community band concerts!

Legends of Jazz
arr. Stephen Bulla, Grade 4
Learning opportunities just seem to go hand-in-hand with this outstanding medley of milestones in American jazz, each a classic in its own style: Boplicity (Miles Davis), ‘Round Midnight (Thelonious Monk) and In a Mellow Tone (Duke Ellington).

Moon River
Henry Mancini/arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
From the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Henry Mancini’s iconic ballad has been recorded by countless artists over the years. Arranged as a flexible solo vehicle for vocalist or instrumentalist, this finely crafted setting will certainly add a special moment to any concert.

A Night in Tunisia
arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 3
Authentic, newly inspired treatment of Dizzy Gillespie’s Afro-Cuban groundbreaker features your saxophone section as it deftly shifts between swing and Latin styles, and sizzles with rich jazz flavors.

Rock, Roll, and Remember (A Tribute to Dick Clark)
arr. Ted Ricketts, Grade 3
Since the 1950s, the name Dick Clark has been synonymous with the hottest names in popular music. Appearing on his long-standing series American Bandstand was a hit parade of trend-setting artists. Here is a fun, fast-paced medley of some of the signature moments from the Dick Clark era: Bandstand Boogie, Rock Around the Clock (Bill Haley), The Twist (Chubby Checker), Don’t Worry Baby (The Beach Boys), Light My Fire (The Doors), Rockin’ Robin (The Jackson Five), and YMCA (The Village People). Also included is an optional tag on Auld Lang Syne , remembering many years of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.”

The Rolling Stones on Tour
arr. Patrick Roszell, Grade 3
The legendary Rolling Stones are celebrating their 50th anniversary, so why not celebrate with them? This arrangement, approached in a straight-ahead rock fashion, combines the dramatic Paint It, Black, the beautiful Ruby Tuesday, and the rocking (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction into a tour de force for your concert band.

For more great suggestions for your concert band, contact Stanton’s band department. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Concert Bands Assemble! Superhero Arrangements for Band

Want to be a hero to your students this spring?
Program one of these exciting arrangements featuring some of our favorite “good guys.” They are sure to engage your students, delight your audiences and still offer the educational elements and challenges that are important for strengthening your musicians!

The Avengers
Alan Silvestri, arr. Michael Brown
Grade 3
Marvel’s “The Avengers” are here and more popular (and powerful) than ever! Alan Silvestri’s main theme perfectly portrays the drama and grit of the film, and Michael Brown skillfully brings this energy and excitement to the concert stage.
Avengers Assemble!

The Dark Knight Rises
Hans Zimmer, arr. Ralph Ford
Grade 3.5
Poignant with bold striking musical punctuation, this comprehensive medley recreates chilling musical moments from the intense finale to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. Includes “Rise,” “On Thin Ice,” and “Imagine the Fire.”

Selections from Batman: Arkham City
arr. Michael Story
Grade 2
From the acclaimed video game soundtrack, Batman: Arkham City includes three prominent, yet contrasting themes. This through-played medley is certain to energize players and audiences alike. Game on!

For more quality, pop arrangements for your concert band, check our previous blogs with Music of Adele, Music from the Hunger Games, and Modern Pop Hit for Concert Band. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

Music of Adele for Concert Band

No pop artist is currently more universally popular or successful than Adele.  Her second studio album, 21, was the biggest selling musical release for both 2011 and 2012.  It featured three #1 hits, spent 24 weeks at #1 in the U.S. – the first album to do so since 1985, and has sold over 26 million copies through 2012!  The #1 single Rolling in the Deep is the fourth song in history to win Grammy awards for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year in the same year, and with over 7,600,000 copies sold, it is the highest selling digital song by a female artist in the U.S., and the second-highest overall.  Add to that an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song for Skyfall, the latest James Bond movie theme which she both co-wrote and performed, and you have an artist riding the crest of success.  There are several Adele hits available for concert band that are perfect for spring concert programming and community bands, and are sure to be a hit with your students and audience!

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs.

Adele in Concert
arr. Michael Brown
Grade 3
Certified Diamond with over 10 million copies sold, Adele’s second studio release 21, topped the charts in 30 countries, including spending 24 weeks at #1 in the U.S. – the first album to do so since 1985!  Michael Brown’s great-sounding arrangement features all three #1 singles from the album: Rolling in the Deep, Someone Like You, and Set Fire to the Rain.

Rolling in the Deep
arr. Robert Longfield – Grade 1.5
arr. James Kazik – Grade 2
Winning 3 Grammy awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video, hit single Rolling in the Deep from the album 21 by Adele is the biggest crossover hit in the U.S. from the past 25 years!  Spending 65 weeks on the charts, your students will love the opportunity to play this hit that Adele describes as a “dark, bluesy gospel disco tune.”

Skyfall
arr. Jay Bocook
Grade 3
The theme to the latest James Bond movie, Skyfall was co-written and performed by popular British singer-songwriter, Adele.  Featuring musical characteristics of previous Bond movie themes with hints of THE James Bond Theme thrown in for good measure, Skyfall won both an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song.  Faithful to the original, Jay Bocook’s arrangement for band is sure to spark your students, and be a hit with your audience!

Music from The Hunger Games for Band

With an initial print run of 200,000 copies, no one knew the success on the horizon for Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games.  The initial title in the trilogy has sold over 1 million copies, been translated into 26 languages with publishing rights secured in 38 territories, and has resulted in a 2012 feature film co-written and co-directed by Collins herself.  The books and movies are popular across all age groups, and there are several arrangements perfect for spring concert programming featuring James Newton Howard’s haunting score and soundtrack hits by popular crossover artist Taylor Swift.

Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
                                                                                                                                               

Film Score Arrangements

Music from The Hunger Games
James Newton Howard, arr. Michael Brown
Grade 2
The Hunger Games has been popular with teens, tweens, and adults, and themes from James Newton Howard’s hauntingly beautiful film score have been arranged for developing band. Legato phrasing, articulation, dynamics, expression, some 16th note patterns, and a memorable theme make this powerful work great for teaching while keeping ranges accessible. With many interesting sounds and textures, film scores are fun to play, and provide great entry points into symphonic music.

Soundtrack Highlights from The Hunger Games
James Newton Howard, arr. Jay Bocook
Grade 3
The film score of James Newton Howard effectively captures the mood and drama of the blockbuster movie The Hunger Games. In this masterful adaptation for band, Jay Bocook showcases the highlights from the score including a distinctive treatment of the haunting Mockingjay call.
                                                                                                                                               

Hit Songs from the Soundtrack

Eyes Open
arr. James Kazik
Grade 2
From singing superstar Taylor Swift comes this hit song from the blockbuster movie The Hunger Games. This version for young players stays true to the original light rock style and will go together quickly with limited rehearsal.

Safe & Sound
arr. James Kazik
Grade 2
Featured on the soundtrack to The Hunger Games, Safe & Sound is a mysterious, haunting hit song recorded by Taylor Swift featuring The Civil Wars.