Music for Life

Clarinet Concerto

Famous Sousa Marches ( Bb Trombone 3 TC )

Famous Sousa Marches ( Euphonium )

Famous Sousa Marches ( Bb Euphonium TC )

Famous Sousa Marches ( F Horn 3 4 )

for Trumpet Euphonium and Band- Gemini Concerto was commissioned by and written for Ryukoku University (Japan) André Henry and Shoichiro Hokazono. Set in three movements the concerto aims to explore the close relationship as solo instruments between the trumpet and euphonium exploiting the many common factors between the two as well as the subtly different characteristics they possess in terms of both lyrical and rhythmic playing. The first movement is a bustling toccata and the second movement is lyrical and improvisatory in nature. A fantastic piece and a great addition to the repertoire! Gemini Concerto was commissioned by and written for Ryukoku University (Japan) André Henry and Shoichiro Hokazono. Set in three movements the concerto aims to explore the close relationship as solo instruments between the trumpet and euphonium exploiting the many common factors between the two as well as the subtly different characteristics they possess in terms of both lyrical and rhythmic playing. The first movement is a bustling toccata and the second movement is lyrical and improvisatory in nature. A fantastic piece and a great addition to the repertoire!

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.

for Euphonium and Concert Band

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 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.