Concert March- Salutation was commissioned by Japanese conductor and broadcaster Yutaka Nishida a dear friend of the composer Philip Sparke. Salutation follows fairly conventional march form. A short fanfare introduces the main theme played by clarinets and saxophones. A bridge passage mainly in the brass heralds a change of key and a legato second subject again played initially by the clarinets which leads to the conventional trio theme which is then repeated by the full band. Sections of the second subject lead back to the home key and a return of the main theme embellished with woodwinds.

on themes from Saint-Saëns' 3rd Symphony

Concert March- Salutation was commissioned by Japanese conductor and broadcaster Yutaka Nishida a dear friend of the composer Philip Sparke. Salutation follows fairly conventional march form. A short fanfare introduces the main theme played by clarinets and saxophones. A bridge passage mainly in the brass heralds a change of key and a legato second subject again played initially by the clarinets which leads to the conventional trio theme which is then repeated by the full band. Sections of the second subject lead back to the home key and a return of the main theme embellished with woodwinds.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Bicycle Race - Who Wants To Live Forever - We Are The Champions-The British rock band Queen formed in 1970 are one of the most popular bands of all time. The music of Queen already exists in numerous instrumental arrangements at all kinds of levels. However arranger Philip Sparke has taken a unique approach: he has created an exceptional medley in a challenging symphonic style from four of their greatest hits: 'Bohemian Rhapsody’ 'Bicycle Race’ 'Who Wants to Live Forever’ and 'We Are the Champions’.

for Euphonium and Concert Band

for Trombone Quartet

Jesu bleibet meine Freude from Cantata 147-Bach’s appointment as the Cantor at Leipzig’s Thomaskirche in 1723 required him to produce a new cantata for every Sunday service. Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring is taken from his Cantata No.147 and is unusually elaborate treated more like an aria than a chorale. It is perhaps the best-loved cantata movement from Bach’s entire output and is a certain crowd pleaser for your concert programme.

20 Progressive Pieces with Piano Accompaniment-Philip Sparke’s Skilful Solos is the second volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series Starter Solos this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Solos introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrumental ranges new notes being introduced in a gradual and logical manner. Skilful Solos comes with a play-along CD. The advantages of playing eitherwith piano or CD accompaniment are that the beginning player can now experience 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 achieved when playing alone. Philip Sparke’s Skilful Solos is the second volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young string player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series Starter Solos this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Solos introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrumental ranges new notes being introduced in a gradual and logical manner. Skilful Solos comes with a play-along CD. The advantages of playing either with piano or CD accompaniment arethat the beginning player can now experience 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 achieved when playing alone.

The title of this work refers to the Tall Ship Race in which large sailing ships annually appear at various European destinations. The work consists of a slow introduction which describes the majestic sailing ships; and a faster section ( Vivo ) which begins in the style of a sea shanty. Now the ship is under full sail and we hear a reprise of material from the introduction to bring the piece to a close.

The tune Old Hundredth is one of the best-known melodies in all Christian musical traditions and first appeared in the 1551 psalter Pseaumes Octante Trois de David where it is used as a setting for a version of Psalm 134; it is usually attributed to the French composer Louis Bourgeois (c.1510 - c.1560). The melody was then used in 1561 by the Scots clergyman William Kethe in Sternhold and Hopkins’ Psalter for his paraphrase of Psalm 100 - All People that on Earth do Dwell which is still the most familiar hymn sung to this noble tune. When Tate and Brady’s New Version of the Psalms was published in 1696 the melody became know as the ‘old’ version - henceits current title. This arrangement presents three contrasting verses and is effective as a concert piece as well as an instrumental interlude as part of a church service or wedding.

10 Selected Solos with Piano Accompaniment-Philip Sparke’s Super Solos is the third volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first two books in the series ( Starter Solos and Skilful Solos ) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musicians. Specifically tailored for each instrument Super Solos extends technical and musical demands takes the player into new keys with larger instrumental ranges and adds new notes in a gradual and logical manner.The books provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method. Including play-along CD.Philip Sparke’s Super Solos is the third volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first two books in the series (Starter Solos and Skilful Solos) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musicians. Specifically tailored for each instrument Super Solos extends technical and musical demands takes the player into new keys with larger instrumental ranges and adds new notes in a gradual and logical manner. The books provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method. Including play-along CD.

for Trombone and Brass Band- Sambezi is the brass band version of the last movement of Philip Sparke’s Trombone Concerto . It starts in a joyful and outgoing mood with the soloist playing a carefree samba tune. A jazz-in uenced central tune explores the higher ranges of the trombone before the samba rhythms set up a ‘contest’ between the soloist and the band’s trombone section. The soloist is the eventual ‘winner’ and he celebrates by reintroducing the samba melody before bringing the work to a virtuosic close. A real treat for your trombone soloist.

On a poem by Laurence Binyon- In Memoriam: For the Fallen was commissioned by Bolsover District Council for the Bolsover Brass Summer School 2014. It is a setting for narrator and band of Laurence Binyon’s (1869-1943) poem For the Fallen which was first published in The Times in September 1914. The poem is known world-wide as the famous fourth stanza (They shall grow not old…) has become a regular part of Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day services. In Memoriam: For the Fallen is a musical accompaniment to the poem shadowing the mood of each stanza.

A Fantasy on the Hymn Tune 'Helmsley'- With Clouds Descending is a fantasy on the powerful Advent hymn Helmsley which is long associated with another Advent hymn - Wesley’s Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending . The hymn tune is divided into an introduction and three completeverses of Helmsley which surround a slower central section whose melody is derived from the last line of the hymn tune. Philip Sparke’s grade 4 arrangement of this majestic piece for Concert Band is equally suitable as a concert opener or amain concert piece.

Part of the Anglo Music Play-Along Series Philip Sparke’s 15 Easy Christmas Carols is aimed at the young instrumentalist who can play just over an octave. Specifically tailored to suit the individual instrument this book introducesthe beginning player to the world’s most popular Christmas tunes by selecting simple yet attractive melodies that fit their limited range. This book will provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method and includes both pianoaccompaniment and a demo/play-along CD.

for Oboe and Concert Band-Composer Philip Sparke decided to use the idea of white to write a piece that was both bright and light in terms of harmony colour and orchestration. He achieves this by using simple major and minor chords and emphasising the pure transparent timbres of the upper woodwinds of the band. He was also keen to capture the essence and history of the oboe as a solo instrument. A perfect way to put your oboist in the spotlight.

Quelle est cette odeur agreable-‘Whence is that Goodly Fragrance Flowing?’ is the first line of an old French Christmas song that originated in the 17th century. In 1728 John Gay used this joyous and markedly festive melody that honours Jesus Christ and His miraculous birth in his Beggar’s Opera . Philip Sparke has given this melody a new lease of life with his charming and imaginative arrangement for the Christmas season.

10 Selected Solos with Piano Accompaniment-Philip Sparke’s Super Solos is the third volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first two books in the series ( Starter Solos and Skilful Solos ) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musicians. Specifically tailored for each instrument Super Solos extends technical and musical demands takes the player into new keys with larger instrumental ranges and adds new notes in a gradual and logical manner.The books provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method. Including play-along CD.Philip Sparke’s Super Solos is the third volume of a progressive series of solo books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first two books in the series (Starter Solos and Skilful Solos) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musicians. Specifically tailored for each instrument Super Solos extends technical and musical demands takes the player into new keys with larger instrumental ranges and adds new notes in a gradual and logical manner. The books provide invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method. Including play-along CD.

Bolero was originally written as a ballet for a famous ballerina and achieved great success on the stage. Nowadays the ballet itself is only rarely performed and even though Ravel thought the orchestra would seldom play it it has become one of the best-loved pieces for the concert stage. This arrangement by Philip Sparke keeps very close to the original score in this melodically and rhythmically unique work.

These 30 Original Chorales and Warm-Ups have been designed to develop the most important aspects of band playing by providing material that can be used at the start of a rehearsal to test balance dynamics tuning flexibility and articulation. Band directors are encouraged to adapt them to address the specific needs and challenges of their ensembles. Dynamics and tempo indications are not given and should be chosen by the director as required. All the chorales are strictly four-part. This multi-purpose collection is an essential purchase for every ambitious band!