Children’s Music

Hosanna!

Children's choir, with or without SATB, piano accompaniment, and optional recorder descant

Approx. perf. time: 3:40

Prices:
     PDF – $10.00
     Printed copies – $1.25

Scored for children's choir with SATB, but there is also a version for children's choir only available (unison with optional second part).

Suitable for Palm Sunday, especially. Its Jewish flavor makes it ideal for a Palm Sunday processional, complete with waving palm leaves.

Unfortunately, although it has been performed several times in a number of different churches, I have not been able to get a decent recording of it, so the demo recording presented here is done with electro-acoustic instruments.

34 Kb

3.5 Mb

Fanfare for the Kommon Kid

Show piece for intermediate band or orchestra

Approx. performance time: 2:15

OK, I admit it: I “borrowed” heavily from Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. I would like to think he might be flattered that I pay tribute to him in this fashion (imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, so they say). Truth is, he's probably turning over in his grave.

This piece was commissioned by the Vogelweh and Kaiserslautern Elementary Instrumental programs in Kaiserslautern, Germany, for the 1990 MENC World's Largest Concert. It was premiered by the combined band and orchestra from those two schools in March, 1990. The kids were unnecessarily and unduly excited that the composer was there to conduct.

This piece is available in two forms: one for intermediate concert band and one for intermediate orchestra.

Unfortunately, I have no recording of that performance, so the demos presented here are done with virtual instruments (the Garritan Personal Orchestra and Finale).

Oh, and I generally despise this sort of cutesy title, but the directors who commissioned it prevailed upon me. Hope it doesn't scare you away...

Band
version

287 Kb

Band
version

2.2 Mb

Jolly Ol’ Nick

Theme & variations with a twist for beginner/intermediate concert band

Approx. performance time: 5:00

This is an ideal piece for that first (or second) Christmas concert for the beginner band. Based on the traditional “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” this short piece features each section of the band in its own special variation.

The introduction and theme features the entire band, and passes the melody around from section to section. Variation 1 features the brass section in a marchlike rendition. Variation 2 features the woodwinds in a charming waltzlike version. Variation 3 features the percussion section with a little salsa.

This is not only an entertaining little concert piece, it is also a great learning piece, helping to teach the kids (and the audience!) the differences between the sections, a little rhythmic variety, and a classic compositional form.

This piece was commissioned and premiered by the elementary band at Vogelweh (DoDDS) Elementary School in Kaiserslautern, Germany, during their Christmas concert in 1989.

Unfortunately, I have no recording of that performance, so the demo recordings here are done with virtual instruments.