Ave Maria
J. DesPrez
Arranged by Travis M. Ramsey
concert band
GRADE 5
This fresh arrangement opens with a canonic four-part clarinet soli, which gradually unfolds into florid counterpoint with many parts jumping in and out of the texture. Woodwinds and brass then alternate tutti phrases as the piece nears its climax. The ending is simpler, returning once again to the clarinet soli and ending very softly. The composition is a great way to introduce your students to the work of a Renaissance master while at the same time building their skills of blending independent lines in balance.
(item no. 2114)
Bright Before Us
Travis M. Ramsey
Commissioned by Peter Martin
for The Casco Bay Concert Band
concert band
GRADE 5
Coming Soon!
(item no. 2116)
Concert March No. 1
Travis M. Ramsey
concert band
GRADE 3
This stately march opens with a majestic fanfare that develops into a solemn processional. Alternating moving lines let students work on building their balance and blend skills. The 'B' section modulates to G-flat major, then returns to B-flat major for the conclusion.
Coming Soon!
(item no. 2112)
Dark Eyes
Traditional
Arranged by Travis M. Ramsey
Commissioned by Tom Lizotte (Cape Elizabeth, ME)
for Mark Manduca (Portland, ME)
trombone solo with piano
GRADE 6
This setting of the familiar Russian folk song begins with an authoritative trombone cadenza, then takes the theme through several variations. The conclusion brings the solo part to a high E-flat. Also available with accompaniment by concert band (gr. 3-4), see item 3013.
(item no. 3012)
Dark Eyes
Traditional
Arranged by Travis M. Ramsey
Commissioned by Tom Lizotte (Cape Elizabeth, ME)
for Mark Manduca (Portland, ME)
trombone solo with concert band
GRADE 6
This setting of the familiar Russian folk song begins with an authoritative trombone cadenza, then takes the theme through several variations. The conclusion brings the solo part to a high E-flat. Also available with accompaniment by piano only, see item 3012.
Listen to mp3.(item no. 3013)
Loomings
Travis M. Ramsey
concert band
GRADE 6
A four movement composition for advanced bands based on Melville’s novel Moby Dick. The first movement, 'Loomings,' follows Ishmael’s musings about fate and water; 'Jungfrau' is an arrogant scherzo about a ship he encounters at sea; 'The Rachel' is a heartbreaking adagio about a crew who lost a sailor at sea; 'The Chase' tells the tale of Ahab’s pursuit of the whale.
(item no. 2115)
The Ballad of Johnny: Two American Folk Songs
Travis M. Ramsey
concert band
GRADE 4
The impetus for this piece was a general music lesson on American Folk Songs. In class, I challenged fifth graders to identify similarities and differences between Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier and When Johnny Comes Marching Home. Of the two songs, the former is a lament from the American Revolution and the latter a march from the Civil War. When one student asked whether the Johnny in the two songs was the same person we discussed how Johnny represents all American soldiers (we also discussed the merits of paying closer attention in math class). After class, as I considered the connections of the two songs myself. I found that the two "fit" together very well contrapuntally with only a few modifications. And thus, The Ballad of Johnny was born: a tribute to the every day sacrifice of the men and women in the armed services.
(item no. 2113)
Three New England Sketches
Travis M. Ramsey
Commissioned by Suzanne Wood (Hartland, VT)
for the Hartland Elementary School Band
concert band
GRADE 2
Coming Soon!
(item no. 2111)
Excelsior!
Travis M. Ramsey
concert band
GRADE 5
A rousing opener for your concert! This piece begins with a brass declamation in D minor, punctuated by woodwinds and percussion. The theme evolves into a more lyrical passage (but maintains the lively tempo). For the conclusion, the theme is re-interpreted in D-flat major. Lots of fun for players with a few harmonic surprises along the way.
Listen to mp3.(item no. 2117)