Sneaky
|
Concert Band Level 2
QLD IMC Level 4 Sneaky tells the playful story of a quiet character creeping up on something. The articulations should be light and bouncy to reflect the careful tiptoeing movement of the character, and dynamic contrast should be exaggerated to build the excitement and suspense of the story. In the middle section (bar 29), the character becomes distracted and drifts into a brief dream where the music relaxes and takes on a more flowing, imaginative feel. This section should be smooth and well-connected across the ensemble. Suddenly remembering the mission, the character soon snaps back to reality and resumes sneaking with a renewed focus. The flute and oboe countermelody from bar 58-64 should soar over the other woodwinds. Just as success seems possible, the character is caught in the final bar with a surprise. Throughout the piece, the percussion should be prominent, providing the special effects to the music and the story. The solo flute and trumpet motifs can be played to the room rather than the marked dynamic. For theatrical effect (optional), an ensemble member/s can sneak up on the conductor. To purchase this work or for more information, please contact the composer directly. |
|
Ironbark Waltz
|
Concert Band Level 0.5-1
QLD IMC Level 2 Standing tall and mighty, the ironbark tree is a symbol of strength and resilience in the Australian landscape. Its dark, grooved bark and towering branches have withstood the test of wind, rain and fire for thousands of years. While the roots are firmly grounded, the leaves sway high up in the air, almost like they are dancing. Ironbark Waltz captures this balance between strength and movement and the lasting connection of the ironbark tree to the land. Ironbark Waltz helps introduce young musicians to simple triple time and foundational ensemble skills. The piece uses a combination of unison and group rhythms and contrasting dynamics ranging from p to f, while engaging with the imagery of the ironbark tree. From bars 9-24 and 57-72, the lower voices of the ensemble play on beat 1 providing rhythmic stability – the strong roots – as the middle and upper voices create the waltz feel on beat 2 and 3 – the dancing leaves. The contrasting dynamics through bars 25-56 depict variation in the breeze as it blows through the tree. To purchase this work or for more information, please contact the composer directly. |
|
Songs of Swagmen
|
Concert Band Level 3
Songs of Swagmen is a concert band arrangement of two traditional Australian folk songs, Waltzing Matilda and The Old Bark Hut. Bringing these familiar melodies to the concert band, the work celebrates Australia’s folk music heritage and the stories of life in the bush. Through the distinctive character of each song, Songs of Swagmen captures the spirit of the Australian swagman and the enduring musical traditions of the outback. To purchase this work or for more information, please contact the composer directly. |
|
The Journey Home
|
Concert Band Level 1.5
QLD IMC Level 2 The Journey Home is a lyrical concert band work that explores the idea of a journey through music. Along the way, moments of tension and uncertainty gradually give way to resolution, creating a sense of movement towards a familiar and comforting destination. The piece introduces young musicians to the expressive possibilities of the concert band, with several extended phrases that create space for the tension and resolution of the harmony. In bars 23–24, the melodic line emerges across the ensemble, passing between different sections and demonstrating how a musical idea can be shared between voices. Written in alignment with Level 2 of the Queensland Instrumental Music Curriculum, The Journey Home incorporates a range of developing musical concepts, including dotted crotchet-quaver rhythms, ritardando and fermata, and canon. These techniques are integrated into the work rather than presented as isolated exercises, encouraging students to develop both their technical skills and their understanding of ensemble expression. To purchase this work or for more information, please contact the composer directly. |
|
Froggy Frolic
|
Concert Band Level 0.5
QLD IMC Level 1 Froggy Frolic is a playful concert band piece that captures the lively movements of a frog on the move. The bouncing bass line depicts the frog jumping from place to place, while the playful “pa-pa” figures in the other parts give the music its frolicking character. Written in alignment with Level 1 of the Instrumental Music Curriculum, Froggy Frolic incorporates arpeggios and a six-note scale, introducing these concepts within an engaging and characterful ensemble setting. Through its contrasting musical ideas, the piece encourages young musicians to develop their technical skills while bringing the playful imagery of the music to life. To purchase this work or for more information, please contact the composer directly. |
|
The Cool Change
|
Concert Band Level 0.5
QLD IMC Level 1-2 The Cool Change captures the atmosphere of a storm rolling in, using a minor tonality to create a sense of anticipation and unsettledness. The music then shifts into a brighter major section—the “cool change”—before returning to the minor sound as the stormy atmosphere returns. Written as a stepping stone between Level 1 and Level 2 of the Instrumental Music Curriculum, the work uses only the first six notes of the minor key. This provides students with accessible melodic material while introducing them to the expressive possibilities of changing tonality and musical character. To purchase this work or for more information, please contact the composer directly. |
|