It never fails!…

This has been around for years, but may be new to some of you (stop me if you’ve heard it!) with apologies for stereotyping!

After a concert band piece has been played and the music is passed back in, you can almost count on the following:

Flute parts will still look brand new.
Clarinet parts will have alternate fingerings written all over them.
Trumpet parts will be torn from fighting over the lead part.
Trombone parts will have spit stains all over them.
Tuba parts will have a footprint in the middle of them.
Percussion parts will never come back.

Dave Liebman in town!

At Stanton’s Sheet Music we’re always looking to give our customers and blog readers a “heads up” on extraordinary musical happenings in and around central Ohio. For all of the in-the-know jazz fans out there, NEA Jazz Master Dave Liebman will be playing two shows at the Vonn Jazz Supperclub on November 2. This concert is being sponsered by the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus. Liebman has been active on the jazz scene for over 40 years and has been a part of many classic performances and recordings most notably with Elvin Jones and Miles Davis. A prominent leader in his own right, he has many recordings under his own name as well. Dave Liebman also has a vast body of work as a jazz education author and clinician. Visit the Jazz Section at the Stanton’s Sheet Music website and click on the Liebman tab. Be sure to shop Stanton’s Sheet Music for all of your jazz sheet music needs, wants and desires!

Violin Duets by Aleksey Igudesman

If you are one of the millions who have checked out Igudesman and Joo on youtube, you know their crazy schtick with violin and piano that calls for brilliant classical technique but a zany sense of humor and knowledge of ethnic styles as well.  If you don’t know them, think Victor Borge on steroids, or the Harlem Globetrotters as musicians in their underwear!  Now add an ethnic twist, such as Latin, Celtic or Klezmer and you get an idea of what Igudesman and Joo are all about.

Click to Watch Video

If you are a working violinist or college student with a leaning toward comedic but technically proficient performance, in recital or gig, the perfect vehicle for you has just become available (you will need a fellow violinist of the same ilk for the full effect).  Aleksey Igudesman has just published three books of music in his own wacky style for two violins that will take a fair amount of rehearsal and a slightly warped sense of humor to work up, but will prove to be the highlights of any performance.  Even if you only do them for your own amusement, they will be a blast, but will definitely take some work to polish up.  They are filled with double stops, flying sixteenth notes, odd meters, tricky rhythms and special effects which all make the final result that much more impressive.  If you are up to the challenge, check out:

Latin & More Violin Duets by Aleksey Igudesman
10 pieces including La Cucaracha, Rumba de Mumbai, On a Bus in Uruguay and more.

Klezmer & More Violin Duets by Aleksey Igudesman
10 pieces including Hava Nagila, The Crazy Bride, Dancing With the Rabbi and more.

Celtic & More Violin Duets by Aleksey Igudesman
10 pieces including Scotland the Brave, Irish Stew in the Morning, Giora Feidman Lost in Dublin and more.

Musical Party Products

May is the month to celebrate special events–come to Stanton’s Sheet Music to find the ultimate party decorations!

We have just received an assortment of plates, napkins, cups and other decorations with musical designs on them.  They can be used for various celebrations like birthdays, graduations, recitals or just to “party!”

Stanton’s is not just a sheet music retailer…it is THE place to buy musical party items as well as gifts. Call us at 1-800-426-8742 or come and see for yourself!

Attention: Young String Players!

The Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestras are holding auditions for the 2011-2012 season on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at the Clark State Performing Arts Center in Springfield, OH. 

Their youth orchestra program features:

• A Side-by-Side concert, with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO)
• Sectional coaching by members of the SSO.
• Chamber music opportunities with Brass and Woodwind Quintets, String Quartets and a Percussion Ensemble. These small ensembles are featured in numerous performances throughout the school year. Students are chosen by audition.
• Master class opportunities with SSO guest artists.
• Project Protégé, a program in which select SYS string players are invited to perform with the Springfield Symphony during a subscription concert.
• A Concerto Competition for SYS seniors, with performance opportunities for the winner.
• Rehearsals and concerts in the world class Clark State Performing Arts Center.

They are auditioning for all orchestral instruments. Download a brochure with application form by clicking here.

Concert Band of Dublin to Perform Inaugural Concert

The newest community concert band to Central Ohio, the Concert Band of Dublin, will perform its inaugural concert on Wednesday, May 18 at Radiant Life Church in Dublin.

Under the direction of Jeff Chesser, one of the band directors at Dublin Scioto High School, the Concert Band of Dublin began rehearsals at the end of January adding a concert band to the Dublin Community Bands organization.  Its other groups include the rebirth of the historic Dublin Cornet Band, the Dublin Silver Band (a British-style brass band), and the Emerald City Swing Orchestra.

The inaugural concert will feature a variety of wind band staples (Second Suite in F – Gustav Holst, An Irish Rhapsody – Clare Grundman, Scenes from the Louvre – Norman Dello Joio); a pops tune (Tijuana Brass in Concert), and a standard march (Henry Fillmore‘s Rolling Thunder).  Also highlighting this first concert will be the featured performance of former Dublin High School band director and trombonist Dr. Jeff Keller on a powerful arrangement of Londonderry Air as well as the third movement of the Philip Sparke Trombone Concerto.

Admission is free, however donations are encouraged.  Follow this link for more information about the Dublin Community Bands, and keep reading this week for a post highlighting the numerous community bands in Central Ohio.

Patriotic Choices for Community Bands

As we inch closer and closer to summer, it’s time to start planning ahead for your community band concerts–and a patriotic theme is always sure to please! Consider one of these new pieces recommended by Stanton’s Sheet Music:

American Salute
Arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 3.5
The monumental Morton Gould variations on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” has been a staple in the orchestra and concert band literature for more than fifty years. An easily recognizable and energetic work, Douglas Wagner has retained the fervor and made this classic work available to a wider variety of concert bands by rescoring the bassoon trio into the clarinet section. Bravo!

Let Freedom Ring 
Arr. Kenny Bierschenk, Grade 4
Simply calling this a great patriotic medley is like calling The Stars & Stripes a nice march. This extraordinary celebration in sound could easily be the soundtrack for the biggest fireworks show on the 4th, brilliantly blending patriotic standards, classic march strains, and rousing Cohan favorites into an all-out goosebump-inducing extravaganza of national pride. Feel free to plan on a standing ovation!

America: The Spirit Lives On!
Arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2.5
As a musical testament to the shared beliefs that we as Americans hold dear, this montage of four patriotic standards celebrates our democratic way of life, while also reflecting on the often-times high price that we as a nation must pay in order to maintain these treasured freedoms. Included in this arrangement are The Star-Spangled Banner; America, the Beautiful; America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee) ; and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. This sparkling arrangement can be performed with your band alone or with optional choir as a rousing concert finale!

For more great community band suggestions, contact Stanton’s band department!

17th Annual Jazz and World Music Festival INVITATIONAL

Stanton’s wants to remind you of the 17th Annual Jazz and World Music Festival INVITATIONAL on Friday, April 8th, 2011.

Bring your students and enjoy six world class artists this year! Don’t miss: the Capital University Big Band with Bobby Shew and Tom “Bones” Malone AND the Air Force Night Flight Jazz Ensemble beginning at 7pm! Details online and complete the application right there–you will not regret it! Additionally there are exciting activities all month long in celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the jazz studies/music industry program

CALLING ALL ALUMS!
Bring your ax and sit in with the group of your choice on Saturday, April 9th from 4-8pm at RICK’S COACHES in Gahanna, Ohio. Featuring the C.U.R.E. – (ROCK Ensemble), the conFUSION BAND, the Jazz Consort, the Jazz Percussion Ensemble, and the Big Band! Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and the first beer is on us for all alums of the program! Stick around afterward for the

Guest Artist/Faculty Jam from 8-11pm

world-renowned trumpeter  BOBBY SHEW

trombonist TOM BONES MALONE from the David Lettermen Show

pianist LUKE GILLESPIE, Indiana, University, Bloomington, IN

woodwind artist RICK CONDIT – McNeese State University, Lake CHarles, LA

the outstanding drumming of REGGIE JACKSON, Columbus, OH

percussionist extraordinaire LALO DAVILA, Murfreesboro State University, TN

…and SPECIAL guest artist from Istanbul, Turkey, bassist KAMIL ERDEM

Visit our website for the entire month’s events!

Lady Gaga for Concert Band!

Give your students what they want this Spring–try one of these new concert band arrangements of Lady Gaga hits from Stanton’s:

LADY GAGA DANCE MIX
Arr. Ted Ricketts, Grade 3
Lady Gaga has taken the pop music world by storm with her distinctive style and well-produced recordings. Featuring her best-known dance hits, each song in this upbeat medley can also be performed individually. Includes: Poker Face, Bad Romance, and Just Dance.

POKER FACE
Arr. Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 2
Featuring a driving rhythmic style and distinctive melodic lines, this megahit from pop icon Lady Gaga works great for young bands. Sean O’Loughlin skillfully retains the sound of the original in this well-scored and effective arrangement.

JUST DANCE
Arr. Paul Murtha, Grade 1.5
Arranged in a driving dance groove and with interesting parts for all players, here is a great-sounding yet easy version of this popular Lady Gaga hit.

For more great recommendations, contact Stanton’s band department!

Patriotic Music for Orchestra!

String Orchestra Spring Concert time is right around the corner, and what better way to “entertain the troops” (your audience) than to “honor the troops” (our armed forces) that are protecting our country. Here are some outstanding patriotic selections at all levels for your string groups:

THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS arr. Chris Donze, Grade 2
Get creative finding a school board member, administrator, local dignitary etc. to provide the narration for this effective musical setting for strings and percussion of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.  With strains of “Old One Hundred,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Amazing Grace” as well as recitation by the students in response to the narration, your group will give honor to all who gave their “last full measure of devotion.”
 
FREEDOM OVERTURE arr. John Caponegro, Grade 2+
A very tastefully arranged medley of “America The Beautiful,” “Marine’s Hymn,” “The Caissons Go Rolling Along,” “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee),” “Anchors Aweigh,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Optional snare and bass drum will add a patriotic touch and an optional piano part can help reinforce the strings.  At about 4 minutes in length, it will be the perfect finale for a young string orchestra concert.

AMERICAN HEARTLAND arr. Larry Moore, Grade 2-3
Stir the emotions of your audience with this heartfelt medley of “America the Beautiful,” “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” There are piano, snare drum and suspended cymbal parts for just the right ambiance and guitar friendly chords are included that will make especially “This Land is your Land” that much more effective.  Effective for junior high/middle school or easy to work up for high school.

AN ARMED FORCES TRIBUTE arr. Andrew H. Dabczynski, Grade 3
Honor American men and women in uniform with this patriotic tribute featuring the signature marches of all five service branches. Stirring melodies, strong rhythmic accompaniments and clever counter-melodies are presented in an up-beat and lively presentation. A heart-warming winner for your audience, it offers a chance to recognize current personnel as well as veterans and their families.

POINT LOOKOUT (A Fantasy on Civil War Songs) arr. Brian Balmages, Grade 4.5
Utilizing special effects such as snap pizzicato, col legno, harmonics and slow quarter tone wobbles, this challenging but amazingly effective fantasy captures all the emotions of America’s sometimes volatile history. Weaving together “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America the Beautiful” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” an outstanding Spring concert selection is here for you to present.

All of these selections are in stock at Stanton’s and ready for immediate delivery. Order yours today, or contact our orchestra department for more information.