Songs from the Pomegranate Garden

Downtown no1 from the album “Six for Sax” a jazz and Blues suite-available for Tenor.
Price is for score and parts
Six for Sax is an album of pieces which incorporates rhythmical elements associated with Jazz and Blues styles, as well as written out improvisational material to perform.

There are six very different styles: “Downtown”’(driving 4 @ 2mins 15)  Cocktails,(Lazy blues @2mins.45) “City Lights” (Gritty blues@ 1min 30) “Pot Luck” (straight punchy 4,@1min 30) “Sight- Seeing”(Jazz waltz@2mins 12), “Walk’ in the Rain”(medium swing@2mins 30)

 Part of each piece has a section marked “impro” and this written out section should be interpreted as if improvising.

There are no metronome markings or speeds, but a suggested “feel” which can be interpreted by the player.  Dynamic markings are also minimal to give the player freedom of choice, but articulations have been included where necessary.

The piano parts provide very full support. They have no lead lines and leave the sax to be prominent. The pieces benefit from being in user friendly keys for both players!

The pieces originally started life as exercises, but make ideal concert pieces, and could be used as exercises as part of further study. They are approximately Associated Board Grade 5 to around 7 - advanced intermediate.

"Downtown" for Alto Sax and Piano

Scarborough Fair (for Bb-Trumpet solo and Piano)

Black Widow is an original composition written for string orchestra.

Black Widow (String Orchestra)

Two of the most beloved hymns that are used during the Advent season have been combined, creating a tender new anthem that is scored for a Bb-Trumpet solo with Piano accompaniment. Accessible and appropriate for any church or concert setting.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (with "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence") (Bb-Trumpet solo and Piano)

"Taxi to Motown" is a fun glissando technique piece that shows how students can use glissandi in genres like funk, motown, blues, etc.  It's a piece that also uses lots of syncopation from those genres as well, which not only assists students in reading more complicated rhythms, but opens doors to a whole new world of feeling the pulse in music!

"Taxi to Motown" Glissando Technique Piece for Grade 2 Piano

La Styrienne

A Prayer of Thanks is an intermediate level duet for two violins in the key of D Major.  Note values range from 16th to half.  There is one set of eighth note graces (optional) appearing in the first violin part.  The note range for Violin 1 is D5 - F#6.  The note range for Violin 2 is E4 - D6.  The total duration of the piece is approximately 2:18.  This piece would be appropriate for just about any occasion.  ASCAP

A Pray of Thanks (Violin Duet)

This trio begins with the piano playing the hymn accompanied by the flute and clarinet. The second part begins with the piano accompanying the clarinet which now has the melody and the flute plays a counter melody.   For the final section, the piano accompanies the flute which now has the melody and the clarinet plays the counter melody.  ASCAP

Amazing Grace (Trio for Flute, Clarinet & Piano)

Early Intermediate - Digital Download
Composed by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750). Arranged by James M. Guthrie, ASCAP. Baroque Period, Repertoire, Anniversary, Wedding, Recital. Score, Set of Parts. 11 pages. Published by Jmsgu3 Publications (S0.314595).

Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd (The lively hunt is all my heart's desire), BWV 208 is the earliest secular cantata by Bach composed in 1713 for the birthday of the Duke of Weissenfels. It is also called the Hunting Cantata, and/or the Birthday Cantata. The most famous piece from this collection is the soprano aria "Sheep may safely graze."
Duration: 5:50, Score - 6 pg. Solo part - 2 pg. Piano part - 3 pg. 41 ms. Melodic range: M10 Level: Early intermediate and up. A popular choice for weddings, Christmas, Easter, birthdays and recitals.
Sheep May Safely Graze
Sheep may safely graze (Schafe können sicher weiden) is an aria from the Cantata BWV 208. The title of the Cantata, Was mir behagt, ist nur die muntre Jagd (nicknamed the Hunting Cantata) translates as: The lively hunt is all my heart's desire.

Programming
Similar to Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, or I Stand at the Threshold, it is an all-time favorite and frequently requested at weddings. Originally, Bach composed this aria for a royal birthday celebration, that of the Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels.

Lyrics
Sheep may safely graze and pasture

In a watchful Shepherd’s sight.

Those who rule with wisdom guiding

Bring to hearts a peace abiding

Bless a land with joy made bright.

 
Bach Overview
First of all, Johann Sebastian Bach is maybe the greatest composer in music history. Certainly, he was prolific. As a result, everyone has heard of his works. Furthermore, these works number well over a thousand. It seems like people are probably most familiar with the instrumental works such as the Brandenburg Concertos, and the Goldberg Variations. But, similarly famous are such noteworthy works as the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Musical Offering, and certainly the Art of Fugue. Seems like his most famous vocal works include the most noteworthy Mass in B Minor. Also, most noteworthy, though, are the St. John Passion, and certainly the Christmas Oratorio.

 History
Bach came from a long line of musicians and above all, composers. Consequently, he, first of all, pursued a career as a church organist. So as a result, he gained employment in various Protestant churches in Germany. For a while, he worked as a court musician in Weimar and Köthen. Here he probably developed his organ style and likewise his chamber music style. Eventually, he, therefore, gained an appointment as Cantor of St. Thomas in Leipzig. Here he worked until difficulties with his employer ultimately drove him away. The King of Poland finally appointed him as court composer.

 Style
It seems like Bach created a fascinating new international style. He synthesized elements of the most noteworthy European music ideas into his new style. Even more, this new style was probably his synthesis of European musical rhythm and form. Furthermore, he demonstrated a complete mastery of counterpoint and motivic development. His sense of harmonic organization probably propelled him to the top.

Revival              
Mendelssohn conducted a Bach revival in the nineteenth century. His effort probably helped to re-familiarize the public with the magnitude of Bach’s works. During this period, scholars published many noteworthy Bach biographies. Moreover, Wolfgang Schmieder published the BWV (Bach Werke Verzeichnis). As a result, this is now the official catalog of his entire artistic output. The BWV number allows us to locate a work in the catalog. Sometimes scholars will simply use an “S” (Schmieder) as an abbreviation for “BWV”.

 Voyager      
NASA launched two Voyager spacecraft in 1977. Onboard are phonograph records with sounds, music, and images of life on Earth. The purpose of the launch was to inform intelligent extraterrestrial life forms about conditions on Earth. The music on the disc is varied. There is Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Stravinsky among others. However, because Bach is so important in our music history, it contains three times more Bach that all the others combined.

BACH: Sheep May Safely Graze for Violin & Piano

Alleluia (from "Exsultate, Jubilate") (Tenor Saxophone and Piano)

Black holes are one of the most terrifying forces in our universe, yet they are absolutely essential to the balance and stability of space and time. Visually, they are spots that absorb all light -- they are blacker than black. By scientists have found that they emit a constant B-flat drone.

This work, by C. Foster Payne, is built around that B-Flat. As the band plays the theme you can imagine yourself in a spacecraft slowly approaching the dreadful beauty of a black hole, getting lost in its immensity until you've drifted too close to the singularity's event horizon and you find yourself... trapped!

(Grade 3+)

Singularity

The Joyce Cycle

These 15 carols have been arranged for beginning guitar duo and can be utilized in a couple of ways: they can be played as is or with another guitar (or piano) playing the chords. Parts are not provided as all selections are only one page long or less. Merry Christmas!

Carols included: Coventry Carol, Deck the Hall, The First Noel, God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, Good King Wenceslas, Here We Come A-Caroling, The Holly and the Ivy, I Saw Three Ships, Jingle Bells, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, Joy to the World, O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, Silent Night, What Child is This?

A Christmas Primer (Guitar Duo)

  Click HERE to browse the music.Click the PLAY button for an audio sample!    Unfortunately, your browser does not support the audio element. Please consider an upgrade.    Tomaso Vitale - Chaconne for Violin and Piano        

Chaconne for Violin and Piano

**The original score to the simplified version.**  
For more: take a look at my other scores _(simplified and original)_

**dumb-it-down.com**  
_piano accompaniment made easy_

The piano part of "solo-pieces" is arranged so anybody, with a decent knowledge of piano playing, can accompany.

- the arrangements are meant to be used in lesson by the instrumental teacher who normally can`t play the piano very well (just be honest…)  
- the arrangements can be performed in student concerts, also giving piano students the opportunity to learn to accompany  
- building same aged duos is easy now  
- the essence of the piece will not be lost  
- all pieces can be played with the original solo  
- the massive piano sound is reduced and is much more fitting to the sound of a small student instrument  
- all essential quemotives and rhythms are similar to the original part - the student will therefore not be irritated later  

If you want to stay updated subscribe to the [Youtube channel](www.youtube.com/channel/UC2-mMxkGoN0OxVLQvuJVOmw/) or visit the website [www.dumb-it-down.com](www.dumb-it-down.com/)

**Difficulty Level of the simplified scores**  
The difficulty of all pieces is reduced by at least 50% but always with an open eye for the quality of sound - judge for yourself:  
you can watch the youtube videos, and see some pages of the score.  
The piano score of most of the student pieces are manageable for piano students of the same level - so it's (finally) possible to build duos of the same age.  

**The simplified scores are ratet with a star system:**  
1 star = absolute beginner  
2 stars = beginner / side reading possible  
3 stars = needs an overview before lesson and practice before performing  
4 stars = practice before lesson and prepare own fingering  
5 stars = practice, damn it, practice   
(but hey - it's still easier than the original)  
(+) = playing only left hand gets the job done (in lesson)

Giga (Gigue) from Sonata in d - Op.2, No.7 - for Violin & Piano

Chance is a Grade 2 piece introducing aleatory techniques to young students but still have a playable melody.

Chance

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

This is a theme and variations setting for saxophone quintet (Soprano, Alto 1 &amp; 2, Tenor and Bari).  This arrangement starts with a traditional setting followed by three variations.  The first variation is in the Major, the second is minor and the third is a lively gigue.  It is approximately 2 1/2 minutes in duration.  ASCAP

The First Noel (Sax Quintet) Theme & Variations SAATB

No 6  Walk in the Rain from the album- “Six for Sax” a Jazz and Blues Suite-available for Alto.
Price is for score and parts

Six for Sax is an album of pieces which incorporates rhythmical elements associated with Jazz and Blues styles, as well as written out improvisational material to perform.

There are six very different styles: “Downtown”’(driving 4 @ 2mins 15)  Cocktails,(Lazy blues @2mins.45) “City Lights” (Gritty blues@ 1min 30) “Pot Luck” (straight punchy 4,@1min 30) “Sight- Seeing”(Jazz waltz@2mins 12), “Walk’ in the Rain”(medium swing@2mins 30)

 Part of each piece has a section marked “impro” and this written out section should be interpreted as if improvising.

There are no metronome markings or speeds, but a suggested “feel” which can be interpreted by the player.  Dynamic markings are also minimal to give the player freedom of choice, but articulations have been included where necessary.

The piano parts provide very full support. They have no lead lines and leave the sax to be prominent. The pieces benefit from being in user friendly keys for both players!

The pieces originally started life as exercises, but make ideal concert pieces, and could be used as exercises as part of further study. They are approximately Associated Board Grade 5 to around 7 - advanced intermediate.

"Walk in the Rain" for Tenor Sax and Piano

Featured music

An evocative piece for young band, "The Wounded Warrior" is a fitting tribute to our veterans and would be a perfect Veteran's Day choice. Everyone gets the melody at one point or another and the percussion provide a haunting ostinato.

The Wounded Warrior (Ceremonial March)

This easygoing medium swing tune features solos for Alto and Trumpet and a Basie-inspired shout section. Your band and audiences are sure to love it!

6 Feet Apart

The excitement of a big airport is brought to life in this evocative work, with every section getting a chance to shine.

Runway

Drawing inspiration from the beautiful Big Thompson Canyon of Colorado, the composer shares two contrasting moods - the cool, clear air of a morning enjoying the natural beauty, and the excitement of racing downhill on two wheels.

Air and Allegro (Biking the Canyon)

JINGLE BELL MARCH is a fun march for all types of young bands.  At the same time, an older group could have a lot of fun bringing out many of the “hidden” parts and is easy to work up for that annual Christmas parade! Though the main theme uses a march style of Jingle Bells, there are many other melodies used as counter melodies.  Be sure and bring out each of these on the repeats of each strain.

Jingle Bell March

Glory March

ENTRY MARCH Yes! This is in Bb minor but is still very playable for a young/small band. It has a very understated melody accompanied by a bass/percussion ostinato part that builds throughout the entire march. Low brass/WW are mostly unison and all voices are supported. The percussion is very repetitive with plenty of parts but can be played by a smaller section.

Entry March

ENTHEOS (Grade 3) is a loud and frantic piece. It is the root of the word "Enthusiasm". It was also a celebration of the god Dionysus, where worshippers danced wildly while tearing a wild bull apart with their hands and teeth. This was accompanied by frantic music with loud cymbals.  The score included is 8.5x11. If you need a larger score, you can find it on J.W. Pepper

Entheos

Pomp and Circumstance - The classic Trio from Edward Elgar's March No. 1 in D, this Flex Band arrangement will serve you and your students well for any graduation ceremony that you need to play for.  Written in 5 parts, percussion, and optional piano to fill out voicings, the piece is also written with optional octaves for key parts so even players with not much experience can still play the melody line if needed. There are also director suggestions enclosed within for special situations.

Pomp and Circumstance

NATIONAL PASTTIME MARCHPlaying with the melody from "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" your band will feel like they're at the "old ballgame". They'll get to hit the ball, call the batter out and bring the feel of the game to your audience. This listed as Grade 2 but most of the parts are much easier. The few chromatic sections increase the difficulty from a Grade 1

National Pasttime March

BreakAway (Grade 1) Great piece for that end of year festival piece for beginner band or mid-year for 2nd-year players. There is a LOT of percussion parts to go around but it can be played with much fewer parts. Low brass/WW is unison. Clarinet and trumpet are split but it is for range issues with younger players. Rhythms on these are unison.

BreakAway

BOWIE MARCH is a quick (120bpm) march. It should be played in a very lifted, marcato style through out. Limted syncopation in melody and accompaniment give it a energetic, moving, bouncy motion. Major key of Eb in A section - B section in F minor. Though many parts are split, they are rhythmically unison and often pitch unison. They help mostly with range.

James Bowie March

BATTLE SCAR (Grade 1.5) is an exciting piece for young concert band. While the ranges are suitable for all 2nd-year players, the rhythms and percussion make this a level 1.5. The rhythm for all wind parts are mostly unison. Low brass is almost entirely unison. Percussion is much more aggressive but can be played with fewer players/parts if necessary.

BATTLE SCAR

Fast-paced and exciting piece that would be a great opener for a concert. It immediately grabs the audience's attention and holds it to the end.  Strong rhythms with driving percussion. Duration 3'30"

ANTICIPATIONS

ALPHA MARCH is written for beginner band, it is closer to a Grade 1/2. It uses a very playable tune for that spring contest. ​It incorporates Bb & Eb mini-scales as the melodic theme (no key change!). Everyone gets a shot at the melody!

Alpha March

Alleluia No. 1 For Band

Fun tune for a Fall/Halloween concert. Ranges and rhythms are very playable and lots of fun SCARY sound effects. Creativity is encouraged at making your own sounds.

AAAGGGHHH!!!

Chariot - Intense.  5 Part Flex.  Intense.  Did I say this was an intense piece?  Follow the Chariot through an intense battle and race through the coliseum that includes a great study in triplets, style, blend, and recognizing melody elements. Written with cinematic elements in mind, Chariot will engage your students with awesome intensity and plenty of parts for everyone including percussion.  This is written with high school groups in mind, however an advanced middle school could very easily pull this piece off.  Coming soon with this piece are rhythm study sheets for each instrument.

Chariot

This piece can be used as a concert title or concert march. It unapologetically is based on Holts' Mars piece.

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