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Alum Creek Music Catalogue

Arban, The Carnival Of Venice

Euphonium Solo

US $68.00, UK £54.50

The Carnival Of Venice is arguably everyone's favourite solo, especially the version by Arban (1820 - 1869), author of the famous brass-playing method book still in regular use today.  Young soloists aspire to master the necessary techniques, accomplished soloists know that it is a "sure fire" winner with audiences and listeners love to be dazzled by a virtuoso display of variations on a theme they easily recognise.

 

The theme is a traditional Italian song and has inspired variations for almost every possible instrument.  Arban's famous variations were written in 1864.  The arrangement remains faithful to the original while maintaining interest in the accompaniments by varying the orchestration.  Although the arrangement is listed as featuring the euphonium as the solo instrument, it can also be used successfully as accompaniment for a cornet soloist.

 

The arrangement has been recorded by Jeff Binns, euphonium, and St Louis Brass Band, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, on the CD Strike Up The Band and by Anthony Avitollo, euphonium, and Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, on the CD Around The World.

 

Clarke, From the Shores Of The Mighty Pacific

Cornet Solo

US $75.00, UK £60.00

Herbert L. Clarke (1867 – 1945) is regarded by many as one of the finest cornet players of all time, noted not only for his amazing technique but also for his warm, lyrical tone.  He has left a multitude of cornet solos as well as collections of studies which are still very widely used.  He was a member of The Sousa Band briefly in 1893 and then from 1898 to 1917 where he was not only the distinguished cornet soloist but also became assistant director.

 

From The Shores Of The Mighty Pacific is an all-time favourite rondo-caprice cornet solo and was first published in 1912.  A brass band arrangement was requested by Chris Lichtler, principal cornet of Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Dr. Keith M. Wilkinson.  Chris has performed it many times with BBWR and it was recorded by them on the CD, Without Reserve!.

 

Clarke, The Maid Of The Mist

Cornet Solo

US $50.00, UK £40.00

Herbert L Clarke (1867 - 1945) is regarded by many as one of the finest cornet players of all time, noted not only for his amazing technique but also for his warm, lyrical tone.  He has left a multitude of cornet solos as well as collections of studies which are still very widely used.  He was a member of The Sousa Band briefly in 1893 and then from 1898 to 1917 where he was not only the distinguished cornet soloist but also became assistant director.

 

The Maid Of The Mist dates from 1912 and is named after the famous sightseeing boat trips at Niagara Falls.

 

This arrangement was prepared for a concert in May, 2009, given by Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, in which Michael Sachs, principal trumpet of the Cleveland Orchestra, appeared as guest soloist.

 

Herold, Zampa

US $140.00, UK £112.00

The opera, Zampa, was first performed in Paris in 1831 and over the next 50 or so years enjoyed frequent performances and remained extremely popular.  Since the dawn of the 20th century the popularity of the opera has waned somewhat but the overture has continued to be one of the composer's most famous works and is a staple of the orchestral repertoire.

 

This brass band transcription was prepared for Brass Band Of The Western Reserve and it has been extremely well-received on their concerts.

 

Holst, In The Bleak Mid-Winter

Tuba Quartet or Large Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble

US $6.00, UK £5.00

The beautiful setting by Gustav Holst of words by Christina Rosetti is a firm favourite.  This arrangement was made at the request of the organisers of TubaChristmas, Medina, Ohio in 2002 where Keith was guest conductor.

 

Humperdinck, Evening Prayer
Cornet Duet

US $30.00, UK £24.00

This beautiful music is from the end of Act 2 of the opera Hansel and Gretel by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck (1854-1921).  The duet is a prayer by the brother and sister as they seek the protection of angels before falling asleep on the forest floor.  The opera, Humperdinck's most famous composition, is based on the fairy tale by the Grimm brothers, and has libretto by the composer's sister.  It was first performed in December, 1893.


Innes, Seashells Waltz

Trombone Solo
US $95.00, UK £76.00
Frederick Innes (1854 - 1926) was born in London and studied at the London Conservatory Of Music.  After touring as a trombone soloist around Europe he settled in USA where he was one of the featured soloists of the Gilmore Band, later forming his own touring band.  He is credited with being a pioneer in demonstrating the abilities of the trombone as a solo instrument.
 
This arrangement was prepared at the request of Brett Baker.

 

Joplin, Maple Leaf Rag

US $43.00, UK £34.50

This very popular classic piano rag by the "King Of Ragtime" dates from 1899.  It is possible that the composition was named after the Maple Leaf Club in Sedalia, Missouri, where the composer had frequently performed.

 

The arrangement was prepared for a concert by Brass Band Of The Western (Music Director: Dr Keith M Wilkinson) entitled, "From Sea To Shining Sea" in November, 2016.

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Picchi/Mantia, Fantasie Originale

Euphonium Solo

US $80.00, UK £64.00

Simone Mantia (1873 - 1951) was born in Italy and moved with his family to USA in 1881.  He developed an early interest in playing the euphonium and from 1898 to 1904 was the euphonium soloist of the Sousa Band.  This solo was written by him to demonstrate both the operatic qualities of his instrument as well as its outstanding technical possibilities.  The solo is based on themes by the Italian composer Ermano Picchi (1811 - 1856), Mantia weaving his virtuosic variations around the thematic material provided by Picchi.

 

This arrangement was prepared at the request of Aaron VanderWeele, euphonium soloist of the New York Staff Band, for his UK tour in 2008.

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Pryor, Fantastic Polka

Trombone Solo

US $75.00, UK £60.00

Arthur Pryor is remembered primarily for his 12 years as the amazing trombone soloist with The Sousa Band.  However, he was also a prolific composer and conductor, forming his own band following his years with Sousa.  He wrote many trombone solos designed to dazzle audiences with his virtuosity.

 

This brass band version was prepared at the request of The Black Dyke Band, musical director Nicholas J Childs, for a recording project with Ian Bousfield, principal trombone of the Vienna Philharmonic, titled Pryor Engagement.  It has also been recorded by Brett Baker with Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, on the CD Slides Rule!

 

Puccini, O Mio Babbino Caro (O My Beloved Father)

Trombone Solo

US $30.00, UK £24.00

This famous aria is from the opera Gianni Schicchi.  Lauretta, daughter of Gianni Schicchi, has fallen in love with Rinuccio but there are huge tensions between their two families which threaten to keep the young couple apart.  The rather discordant music which opens portrays these tensions before giving way to Lauretta's tender appeal to her father to allow her to marry the man she loves.  

 

This arrangement was prepared at the request of Brett Baker to be performed with Brass Band Of The Western Reserve, musical director Dr Keith M Wilkinson, during his visit in May, 2011.

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Rowlands, Blaenwern

US $40.00, UK £32.00

This arrangement is dedicated to the memory of a much-loved friend and wonderful cornet player, Stephen Howard.  Stephen played with the Clacton-on-Sea Band, conducted by his father Robert, and was a frequent guest with the G.U.S. Band directed by Dr. Keith M Wilkinson.  Indeed, only a few weeks before his untimely death in 1984, Stephen had played principal cornet with the G.U.S. Band on a tour of Switzerland, performing outstandingly at each concert.

 

The arrangement was first performed at Stephen’s Memorial Service in October, 1984.

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Saint-Seans, French Military March

US $74.50, UK £60.00

French Military March (Marche Militaire Francaise) is the final movement of the Algerian Suite (Suite Algerienne) by Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921).  The suite was first performed in 1880 and this stirring march has become a strong orchestral favourite.

 

This arrangement was prepared for the highly successful 1995 tour of Switzerland by the William Davis Construction Group Band (music director, Dr Keith M Wilkinson).  It has been performed regularly since that date, always receiving enthusiastic audience acclaim.

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Scottish Traditional, Auld Lang Syne

US $34.00, UK £27.00

It is a tradition in most English-speaking countries to sing this song at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve to usher in the New Year.  The words are at least partially written by Robert Burns and the words "Auld Lang Syne" literally mean "old long ago" or "the good old days", providing a moment of reflection before moving forwards into the New Year.

 

The tubular bells, although pitched, sound midnight when they enter.

 

This arrangement was prepared for Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, to perform at First Night, Akron, Ohio, December 31st, 2007.

 

Some choreography, including audience participation, is suggested.

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Scottish Traditional, Ye Banks And Braes

Trombone Solo

US $40.00, UK £32.00

The origins of this melody are unknown but, set to the poem by Robert Burns, this has become one of the most popular Scottish songs.

 

This arrangement was prepared at the request of Brett Baker for one of his many visits to perform as a soloist with Brass Band of the Western Reserve and its musical director Keith M Wilkinson.  It has been recorded by Brett with BBWR on the CD Slides Rule!

 

Simons, Atlantic Zephyrs

Trombone Solo

US $63.50, UK £51.00

Soloist, composer and teacher Gardell Simons (1878 - 1945) achieved national prominence as trombone soloist with the Sousa Band.  He later successfully made the transition to the orchestral world and became principal trombone in the Cleveland Orchestra as well as being professor of trombone at the Curtis Institute Of Music in Philadelphia.

 

This solo dates from 1915 and describes the soft, gentle breezes of Summer.  Maybe the atmosphere surrounding the many outdoor concerts in which the composer performed were his inspiration.  This brass band arrangement was prepared at the request of Brett Baker for his visit to perform with Brass Band Of The Western Reserve, musical director Dr Keith M Wilkinson, in May 2010.  

 

Smith/Wilkinson, Fanfare And The Star-Spangled Banner

US $32.00, UK £25.50

A short, stirring fanfare leads to an inspirational presentation of The Star-Spangled Banner which is designed for audience participation.

 

This setting was prepared for the Summer concerts presented by Brass Band of the Western Reserve in 2007.

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Sousa, El Capitan

US $48.50, UK £39.00

El Capitan was originally an operetta which was first produced in Boston in 1896.  It was initially very popular and there are occasional revivals even to this day.  The march of the same title uses themes from the opera and was also published in 1896.  One notable feature - resulting from the use of themes from the operetta - is the abrupt transition from 6/8 to 2/4 half way through the march.

 

This arrangement was prepared for the 2013 Summer concerts of Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Dr Keith M Wilkinson.

 

Sousa, King Cotton

US $48.50, UK £39.00

This march was written in 1895 when the Sousa Band played for three weeks at the Cotton States And International Exposition.  This was a time when in southern USA cotton production was vitally important - the phrase Cotton is King was appropriate and widely used.

 

This arrangement was prepared for the 2010 Summer concerts of Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Dr Keith M Wilkinson.  The staging directions for back-row cornets in the last section will enhance the performance.

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Sousa, The Liberty Bell

US $55.00, UK £44.00

This march, written in 1893, was originally destined for inclusion in an operetta but after the composer had witnessed a spectacle called "America" in Chicago, which had as its backdrop a huge painting of the Liberty Bell, it was given the name by which it has become famous.  Further recognition has come in more recent years by the adoption of the march as the signature tune for the popular TV programme, Monty Python.

 

The arrangement includes several solos for a large unpitched bell which add aural (and visual) interest.  It has been recorded by Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, on the CD Slides Rule!

 

Sousa, Semper Fidelis

US $58.00, UK £46.50

This march was written in 1888 and dedicated to the US Marine Corps, later being adopted as its official march.  At the time of its composition Sousa was director of the US Marine Band.

 

This brass band version contains a small amount of optional movement around the stage and a percussion feature.  These will enhance the presentation.

 

The arrangement was prepared for the Summer concerts presented by Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Keith M Wilkinson, in 2008.

 

Sousa, The Thunderer

US $56.00, UK £45.00

This march, one of Sousa's most popular compositions, was written in 1889 and was dedicated to the Knights Templar of Washington, D.C.  Sousa had been knighted by that organization three years earlier.  The origins of the name of the march are unclear and the march is noteworthy not only for Sousa's usual creative skills but also for the use, in two sections of the march, of military-style percussion and, in the last section, of featured fanfares.

 

This arrangement was prepared for the 2009 Summer concerts of Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Dr Keith M Wilkinson.  The arrangement highlights the particular features mentioned above and performances will be enhanced by following the indicated staging directions.

 

Tchaikovsky, March (The Nutcracker Suite)

US $54.00, UK £43.50

Tchaikovsky's extremely popular ballet, The Nutcracker, was first performed in December 1892.  Earlier in the same year the composer extracted several movements from the ballet to form a concert suite.  The first performance of the suite was conducted by the composer and the suite was immediately received with huge enthusiasm.

 

This arrangement was originally made for the GUS Band while the arranger was its Music Director.

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Tchaikovsky, March Slav

US $140.00, UK £112.00

March Slav was composed in 1876 for a charity concert to support the war in the Balkans.  It was completed in the remarkably short time of 5 days and was encored twice at its first performance!  The themes are based loosely on Serbian folk songs and there is also a reference to the Russian national anthem.  The mood is funereal in style at the opening but this gives way to a very triumphant style by the end. 

 

This arrangement was prepared for the 2007 Summer concerts of Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director Dr Keith M Wilkinson.  It has been recorded by BBWR on the CD Slides Rule!

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Traditional, Amazing Grace

(Optional) Bagpipes & Brass Band

US $40.00, UK £32.00

There are several occasions when a brass band is invited to play along with bagpipes and one of the first titles to be mentioned is the American traditional hymn melody, "Amazing Grace".  This arrangement was prepared for one such occasion when Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director, Dr Keith M Wilkinson, was invited to play at a wedding in 2007.

 

Parts for bagpipes are included in Concert Pitch (as shown in the full score) and in Db, the key in which they are normally pitched.

 

There are optional parts which make the arrangement equally effective without bagpipes.  A suggestion when this version is used is to place the cornet soloist at the beginning some distance from the band.

 

Traditional, We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Choir (Optional) Bell Choir & Brass Band

US $30.00, UK £24.00

This traditional carol is arranged for band and chorus with optional bell choir.  It was designed - and has been used effectively in this way - as a short encore to a Christmas concert.  It is possible to invite the audience to join the final chorus (letter C).

 

Vivaldi, Largo (Winter)
Trombone Solo

US $34.00, UK £27.50

In 1723 Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) composed four concerti for violin and small orchestra entitled The Four Seasons.  Winter is the fourth of these and the Largo is its central slow movement depicting a cosy scene by the fireside watching the falling rain.

 

This arrangement was prepared at the request of Brett Baker and has been recorded by him accompanied by Brass Band Of The Western Reserve, music director Dr Keith M Wilkinson, on the CD Slides Rule!

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Vivaldi, Winter

Trombone Solo

US $110.00, UK £88.00

In 1723 Antonio Vivaldi (1678 - 1741) composed four concerti for violin and small orchestra entitled The Four Seasons.  Winter is the fourth of these.  Each concerto is comprised of three movements and paints sound pictures of the particular season.  In this one we hear music describing harsh winter winds and icy snows, enough to make teeth chatter, in the first movement, a cosy scene by the fireside watching the falling rain (second movement) and the harsh winds, ice and snow return in movement 3.

 

This arrangement was prepared at the request of Brett Baker and has been recorded by him accompanied by Brass Band Of The Western Reserve, musical director Dr Keith M Wilkinson, on the CD Slides Rule!

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Zimmerman, Leona

Trombone Solo

US $70.00, UK £56.00

Leopold A Zimmerman (1866 - 1935) was trombone soloist in the Sousa Band, succeeding Arthur Pryor in that position, in the early part of the 20th century.  This famous solo dates from that period.  The brass band arrangement has been requested by Brett Baker who gave the first performance of this version in August, 2012.

 

 

 

SOLOS WITH PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT

Puccini, O Mio Babbino Caro

Trombone Solo

US $6.00, UK £5.00

(Solo parts are also available for Horn in Eb and Horn in F)

 

Scottish Traditional, Ye Banks And Braes

Trombone Solo

US $8.50, UK £7.00

(Solo parts are also available for Horn in Eb and Horn in F)

 

Vivaldi, Largo (Winter)

Trombone Solo

US $6.00, UK £5.00

(Solo parts are also available for Horn in Eb and Horn in F)

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