These eight little solos are intended to supply easy descriptive pieces for the beginner horn player which are not only beneficial for technical development but will also be useful performance material. The tunes are characteristically horn-like in nature.

In this exciting suite Philip Sparke sets out to capture the essence of his hometown London with each of the three movements depicting one of the many characteristics of this fascinating city. Skyline shows the frantic lifestyles of Londoners with millions of diverse people with different hopes and needs. Autumn shows the changes that take place in London during the different seasons and Downtown portrays the exciting nightlife of the West End.

The Latin American mood of the piece is a salute to the population of California a state which many feel still clearly displays its Mexican roots. The melody and intoxicating rhythm of the music oozes excitement thus ensuring every single member of your audience will go home in a joyous mood!

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.

MOON SONG SUN DANCE was scored originally for flugel horn and brass band. The transcription for piano accompaniment has been written by the composer. The work is in two contrasting movements which can be performed separately or together.

40 Progressive Duets for Oboes-Philip Sparke’s Skilful Duets is the second volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series ( Starter Duets ) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Duets introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrument ranges; the concept of tempo and style indications is also introduced. Skilful Duets provides invaluable additional material to complement anyteaching method. Philip Sparke’s Skilful Duets is the second volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series (Starter Duets) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Duets introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrument ranges; the concept of tempo and style indications is also introduced. Skilful Duets provides invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

from the Paramount Pictures THE GODFATHER-Francis Ford Coppola‘s 1972 film The Godfather is seen by many to be a turning point in cinematic history. The sparse score written by Nino Rota is famous for its haunting main theme played by a solo trumpet from which The Godfather Waltz is derived. Philip Sparke has created a stunning arrangement of this theme which appears in all three parts of the trilogy.

Exultation is a short and energetic concert opener that is similar to a palindrome. A fanfare opens the work juxtaposing 3/4 and 6/8 reminiscent of Latin-American music. The main theme is first heard on the euphonium horns and saxophones which is very bluesy. The contrasting second theme is short and spikey and played by the bass instruments of the band. A lyric melody emerges as the rest of the orchestra joins in. The second theme reappears which leads back to the ‘blues’ melody which leads back to the opening fanfare. Palindromic! Exultation is a short and energetic concert opener that is similar to a palindrome. A fanfare opens the work juxtaposing 3/4 and 6/8 reminiscent of Latin-American music. The main theme is first heard on the euphonium horns and saxophones which is very bluesy. The contrasting second theme is short and spikey and played by the bass instruments of the band. A lyric melody emerges as the rest of the orchestra joins in. The second theme reappears which leads back to the blues' melody which leads back to the opening fanfare. Palindromic!

The well-known 16th Century canon by Thomas Tallis is as effective as it is simple. This arrangement includes four verses of the melody: the first in the form of canon; the second for brass; the third for woodwind and the fourth for the entire orchestra. Philip Sparke’s arrangement is also well suited for incomplete brass ensembles.

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!

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.

15 Progressive Duets for Horns-Philip Sparke’s Super Duets is the third volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first books in the series ( Starter Duets Skilful Duets ) this collection contains longer pieces that are suitable for the more advanced player. Specifically tailored for each instrument Super Duets takes the player into new keys with new technical and musical challenges and contains pieces suitable for concert or recital. The series provides invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.The early stages of learning any instrument are undoubtedly the most important. A good teacher is of course essential but it is also vital to have stimulating study material which complements your choice of teaching method and is carefully tailored to introduce learning and playing skills in a structured manner. In writing this collection Philip Sparke worked with many instrumental teachers to discover exactly what was required for each instrument to help players develop the full range of skills whilst still having fun. Each book of this collection is specifically tailored for the developing musician and focuses on study solos and duets aimed to improve specific technical andmusical demands of the instrument.

Cette œuvre en deux grands mouvements dépeint un voyage imaginaire à bord d’un yacht le long de la côte Est des États-Unis. Tout commence par une description de l’aurore en haute mer ( Sunrise at Sea ) ; l’océan s’éveille doucement ( The Ocean Awakes ). La musique est aérienne ; la courbe mélodique des bois s’élève au-dessus des couleurs brillantes des cuivres. L’œuvre croît en intensité et culmine avec le lever du soleil. Dans la lumière du jour l’horizon lointain s’étale comme un tapis infini. La croisière s’annonce sous les meilleurs hospices. La mer est calme mais le calme est trompeur. Le bateau est bercé puis sérieusement chahuté par les vagues.Une fois la sérénité retrouvée le yacht poursuit son itinéraire. Le deuxième mouvement amorce le chemin du retour ( Homeward Bound ). Les conditions de navigation sont idéales. Le bateau fend délicatement les vagues chatoyantes. Mais la météo est changeante ; un vent frais souffle dans les voiles. Le yacht est à la merci du vent et des vagues. Une brève accalmie déchire le ciel mais le vent se relève et se fait de plus en plus fort. Les embruns glacent notre visage ( Spindrift ). Le bateau menace de chavirer. Nous réussissons à réorienter les voiles et profitons du grand vent pour effectuer un retour particulièrement grisant !

Sinfonietta: The Town Beneath the Cliff was commissioned by Holmestrand Ungdomskorps from Vestfold in Norway. The work is in four movements: a spectacular fanfare followed by a ‘moto perpetuo’-like toccata. The third movement Hymn is a beautiful piece of music allowing the band to show its musicality and sound. The last movement Scherzo Finale opens with a short phrase from Holmestrand’s own ‘town song’ – Holmestrandsangen which comes again in full at the end of the piece accompanied by a florid passage based on the opening theme.

A Ballet for the Endangered Species- Dance of the Whale was commissioned by the Spanish music foundation Musica et Orbi at the instigation of its president Frank De Vuyst. It is part of a unique project which involved nine composers each writing a short movement describing ananimal of the composers’ choice to form a suite called Bestiarium . A consortium of bands around the world helped to fund the project and the world premiere of the suite took place in March 2013 in Medellín Colombia. Dance of the Whale uses the tenor instruments of the band to describe a lazy and graceful dance by a blue whale and is dedicated to endangered species around the world.

Jubiloso was commissioned by Utsunomiya Brass Society a talented and versatile group of brass players whom Philip Sparke has conducted on many occasions. When they asked him to compose a ‘signature’ march to celebrate their 30th anniversary they asked for a bright and breezy march which they could use to open concerts. Jubiloso is in the same ‘Broadway’ style as Sparke’s Slipstream and The Bandwagon with heavily syncopated melodies and the conventional cantabile trio section but also contains sudden bars with unusual time signatures which trip up the march rhythm.

40 Progressive Duets for F or Eb Horns-Philip Sparke’s Skilful Duets is the second volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series ( Starter Duets ) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Duets introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrument ranges; the concept of tempo and style indications is also introduced. Skilful Duets provides invaluable additional material to complement anyteaching method. Philip Sparke’s Skilful Duets is the second volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series (Starter Duets) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Duets introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrument ranges; the concept of tempo and style indications is also introduced. Skilful Duets provides invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

A Suite of British and Irish Folk Songs- Songs from Across the Water was commissioned by Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds - Phil Evans Founder and Director. Phil Evans hails from the UK and served for 25 years in the Band of HM Royal Marines. Now resident in the USA he founded Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds in 2008 giving them the tag line ‘An American Band with a British Accent’ as he wanted to combine the best of both countries’ band traditions. With this in mind composer Philip Sparke decided to create a suite of British folk songs scored with an American influence to fulfil the philosophy of the band’s tag line. The three movements which are played without a break are based on the following folk songs which come from all corners of the British Isles: The Three Ravens & The Cruiskeen Lawn The Lark in the Clear Air and The Piper o’ Dundee & Men of Harlech .

40 Progressive Duets for Saxophones-Philip Sparke’s Skilful Duets is the second volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series ( Starter Duets ) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Duets introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrument ranges; the concept of tempo and style indications is also introduced. Skilful Duets provides invaluable additional material to complement anyteaching method. Philip Sparke’s Skilful Duets is the second volume of a progressive series of duet books that takes the young wind player from beginner to accomplished musician. Following on from the first book in the series (Starter Duets) this collection generally contains longer pieces suitable for the developing young musician. Specifically tailored for each instrument Skilful Duets introduces the concept of phrasing by suggesting suitable breathing points and takes the player into new keys with extended instrument ranges; the concept of tempo and style indications is also introduced. Skilful Duets provides invaluable additional material to complement any teaching method.

A Scottish Ghost Story-It is dark and raining. You are on holiday in the Scottish highlands and looking for somewhere to stay for the night when you come across a magnificent Gothic castle. Even though the place looks a bit spooky you book a room. As you are dropping off to sleep you are startled by the sudden appearance in your room of a ghostly bagpiper and a loud scream from somewhere down the corridor. You jump out of bed and decide to make a quick exit. All members of your band will love this spooky tale especially as they can add their own ghostly sounds and effects.