Emma Nelson

Concert Program
11/27/2017

MIDDLE SCHOOL WINTER CONCERT

“The Cold Can’t Stop Our Music”

2017
A Festive Fanfare Brian Balmages (b. 1975)
Publisher: FJH Music Company Inc
Time: 2 min
Key/ Meter: Eb major/ 4/4
Tempo/Style: Quarter note= 132/ Festive!
This piece will kick off the concert because it makes the ensemble sound more mature
and sets an exciting entrance for the musicians and the audience. There are reoccurring original
themes and instead of sounding like a medley, it sounds like a fanfare that everyone can enjoy!

African Bell Carol Robert W. Smith (b. 1958)

Publisher: Alfred Publishing Co., Inc.
Time: 2 min
Key/ Meter: Bb major/ 3/4
Tempo/Style: Quarter note= 180/ Comfortable Groove
The concert will continue with this piece because of its darker tone but it’s familiarity
with the audience. The students learn about the sounds of Africa that helped shape this piece
while having fun playing a well know carol. The piece also has a percussion feature which is fun
for everyone.

All Through the Night (Ar Hyd y Nos) arr. Roland Barrett (b. 1955)

Publisher: Alfred Publishing Belwin Division

Time: 3 min
Key/ Meter: Bb Major/ 4/4 and 2/4
Tempo/Style: Quarter note= 69 Cantabile
A slower and calmer piece of music, All Through the Night shows a quieter and more
sophisticated side of the middle school band. Introducing meter changes adds an additional
challenge as well as expression of the singing feeling of the music. It is a great transition after
two lively and upbeat songs.

December Sky Erik Morales

Publisher: FJH Music Company Inc.

Time: 3 min
Key/ Meter: Eb Major/ 4/4
Tempo/Style: Quarter note=88/ Moderato
This piece is a great addition to the slow and relaxing feel of the last piece, but also has
flowing lines to keep the audience listening. It is added this after All Through the Night because
the songs are similar but also contrast in many ways, giving the listener two different ideas of
beautiful music.

Beethoven’s 5th Christmas Mark Williams

Publisher: Alfred Publishing Company
Time: 3 min
Key/ Meter: Eb Major/ 2/4
Tempo/Style: Quarter note=152/ Allegro con brio
After two calmer pieces, it is always nice to bring the audience back with something
lively loud. Nothing says that like Beethoven’s fifth. Students get to know a famous classic while
getting to play a newer version adapted for the holiday season.

Candle Light Carol John Rutter/arr. Jay Dawson

Publisher: Arrangers Publishing Company
Time: 5 min
Key/ Meter: F Major/ 3/4
Tempo/Style: Quarter note= 96/ Gently
After a loud and dramatic piece, I choose to slow back down again for the band’s most
challenging piece on this concert program. This piece has legato flowing lines that give it a
gentle and peaceful feeling, which is perfect to describe the holiday season. With this music, the
students become more independent and really move past their area of comfort in order to gain
more musical skills

All is Well Michael W. Smith & Wayne

Kirkpatrick/arr. Michael Brown
Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation
Time: 3 min
Key/ Meter: Eb Major/ ¾
Tempo/Style: Quarter note= 84/ Slow but moving
This piece is another contrasting work of music that contrasts the last song just like the
other pair did before Beethoven’s Fifth. Both pieces are in ¾ but differ dramatically. This piece
is more like a lullaby, translating the quiet and peacefulness of the holiday season.

Celebrating Chanukah arr. Sandy Feldstein

Publisher: Carl Fischer LLC
Time: 3 min
Key/ Meter: Bb Major/ 4/4
Tempo/Style: Quarter note= 72/ Slowly with feeling
This piece starts slow but also contrasts the rest of the music, and also has a majestic
feeling to it. It also is a great way to include Chanukah into the celebration of the holiday season.
It picks up and is a short medley of different Jewish songs.

…And Goodnight Chris M. Bernotas

Publisher: Alfred Publishing
Time: 3 min
Key/ Meter:
Tempo/Style: Quarter note=
This piece is based off of a famous Brahm’s lullabye. This music is a great way for the
students to know the classics without playing them yet. It is a great transition before a big ending
for the band.

Angels Diggin’ It Gary P. Gilroy

Publisher: Wingert Jones Publications

Time: 2 min
Key/ Meter: Bb Major/ 4/4
Tempo/Style: Quarter note= 112/ Moderato
 This lively piece isn’t challenging but is a lot of fun for the students and audience. The
music includes different popular carols played in the style of a sort of funk. A great enthusiastic
piece for the players and a great way to end the concert!