The rhythm of the samba was originally created in Africa and brought to Brazil by the slaves . Here it became the national dance. For every festive occasion and especially the carnival festivities (Rio de Janeiro) samba music is played. The World's Fair in New York (1939) was the reason to the biggest spread of the samba. The cornet section gets an opportunity to feature in Ever so Samba. Together with the swinging percussion section they let you enjoy a South American party.

‘Christmas Colours’ is a palette consisting of several Christmas songs. Bruce Fraser has mainly used the colours green (the colour of holly) and white (the colour of snow). This composition begins with the chiming of festive bells - if you listen well however you can already hear short fragments from 'The Holly and the Ivy' whose entire melody is finally played alternated with 'The Sussex Carol'. After this the pace slows down and the stately 'See amid the Winter Snow' sounds but parts from 'Jingle Bells' and 'Silent Night' can also be heard. Then after walking under 'The Holly and the Ivy' once again the celebration of Christmas may begin!

During the eighteenth century a person called 'the Dance Master' made his appearance in Ireland. He was a travelling dance-teacher who moved from one village to another to teach the people there how to dance. They were often flamboyant personalities gorgeously dressed and holding a staff in one hand. In order to teach their pupils the difference between their right and left leg the dance master used to tie a small bunch of straw or hay to their leg and then would order them to either lift their 'hay-leg' or their 'straw-leg'. The dancing masters used to stay in one particular village for about six weeks (if they were not claimed by a neighbouringvillage) after which they continued their journey. Having a famous dance master gave a village a certain distinction and did not seldom lead to boasting and pride. Also on account of the popularity of Celtic music in general at the moment William Vean was inspired to writing 'The Irish Dance Master'. He 'teaches' you two dances the Reel and the Jig. In between these two dances there is a short breathing space during which a traditional Irish rhythm can be enjoyed.

A fascinating parade of people passing by. 1. A drum major who cannot control his platoon. 2. An unhandy clown who has known better times. 3. A robot that comes to life and dances of pleasure. 4. A charming princess displays her exceptional charms. 5. A funky guy who goes berserk literally and figuratively. 6. A priest conducts a service and clearly enthrals his audience. 7. The old acrobat tries it one more time however not always with success. 8. A spy who is shy but a master of his profession. 9. And who are you? That is the big question.

Little (solo) material is available for the novice kettledrummer. Your kettledrummer will be thrilled with the star part this composition allows him or her to play. Kettledrum Overture is a classic overture for a novice kettledrummer and band. Lively educational and a guaranteed hit in your concert.

As he did before in the often played and commonly appreciated ‘Lord Tullamore’ in which he poetically depicted the landscape and the cultural elements of a small Irish village in his composition ‘The Road to the West’ Carl Wittrock has sketched pioneer existence in America in a cinematic manner. In ‘The Road to the West’ the composer has tried to capture images of pioneer life during the period dating from 1850 to 1890 the days of the so-called Wild West. In those days the Wild West used to be the territory west of civilization the domain of cowboys trappers and other fortune hunters. In short ample ingredients for a captivating story. In the firstscene a lonely adventurer struggles against nature and the elements. After an exciting adventure he passes through ‘the Plains’ where majestic views alternated by colossal mountain ranges display an almost unimaginable beauty. After weeks of isolation civilization is reached again. ‘The Saloon’ is the perfect meeting place – here news is exchanged and hilarious scenes regularly take place.

‘Mixed Bag’ stands midway between a collection and a hotchpotch. It is a colourful compilation of four completely different pieces each with its own specific character. The first part is called ‘Tanguillo’ : as its name suggests this Spanish dance is related to the Tango. In the next part ‘Maybe next time ....’ a repeated bass line (Passacaglia) can be heard first solo but thereafter gradually the other instruments join in. The third part forms a huge contrast – did the former part have a Baroque atmosphere ‘Rock Hard’ seems to have come directly from the Rock ‘n Roll era reminding us of stars such as Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. The finale is acheerful inciting movement called ‘Gypsy Dance’.

In 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' Scottish composer Bruce Fraser makes a sport of misleading his audience time and again. The title already indicates that this piece has been based on the well-known Carol 'Ding Dong Merrily on High' even if the melody makes a somewhat halting start. When it gathers pace however also due to the percussion section suddenly various other carols may be recognized. Peace and quiet reign in the middle part during which we can enjoy Bach's charming 'O Jesulein süss'. 'Ding Dong it's Christmas' ends in the same way it began even if more and more Carols put in an appearance. Merry Christmas!

In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West the domain of cowboys indians trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories however survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books films and of course music. Some characters such as Jesse James Billy the Kid and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars fiddles and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up i.e. driven together spectacular things happen.

A ballad that hints at Australia where its composer used to live for a couple of years. It was the friendliness of both its human and animal inhabitants that inspired him to write this little paragon of sonority destined to become a sure-fire crowd-pleaser. Its singing melody is accompanied by an altogether infectuous little motif.

Different from the usual and thus a highly recommended spectacular composition for rapper and band.Full recording: Introducing the Fanfare Band (Fanfarekorps Koninklijke Landmacht).

Is it too late? Certainly not for this jazzy ballad for flugel horn and band! Feel free to lie back and relax ...

In the tripartite 'Cowboy Suite' Alan Laken takes us to the Wild West the domain of cowboys indians trappers and other fortune hunters. Around 1890 the west coast of America was reached which in effect meant the end of the Wild West. Its stories however survived and have been a source of inspiration for many books films and of course music. Some characters such as Jesse James Billy the Kid and Buffalo Bill are forever linked to these tales. In the 'Cowboy Suite' we first hear the 'Hoedown'. At the end of an exhausting workday the labourers used to lay down their tools among others the 'hoes' and spontaneously began to play music on the instruments which they then possessed (guitars fiddles and banjos) and to dance. After being jolted on the 'Wagon Trail' we reach the third part the 'Cowboy Roundup'. In this last part it becomes clear that as a cattle driver it is imperative to stay firmly seated in the saddle. As the cattle are rounded up i.e. driven together spectacular things happen.

The drummer in the spotlight. A heavy piece with a fat heavy beat. In three sections. Great for the lower sections and youth bands.

As long as we can remember trumpets and percussion have been the instruments most closely associated with the army and its soldiers. Just think of the medieval herald who publicly proclaimed all the king's important announcements. This work opens with a festive fanfare which immediately calls for your attention. No tidings of disaster but a festive parade of soldiers passing by while whistling merrily. This idea was the composer's starting point when writing this cheerful little piece.

Excuse me may I play along? Could you step aside please? ‘Step Aside’ is a pleasant competition both between two tempi and among the different parts. After a short slow introduction it is the drummer who without asking the questions above sets the high pace. As soon as this rapid movement has been established ‘part 1’ takes the lead but the other parts obviously don’t want to miss a thing and follow in rapid succession. At the end of the composition the various parts ‘compete’ in order to be able to play solo for a while but soon others join in again asking ‘Excuse me may I play along?’

During the eighteenth century a person called ‘The Dance Master' made his appearance in Ireland. He was a travelling dance-teacher who moved from one village to another to teach the people there how to dance. The piece consists of two dances Reel and the Jig.

Oxygen (2004) is a short composition for fanfare orchestra constructed with elements from rock and popular music.The composer used funky rhythms jazzy harmonies and pulsating rock to illuminate the fanfare band from a different angle.The music demands a groove from the percussion section and the wind players are asked to use playing techniques from light music. And for this all the performers and audience alike need a good supply of oxygen.

Which of us does not have them memories? Everyone sometimes remembers things from the past be they happy memories or not. Sometimes a scent may remind us of a particular place or a tune may bring back memories of a certain situation. John DeBee experienced something similar when he heard a song on the radio: he immediately picked up his pen and composed ‘Flashback’. It has become a piece that appeals to the ear which will provide both the musicians performing it and their audience with pleasant memories.

Crazy Crowd is a fun piece in which we meet a comical parade of eccentric figures: A drum major a clumsy clown a dancing robot a charming princess an ailing acrobat a timid spy and more! Where do you fit into this line-up?!