EASY TO MEDIUM LEVEL

I hope you enjoy these works for younger bands! Simply click on the title or thumbnail of each to be taken to its score PDF and recording. There are also links to video scores on my Youtube Channel. Thanks for taking time to listen!

"A MIDCENTURY MARTIAN" / Grade 3

In the 1950's, the Russians captured an unsuspecting alien. Seeking to keep this alien a secret, they decided to keep it underneath the home of composer, Dimitri Shostakovich, because, well.....who would look there?? This is the life of a MidCentury Martian, living in Shostakovich's basement.

Dedicated lovingly to my zany friend, Liz Love.

"ARACHNIPOCALYPSE" / Grade 2.5

"A Spider's March to World Domination"

Commissioned for the Rollings Middle School Symphonic Band, Marie Evans, Conductor for their performance at the 2024 SCMEA Inservice Conference.

Arachnophobes, BEWARE!

"13 STRIPES, 50 STARS" / Grade 2

Inspired by the pictures of thousands of American Flags along the National Mall during the COVID-restricted Inauguration in 2020, this is a celebration of American resilience and determination.

Premiered by the SCBDA Region IV Junior Honor Band, Gretchen Bowles, Region Chair.

"STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT" / Grade 2

Star Light, Star Bright was inspired by a tune played by nearly every beginning musician in the US: "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star." The meaning is twofold: It pays tribute to the tune we played as beginners and reminds us that our starting experience is always a star in the night sky to which we can refer to find our way in unprecedented times like these. It is also a reminder of and tribute to the musicians and teachers who played a vital role in our developing as musicians and as people.

Dedicated to Connie Grantham

Published exclusively by C. Published exclusively by C. Alan Publications and available for "Flex" Band and Orchestra.

LETTER TO CLAIRE / Grade 3

Solos in the flute, oboe, alto sax, and trumpet help to paint a picture of this beautiful text:
There are rays of sunlight in drops of rain.
There is healing in the simplest of places.
There is a grounding and a hope in love.
There is beauty in humanity.
There is warmth in light and truth.
There are all of these things in music.
You are music.

to Claire Bogdan

"IN MY PERFECT PLACE" / Grade 3

Commissioned by Connie Grantham and the Fort Mill Middle School Band in South Carolina, this is an energetic, introspective celebration of a wonderful young lady, Jenna Witherspoon who lost her life to cancer in at age 12, just 2 days after Christmas in 2006. Her story is one of inspiration and joy in the midst of tragedy.

"SARCOPHAGUS" / Grade 3

Sarcophagus is a depiction of the dances of the immortals who are not bound by the confines of their tombs. Whispers and chants from the ensemble combine with fast-paced melodies to make this a spooky and exciting addition to a concert!