Ok Fred

From the opening sound of field drums and distant muted trumpets this well-crafted arrangement takes this familiar Civil War anthem through a variety of moods and styles. Building to a dramatic full ensemble climax, it then very effectively tapers to quiet ending.

Here is one of those standards that continues to sound fresh every time it's played. This nice and easy swing version by Mark Taylor is written in a Basie style and features wonderful ensemble scoring, solos for alto and trumpet, and a short sax soli.

With a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek show biz razzle dazzle, this energetic closer starts out with a 2-beat feel, then follows with a full ensemble shout chorus and dynamic ending.

Here is the ultimate collection of Patriotic songs arranged to be played by either full band or by individual soloists (with optional accompaniment CD). For each song in the individual student books, there is a page for the full band arrangement as well as a page for solo use. In the same popular format as Michael's Movie Favories and Broadway Favorites, each arrangement in Patriotic Favorites is correlated with a specific page in the Essential Elements 2000 Band Method. However, you don't need to be using this particular method to enjoy these wonderful arrangements! Includes: America, The Beautiful; America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee); Armed Forces Salute; Battle Hymn of the Republic; God Bless America; Hymn to the Fallen; The Patriot; The Star Spangled Banner; Stars and Stripes Forever; This Is My Country; Yankee Doodle/Yankee Doodle Boy.

The simplicity and beauty of Pachelbel's haunting theme has made it one of the most famous classical compositions ever written, as evidenced by recording sales. Calvin Custer's adaptation keeps the integrity of the original Canadian Brass arrangement.