“Codon” is a term used in the field of molecular genetics to describe the interaction between the three elements that are important for both the creation and the preservation of life. Kevin Houben uses this term as a metaphor for the interaction between the conductor the musicians and the committee of a concert band. They all have the same goal to preserve the life of the band. This work consists of three movements symbolising birth life and death - either of a human being or a band. From the foundation of a band over good and bad times up to the optimistic future this work will appeal to the soul of every band member in the world!

As the title implies this new piece brings the flute section into the limelight. Following a fast introduction by the accompanying band the flute section follows in three-parts with a rapidly syncopated/staccato theme. After a short interlude by the band this opening theme appears once again. The second flute theme returns following a short passage in which the band and the soloists alternate and the piece comes to a entertaining conclusion. Let your flute section shine with this playful new work.

The Cry of the Falcon refers to the Germanic Goddess Freya who had a cloak of feathers that gave her the ability to change into a falcon. As a falcon Freya could make her way among people. Weeping and screaming she searched for her losthusband Odur. Power and justice are the main ideas portrayed by Kevin Houben in this lyrical concert work.

The Cry of the Falcon refers to the Germanic Goddess Freya who had a cloak of feathers that gave her the ability to change into a falcon. As a falcon Freya could make her way among people. Weeping and screaming she searched for her lost husband Odur. Power and justice are the main ideas portrayed by Kevin Houben in this lyrical concert work.

The evergreen My Way originally a French chanson (Comme d’Habitude) was written by Jacques Revaux and Gillies Thibault and first released by Claude Francois in 1967. Paul Anka wrote the English lyrics which were used by Frank Sinatra who made it in to the American charts with his world famous interpretation in 1969. Since then the song has been covered by a variety of pop stars including Elvis Presley. This arrangement is based on the Elvis version and within it the chorus appears in a swinging blues style. This popular song will be ideal for that spectacular ending to your concert.

This attractive concert march starts with an elevated determined intro followed by a playful theme in the descant register - with in the reprise an added counterpart in the tenor register. The following stately bass solo is accentuated by the trumpet section and a dynamic contrasting effect adds extra colour. The trio part starts with a new cantabile theme which transforms into a solid tutti version with ornamentations in the descant. After a dynamically varying interlude the trio part is repeated.

With Sword of Honour Tom De Haes brings to life the noble knightGawain of King Arthur?s court. The composition is built around twomain themes which express the audacity and noble character ofGawain. The varied harmonies and orchestrations of both themesreflect the many layers of these courtly qualities. Both themes cometogether towards the end of the work to form a stately closing.

For more than a hundred years the matreshka dolls have been a traditional trademark of Russia. The story behind these dolls is that many years ago a little Russian girl Olga got lost in a forest. When her older sister finally found her she said ?Let me hold you.? Next their mother also arrived and said ?Let me hold you both.? Subsequently the grandmother joined them and said ?Let me hold you all.? As a result of this story these popular ?nesting dolls? came into being. The work Matreshka consists of originally-composed themes. The first theme reminiscent of a Russian hymn is followed by another theme in a typically Russian style. A slow passage forms thetransition to the final energetic movement ? this Russian troika in two-four time starts slowly and ends very exuberantly. A great piece of Russian exuberance that will delight any audience.

Coast Life is an easy concert work composed byJohan Nijs and orchestrated for concert band. Thethree movements of this piece describe life on andaround the coast. You can visit the bustlingharbour take a trip on the sea whether it be calmor stormy or you can take a coast trip - either onthe beach or along the promenade. All aspects ofthe seaside are portrayed in this attractive work.

Amity and Sweetness (“Amitié et douceur”) poursuit un double idéal : celui de la paix et du bonheur. Le compositeur belge Tom de Haes a dédié cette pièce à son amie. La sixte ascendante un des intervalles les plus expressifs est l’élément central de la musique. Elle exprime l’intensité lumineuse de la pièce.L’introduction volontaire et réfléchie développe un court et charmant motif qui s’étoffe progressivement pour former une ligne mélodique fluide et ample. La mélodie sillonne plusieurs registres et instruments dans une trame qui prend toute son intensité vers la fin du développement. Le motif initial est ré-exposé une dernière fois dans une grandeorchestration. Le finale est calme et serein.

This work depicts the overwhelming enthusiasm joy and vitality that is prevalent in many concert bands. Following a solemn opening the piece builds until we hear the first highly energetic theme. The middle section seeks to emphasise the close bond and the deeper values which unify the members of the band. In the final section the energetic atmosphere of the beginning returns leading to a strong intense conclusion. Be careful this piece is very contagious!

S’il fallait ne choisir qu’un seul adjectif pour qualifier cette pièce de Wim Laseroms nous choisirions le terme de « varié ». Variousity développe une série de variations sur un thème donné qui apparaît sous différentes formes dans différents tempi et dans divers chiffrages de mesure irréguliers. La diversité un remède sûr contre l’ennui.

This work relates the story of Maasbracht a town on the banks of the Meuse River in the Dutch province of Limburg. Like all fairy tales the story begins serenely with ?Once upon a time?? The music evokes the atmosphere of this very pleasant region where the gentle way of life is the key to happiness. A lively and joyful passage depicts the cheerfulness of the people of Maasbracht. Maasbracht like many other towns suffered during World War II: sound colours darken and pictures of destruction run through our mind. In the midst of despair there is hope from grief comes new life. The future looks promising. The work leaves Maasbracht looking forward to the 21st century withconfidence. A highly descriptive work that is suitable for any concert or contest situation.

Paladin (heroic knight) was written for the music society De Heibloem from Meeuwen Belgium and tells the story of the disastrous Saint Nicholas Day of 1648. In the first half of the seventeenth century the mercenary armies of Karel van Lorreinen terrorized several villages in the province of Limburg. Between 1 500 and 1 600 farmers gathered in Peer on December 6 1648 to battle against the cruel mercenaries who looted and burned down their villages. The brave farmers did not stand a chance and were ambushed in Meeuwen and within quarter of an hour there were four hundred fatalities and at least as many wounded. In history books this encounter is referred to as the shortestbattle ever. A truly heroic work suitable for all concert programmes.

André Waignein's music favours melody. Much like a painter he drawssmoothly flowing lines with graceful contours and warm colours.Reverie is a poetic and dreamy work combining intimate delicacy andflights of romanticism. Melody and accompaniment evolve intimatelyin a serene almost elegiac atmosphere.

In honour of the 100th Anniversary-The travels of the Aztec people as they headed south through North America looking for a new home acted as the inspiration for Lake of the Moon . The composition contains small fragments of Oriental music and South American rhythms and occasionally Russian Cossacks seem to raise their heads. The journey from North to South is not without danger which is represented by threatening sounds within the music. In the Adagio divoto the composer takes us along to the Texcoco Lake which the Aztecs called the lake of the moon. Bring a little bit of South American history to your concert with Lake of the Moon .

Arcana is the plural of the Latin word “arcanum ” meaning secret. This substantial work is full of contrasts. Smooth historic like melodies harking back to music of yesteryear bustling complex rhythms sections full of energy and beautifully smooth melodic passages. Arcana is a celebration of the brass band and the strength and energy of everyone involved in it. Celebrate the spirit of your own band with this imaginative concert work.

As the title implies this new piece brings the flute section into the limelight. Following a fast introduction by the accompanying band the flute section follows in three-parts with a rapidly syncopated/staccato theme. After a short interlude by the band this opening theme appears once again. The second flute theme returns following a short passage in which the band and the soloists alternate and the piece comes to a entertaining conclusion. Let your flute section shine with this playful new work.

19 Great Solos for the Active Musician-Do cool sports go with making music? Johan Nijs thinks so and has written nineteen fantastic pieces about sport for saxophone. The sports which have inspired the music are challenging and daring: rafting skydiving bungee jumping snowboarding motorcycle racing and many more!The pieces are dynamic active and rhythmically exciting and are complemented by a number of slow ballads and beautiful waltzes to relax with after the extreme effort! Xtreme Saxophone : nineteen lively tunes for the intermediate player perfect pieces for both lessons and concert performances. All pieces are for unaccompanied solo and therefore suitable for all saxophones.19 great solos for the active musician.

The word “orbis” means an orbit or a path and in this case represents the direction of three wind ensembles as they join together. A triumphant opening to Orbis alludes to the history of these three ensembles before a heroic theme is played that symbolises their strong future. The middle section is based on a charming melody that represents the three individual ensembles growing together. Orbis is a piece that musicians as individuals and as a group can identify with!