Shalom Chaverim is an ancient Hebrew (farewell)song which was originally sung at the end of a celebration or meeting. It was and is mostly sung as a round. Freely translated the words mean “Goodbye friends goodbye and see you again!”. The varying moods at a parting have been captured very well by Andreas Schulte in his arrangement ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’. The composer himself says about the song ‘Although the melody is in a minor key the overall atmosphere in the song is positive. one wishes each other all the best. Saying goodbye however also hurts. When you slow down the pace of the melody and add ‘blue notes’ in the harmonies this can be sensed immediately.’Schulte refers here to the first variation. The second variation is very intense with possibly even deeper-felt emotions. ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’ ends on a cheerful and positive note in fast tempo and with oriental elements in the melody: ‘L'hitra'ot Shalom’ (See you again and farewell!).

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 title Whistle for a Penny can have different meanings but brings especially to mind the difficult relationship between art and money… After a short introduction the main theme is heard. This theme is an excellent tune to whistle by the way. After lots of variation in the instrumentation as well as contrasting melodies and themes the finale sees a return to the opening bars of the composition.

Scottish Dances is based on three Scottish traditionals: Cock of the North The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond and Marie's Wedding. I. Cock of the North's name is used for multiple things or events. For example for a locomotive to a famous it seems delicious liqueur and rallies to snowboard competitions. Furthermore is Cock O' the North a nickname of a famous Duke. (The 4th Duke of Gordon). In this composition Cock of the North (a Jig) is a traditional Scottish bagpipe tune regularly played on tattoos by Pipe Bands. Not infrequently the drummers sing the text. Auntie Mary had a canary Up the leg of her trousers While she was sleeping Iwas peeping Up the leg of her trousers. II. The Bonnie Bank's O'Loch Lomond is about a sad story that took place during an revolt against the British. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie had to retreat. Two of his men were captured. One was convicted and executed while the other was released. The spirit of the executed soldier would arrive in Scotland via the 'low road' (underworld) before his companion who had still a long way to go. You'll take the high road And I'll take the low road And I'll be in Scotland afore ye But me and my true love will never meet again On the Bonnie Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond III. In a Scottish wedding after the official ceremonies there is often danced. This is called a ceilidh. For this we use traditional Scottish music such as Marie's Wedding '. Mid dance we go back to the church where a lovely song in honor of the couple sounds. Marie's Wedding has been recorded by Van Morrison (among many others). Step we gaely on we go heel for heel and toe for toe Arm and arm and on we go all for Marie's wedding

It is true that tastes differ. Coffee has known a long history : it has been drunk since the 17th century. On one hand people drink coffee for relaxation on the other hand it is drunk to ward off tiredness or sleepiness. ‘Strong Coffee’ composed by Ron Gilmore works both ways. There will be people who will be able to relax during ‘Strong Coffee’ whereas others will experience it as a real boost. Is it a bit too strong after all such a funky Soul Beat? Then adding a little milk might help. As said before tastes differ!

This composition of Marc Cunningham has four parts and takes place on a sunny day in a picturesque town. 1. Promenade Many people walk through the city. The band passes through the streets. People are strolling along the avenues and amorous couples are sitting on a park bench. 2. Lovey Dovey One of these couples is knee-deep in love. 3. Crispy and Creamy Here the contrasts between a crisp staccato section in two-four time signature and a smooth legato section in three-four time signature are depicted. Is Crispy the boy and Creamy the girl? 4. Farewell In the last particle the couple says goodbye. We still think back tothe walk through the city. It sounds a little less happy now. Not everyone is good at saying goodbye sometimes a tear flows.

Shalom Chaverim is an ancient Hebrew (farewell)song which was originally sung at the end of a celebration or meeting. It was and is mostly sung as a round. Freely translated the words mean “Goodbye friends goodbye and see you again!”. The varying moods at a parting have been captured very well by Andreas Schulte in his arrangement ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’. The composer himself says about the song ‘Although the melody is in a minor key the overall atmosphere in the song is positive. one wishes each other all the best. Saying goodbye however also hurts. When you slow down the pace of the melody and add ‘blue notes’ in the harmonies this can be sensed immediately.’Schulte refers here to the first variation. The second variation is very intense with possibly even deeper-felt emotions. ‘Variations on Shalom Chaverim’ ends on a cheerful and positive note in fast tempo and with oriental elements in the melody: ‘L'hitra'ot Shalom’ (See you again and farewell!).

Today's society means to many people: bustle hurry quick and more ... No wonder that many are looking for (inner) tranquility and balance in their overloaded existence. Listen to music or active music is a way to relax and also to draw new energy. The repetitive motifs in Innerspace provide a relaxing effect. Enjoy and use the strength of your own 'innerspace'.

The 'Admiral Spirit' is the pride of the Navy. The ship is at sea there is no wind the sun is shining. The crew are busy piloting the ship into port in prime condition. The admiral himself will inspect the vessel. The first movement (Allegro Con Spirito) gives musical expression to the majestic ship and its toiling crew. In the second movement (Andante) the ship sails into port. It has been polished and technically everything is in order. The admiral will be proud when he inspects the ship. Third movement (Allegro Molto): the captain and his crew are nervous (modulations) while working at the 'finishing touch'. The Navy Band is ready to receive the admiral !. Hemay be proud of his flagship.

This composition based on the hymn Praise to the Lord is comprised of eight separate parts that can be played together as a concert piece or opening work. The A and B sections are different openings C is four-part arrangement of the hymn D is a solo for four saxophones or two trumpets and two trombones E is a calm intermezzo F a solo for trumpet or cornet and G and F finally are a majestic or peaceful closing section. How will you choose to present this piece on stage?

The Dutch composer Harrie Janssen composed Adventures of the Beaume to mark the 50th anniversary of his parents wedding. The composer of the march his memories of the family home and in particular the occupation of his parents. The Janssen family earned a living as inland carriers. Beaume 'was the name of the ship of his parents. The first part of the march describes the adventures they experienced before the lock to reach the port of Antwerp. To get here was by the law of the strongest and brutal. The father of the composer had in this much support from the oldest daughter of the family. The themes in the trio reflect the carefree youth the pleasant atmosphere and the warmth and dedication in Janssen's home.

In 2006 Brabant will be celebrating it’s 900th anniversary. On May 13th 1106 the count Van Leuven was appointed duke of Brabant. This was the birth of the duchy of Brabant. For centuries this duchy situated in the heart of the Netherlands was the primary of the seventeen provinces in the Lowlands. Brabant formed with it’s capital cities Brussels Leuven Antwerp and ‘s-Hertogenbosch the focal point for politics culture and economy. The revolution against Spain (1566-1648) caused a fracture between the North and South. The old duchy was divided into a Dutch and Belgian part. Even though each had their own historical background the bond forged in the past was partially keptalive. To this day we still have a duke of Brabant. Brabantia Aeterna takes you on a musical journey through 900 years of Brabant history. A fascinating journey portraying war and peace love and grief prosperity and adversity development and deterioration. Listen to how monks chanted bells tolled and churches were built. Or take the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries with their bustling markets builders of cities or the bleating of countless sheep across the heather. The plague tribulations soldiers and political bickering in the following centuries. Hear how the industrialisation of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries provided prosperity for the region and how to this day the following saying still applies: ‘the road to Brabant leads to a warmer world’ Brabantia Aeterna was commissioned by the Brabantse Bond van Muziekverenigingen (Brabant Music Society) in honour of its fifth anniversary.

In A Knight's Tale Wilco Moerman takes the listener back to the Middle Ages when castles knights’ tournaments and charming ladies were the order of the day. It describes scenes of the middle ages as one would expect from fairytales or movies featuring this period - with a duel between knights hidden romances and a battlefield. The composer makes sure that all groups are well represented and includes lots of brass and percussion as well as chanting melodies and spectacular virtuoso segments which make this piece a perfect contest or concert opportunity.

‘Jubilant Prelude’ is an orchestration of the ‘Preludium over Psalm 150’ originally composed for organ by Toon Hagen. Since 1998 Toon Hagen has been organ-player of the ‘Grote or Sint Michaëlskerk’ in Zwolle (the Netherlands). He has written several ‘contemporary’ compositions for organ.‘Jubilant Prelude’ has a capricious character by the use of irregular measures and its many measure changes. The structure of the Prelude is that of a fugue and is based on motives from the psalm.After the first climax which is both dynamic and harmonic the theme in the Andante Jubiloso is clearly audible and it is alternated with erratic motifs. Tension increases until at last the psalm itself isheard in all its glory. The melody of the psalm sounds as a cantus firmus in tenor register with motifs in ornamentation for saxophones bugles and trumpets. The finale like the prelude is capricious and vehement.The instrumentation for fanfare band was made by Wim Rouw. It is particularly colourful and has a surprising role for the percussion section.

Is there something to be celebrated? Then let's play 'Let's Celebrate'! This four-part suite has been based on two birthday songs: the world-famous 'Happy Birthday to you' (which is also sung in many other languages) and the Dutch song 'Lang zal hij/zij leven'. The Fanfare opens in grand style with the motif of 'Lang zal hij leven' and is followed by a cheerful March in which the motifs of both songs can be heard. The third part Song forms a moment of contemplation and the birthday presents are unwrapped by the percussion section in the fourth part Surprise Party. The yell may be adapted to the occasion. (the sleigh bells caused the composer to note down this somewhat peculiar yell). Of course everybody is expected to join in.

The Egyptian pharaoh Amenhotep IV better known as Achnaton was the second son and successor of Amenhotep III. He reigned the New Kingdom from 1353 until 1336 BC. Achnatons lack of interest in the economic well-being of Egypt ushered ina revolutionary period in Egyptian history. His harsh reign induced much suffering under the population. During this period when it was customary for a pharaoh to have many wives he had taken his cousin Nefertete to reign as queen at hisside. An elegant and very beautiful woman she used her influence to ease the turmoil caused by Achnaton. Combined with her grace her presence at public functions led to a greater popularity among her subjects than the pharaoh enjoyedhimself. Being mostly preoccupied with religious questions he declared that all the other gods did not exist. There was only one god the Aten and it was the sun itself. It was now necessary to change his name: ‘Amenhotep’ meaning ‘the god Amun is satisfied’ because he didnt want to be associated with Amun or any of the other deities. He renamed himself ‘Achnaton’ which means ‘servant of the Aten’ -- a much more appropriate title! In the sixth year of his reignAchnaton also moved the capital to a brand new city called Achet-Aton (‘the Horizon of the Aten’) which was where Tel el-Amarna stands today. He did this to further isolate himself from the ‘old’ religion since the previous capital Thebes was thecentre of worship of Amun. This new religion created an up rise among the population and high priests. In spite of Nefertetes influence the falling economy and religious conflict resulted in the decline of the Egyptian empire. Hoping toforget it ever happened people later tried to eradicate all traces of Achnaton and his successors rule by smashing their statues mutilating their mummies and ruining their relief carvings. From that moment on he was remembered as the‘heretic king’. This composition was partially funded by the ‘Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds’.

‘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!

If there is one country whose music everyone can recognize it is China. Both the pentatonic patterns and the atmosphere will take you there. And Peking Duck is a delicacy that you simply must try!

This delightful ballad in which the solo horn plays a leading role will remind many people of a very special moment in their lives. A lot could be said about it but perhaps it is better to let the music speak for itself. While listening to this romantic ballad unforgettable moments are sure to be relived by many people. Daydreaming is allowed but don’t forget to pay some attention to the soloist’s performance – it will be worth your while.

Durkle Bandrydge is the name of the composers imaginary world but it could very well be anyones invisible dream world with a different name. In this very versatile suite by Bruce Fraser 8 characters are featured each with its ownpeculiarities making Durkle Bandrydge such a colourful place. Do these characters differ that much from us? That is for you to find out! In the last part all characters come together in a special way. Durkle Bandrydge exists at the end ofyour street. It is invisible to humans but Durkle Bandrygators can watch us with great interest. The music will introduce you to some of the characters who live in this unusual place. The parts: Somnanbulyss who is a giant trollguarding the entrance to Durkle Bandryde. At least he is supposed to but he tends to sleep most of the time. His music is therefore very slow moving and sleepy. Long Gwysteen is a tall mysterious and somehow sophisticated character who walls around with a shell on his back. His music glides along rather gracefully. Squelfitch is a rather unpleasant and smelly character who lives in a bog which is why his music sounds rather slimy and a bit like trying to walkthrough quicksand. Perfydlia is a meddling old woman who gossips about everybody and squeals with sudden delight at the small exciting bits of tittletattle about others in the village. In the music you can hear her sudden little squealsof delight. Maryann Lovely is a beautiful young lady graceful gorgeous absolutely devine and her music is obviously just the same. Thistledoo Nicely is a lively character who spends and spends and spends with her credit card buying the latest fashion and never worries about having to pay the bills. Her music reflects her excitement when shopping and het ‘happy go lucky’ approach to life. Marsyn Edginton is the Lord of the manor the richest man in town the‘big cheese’ the man with all the power and of course the biggest house. He is very grand and his music like he could be a king. Jimmy McScotsmyn is a red haired scotsman wearing tartan cap. He misses his home country terribly and eatslots of shortbread oatcakes scotch eggs porridge and drinks an enormous amount of Scotch Wisky which helps him to have fond memories of the kind of music he would like to dance to when he was a younger man. His favourite dance is a Jig andthis is the music he remembers. Grand March of the Durkle Bandrydgators. We hope that you have enjoyed meeting these characters from Drukle Bandrydge and would invite you to listen to all the villagers now march along in a grand parade -it is a pity that you can not see them what is a wonderful sight. If you listen carefully you will hear the melodies which belong to the characters as they march past. Oh what a grand spectacle!