Works for British-style Brass Band
An Amish Crazy Quilt
The most original piece you will play this year, or probably any year.
A three movement work based on music of the Indiana Amish. Only moderate in difficulty, but will take some rehearsal time to play well. An Amish Crazy Quilt is woven from the tapestry of the unusual musical influences in the life of the Amish in Indiana. The three movements each present, musically, an aspect of modern Amish life:
Movement I, “Shipshewana Sunday Morning,” depicts a church service in a northern Indiana Old Order Amish home, including not only the Amish hymn "Lob Gesang" ("Song of Praise") but also the preaching and praying in the typical Amish chanting sing-song fashion. The Amish song leader and preachers are represented by standing soloists on euphonium, soprano cornet and flugel. (duration 4'45")
Movement II “Adams County Yodeling” is a portrait of the Swiss Amish in Indiana's Adams County, who yodel like their Swiss ancestors (it sets them apart - not so much from the "English" but from the other Amish). The titles of the several yodels mixed into this movement include everyone's favorite: "Mie Fater Ish a Kahser Zieh" ("My Father Is a Cheesemaker"). (duration 4')
Movement III, "Rumspringa (Teens running around - and returning)” takes on this most misunderstood of Amish rituals. Upon reaching 16, many Old Order Amish teens explore things that have been forbidden since birth - cars, music, liquor, and drugs - but some ninety percent of Amish teens eventually return and are baptized into the Amish faith. One such odd youthful journey is stuffed into this miniature tone poem portraying buggy and car rides, hymn sings, rap and rock music, a wild party and the protagonist's return to the faith, all in eight minutes! Your band will be challenged by the Ives-like beginning (different hymns played at different tempos by small groups of the band - all mapped out quite clearly but still tricky) but will most enjoy playing the pseudo rap and stadium rock tunes - as the teen speeds his car, CD player blasting, through the Amish night. (dur. 8')
Movement I, “Shipshewana Sunday Morning,” depicts a church service in a northern Indiana Old Order Amish home, including not only the Amish hymn "Lob Gesang" ("Song of Praise") but also the preaching and praying in the typical Amish chanting sing-song fashion. The Amish song leader and preachers are represented by standing soloists on euphonium, soprano cornet and flugel. (duration 4'45")
Movement II “Adams County Yodeling” is a portrait of the Swiss Amish in Indiana's Adams County, who yodel like their Swiss ancestors (it sets them apart - not so much from the "English" but from the other Amish). The titles of the several yodels mixed into this movement include everyone's favorite: "Mie Fater Ish a Kahser Zieh" ("My Father Is a Cheesemaker"). (duration 4')
Movement III, "Rumspringa (Teens running around - and returning)” takes on this most misunderstood of Amish rituals. Upon reaching 16, many Old Order Amish teens explore things that have been forbidden since birth - cars, music, liquor, and drugs - but some ninety percent of Amish teens eventually return and are baptized into the Amish faith. One such odd youthful journey is stuffed into this miniature tone poem portraying buggy and car rides, hymn sings, rap and rock music, a wild party and the protagonist's return to the faith, all in eight minutes! Your band will be challenged by the Ives-like beginning (different hymns played at different tempos by small groups of the band - all mapped out quite clearly but still tricky) but will most enjoy playing the pseudo rap and stadium rock tunes - as the teen speeds his car, CD player blasting, through the Amish night. (dur. 8')
"America the Beautiful"
An arrangement of the beloved American national hymn with optional chorus and/or optional audience sing-along. Flashy but comes together quickly.
"Fanfare in Bb" for Three Trombones and Brass Band
"O, Holy Night"
An arrangement of Adolphe Adam's classic Christmas song, for Duet (Euphonium and Eb Tuba, or Two Euphoniums) and Brass Band. A hit whenever it is played. All the colors of the brass band are explored in the gorgeous (but easy) accompaniment while the featured duet parts are lyrical and just a bit high.
British comedians Tony Hancock, Joan Turner and Jimmy Edwards in a 1954 photo