The Ukrainian Bell Carol is part of a large choral work entitled Shchedryk by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych (1877-1921). The tune is an adaptation of an old 'shchedrivka' a song traditionally sung on Ukrainian New Year's Eve (January 13th) which hopes for good fortune in the year to come. The tune has since been the inspiration for at least four different Christmas carols of which Carol of the Bells is the most famous. Philip Sparke has sourced the original Ukrainian melody to create this stirring arrangement. The Ukrainian Bell Carol is part of a large choral work entitled Shchedryk by the Ukrainian composer Mykola Dmytrovich Leontovych (1877-1921). The tune is an adaptation of an old 'shchedrivka' a song traditionally sung on Ukrainian New Year's Eve (January 13th) which hopes for good fortune in the year to come. The tune has since been the inspiration for at least four different Christmas carols of which Carol of the Bells is the most famous. Philip Sparke has sourced the original Ukrainian melody to create this stirring arrangement.

Claude Debussy wrote his two books of piano Preludes late in life between 1909 and 1913. The 12 short pieces in each book display a rich variety of styles moods and emotions almost a summing up of his compositional output and each has its own evocative title. The Girl with the Flaxen Hair is the 8th Prelude in the 1st book and popular for its emotional depth despite its technical and harmonic simplicity. Indulge your band with this delightful arrangement.

Manhattan was commissioned by the United States Army Band for their solo cornet player Woodrow English and first performed by them in Carnegie Hall New York in November 2003. The two-movement work demonstrates both the lyrical and technical abilities of this outstanding player. The 'theme' is a weekend in New York and the opening bluesy movement Saturday Serenade describes the city on a Saturday night. While writing Sunday Scherzo the composer pictured an early morning jog in Central Park. This vivaciously rhythmic second movement ends with an even quicker coda bringing the work to a brilliant close. Each movement can also be playedindividually when a shorter solo is required.

Sparkling woodwinds and majestic brass come together to bring us a wonderful arrangement of this classic carol! Each of the four verses are treated differently creating beautiful textures and a multi-faceted setting of the familiar tune. This fresh new arrangement for developing bands is a great choice for both church and school!

20 Progressive pieces for Trumpet/Cornet/Flugel Horn with Piano Accompaniment-Philip Sparke’s Starter Solos is the first volume of a progressive series of books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument this collection of 20 solos starts with pieces based on only a handful of notes and carefully introduces new musical elements such as articulation dynamics and key signatures in a structured progression to speed the learning process. The books provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method. Starter Solos comes with a play-along CD. The advantages of playing either with piano or CD accompaniment are that the beginning player can nowexperience the important aspects of ensemble playing from their earliest lessons thus developing the essential skills of listening while they play and maintaining strict tempo which is not always a factor when playing alone. Twenty progressive pieces with piano accompaniment for Trumpet Cornet or Flugel Horn.

The Four Noble Truths are the most basic expression of the teaching of Buddha and therefore still form the guidelines for Buddhists to this day. The four truths are Dukkha which describes times of major stress in our lives - birth aging desire and death; Samudaya which describes those parts of our life that induce stress feeling craving desire; Nirodha which tells us how to eliminate those aspects of our lives which induce stress and Magga which describes the eight didciplines which can help us eliminate the origins of stress from our lives. It can be seen from these over-simplified definitions that the Four Noble Truths fall into two pairs the first two describingthe origins of stress and the second two describing how we can reduce stress. To reflect this the four movements of this work are also combined into two pairs - two quick movements and two slow movements. A fascinating work from this great English composer.

Sparkling and majestic brass playing introduce this wonderful arrangement of the classic carol! Each of the four verses are treated differently creating beautiful textures and a multi-faceted setting of the familiar tune. This fresh new arrangement for developing bands is a great choice for both church and school!

Band director and radio presenter Yutaka Nishida hails from Tokyo and is the Frank Renton of the Japanese brass band world. He presents a weekly two-hour music programme on the Japanese national radio station Digital Radio Musicbird. The programme is called The Bandwagon and the station commissioned Philip Sparke to compose a march which could be used as the theme tune. The result is this bright and breezy march in simple ABA form. A great lively item for any concert.Band director and radio presenter Yutaka Nishida hails from Tokyo and is the Frank Renton of the Japanese Brass Band world. He presents a weekly two-hour music programme on the Japanese national radio station Digital Radio Musicbird. The programme is called The Bandwagon and the station commissioned Philip Sparke to compose a march which could be used as the theme tune. The result is this bright and breezy march in simple ABA form. A great lively item for any concert.

This is an ancient Welsh air that was first published in Relics of the Welsh Bards in 1794. Dafydd (David) Owain was a famous Welsh bard who lived on a farm called Gareg Wen (The White Rock) in Eifionydd Carnarnvonshire North Wales. Tradition has it that on his deathbed he called for his harp and composed this lovely melody requesting that it be played at his funeral. Accordingly it was later played at the parish church of Ynys-Cynhaiarn. Lyrics were later added by Ceiriog Hughes which describe the melody's inspiration. This version for concert band retains all the beauty and simplicity of the original.

Philip Sparke composed Processional as a wedding present for two of his friends. It is an extremely versatile piece as it can be played simply as a concert piece but has been designed specifically for occasions such as weddings or graduation ceremonies where it?s duration can be altered according to your needs.A must for any ceremonial occasion.

The Camelot Chronicles is a series of contrasting musical tableaux each describing the famous characters from the Arthurian legend. Noone knows exactly where Camelot was situated (favourite choices areTintagel and Glastonbury) but the story has passed into legend and isthe subject of many poems and novels each of which have cloudedthe truth and added to the mystery. Let Philip Sparke?s music inspireyour band with this magical tale.

The Irish folk tune which appears towards the end of the piece is Slane a hymn tune version of the much older folk melody The Banks of the Bann . In Prelude on an Irish Folk Tune fragments of the folk tune hint at what is to come later in the piece but another folk-like tune is predominant. This later acts as a descant to Slane when it finally appears. Add a little Sparke sparkle to any concert with this lovely interlude.

Whilst making no claims to be stylistically authentic this little piece aims to capture the infectious spirit of mariachi a word whose origins are lost in the mists of time but which describes not only the performers (on guitars vihuelas violins trumpets and harp) but also the music itself. Their music speaks of love passion politics life in the country and revolutionary heroes but is unerringly uplifting in style and immediately recognisable as the spirit of Mexico. A chance to add that Spanish flavour to your concerts.

from Symphony No 6-This beautiful melody is taken from the final movement of Beethoven's sixth symphony which has the title Shepherds' Song: grateful feelings towards God after the storm. Bring the classic period alive with this great arrangement by Philip Sparke.

The melodies harmonies moods and rhythms of Norwegian folk songs and dance (even the sounds of Norwegian folk instruments) permeate the music of Edvard Grieg (1843-1907). After studying in Leipzig and Copenhagen he returned to Norway and a chance meeting with Norwegian nationalist Rikard Nordraak ignited his interest in folk music and laid the foundation for his compositional style. His most famous orchestral works are the Piano Concerto (1868) and the incidental music to Ibsen’s play Peer Gynt (1875). He wrote many collections of folk music for piano and these two tunes come from his 25 Norwegian Folk Songs and Dances op. 17.

In Classic Hymns Philip Sparke has taken 10 of the best-loved hymn tunes popular around the world and used them as the basis of a collection of short recital pieces ranging from simple descant arrangements to a full-blown theme and variations. Ideal for concert or contest use these charming pieces range in mood from triumphal to reflective and can provide that ‘musical moment’ and a time for meditation in church services and religious occasions of all kinds.

from Hymn of the Highlands - Euphonium Solo-The Summer Isles are a group of islands located off the North West coast of Scotland which are famous for their wildlife. This piece written for solo euphonium and brass band reflects the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the islands. The wonderful melodious nature of the euphonium is displayed in this piece and the opening theme is followed by melodic interplay between the soloist and cornets. This piece will surely be enjoyed by any audience. The Summer Isles are a group of islands located off the North West coast of Scotland which are famous for their wildlife. This piece written for solo Euphonium and Brass Band reflects the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere of the islands. The wonderful melodious nature of the Euphonium is displayed in this piece and the opening theme is followed by melodic interplay between the soloist and cornets. This piece will surely be enjoyed by any audience.

Wachet auf ruft uns die Stimme-This enchanting melody is from the fourth movement of Bach’s Cantata 140 which was composed in 1731 using the parable of the wise and foolish virgins as the text. The work is beautiful in its simplicity with only three melodic lines demonstrating Bach’s counterpoint at its best. For greatest effect it is suggested that the cornets and trombones play behind the band or to the right and left of the stage.

Elegy for Band-The initial idea was for a millennium piece which it is but rather than add to the many celebratory pieces that have understandably been written to salute the 3rd millennium Philip Sparke thought it would perhaps be appropriate to think about the aspects of life that are constantly with us (such as faith and philosophy) rather than the exciting changes that the year 2000 has undeniably wrought. This calm meditative work will bring a moment of serenity and reflection to any concert.

from The Danserye-This sparkling dance from the 1500s will bring a unique musical quality to your concert programme. Ancient rhythmic and harmonic sounds will delight your audience as you perform this endearing outdoor piece to be played strong and full of life.