Here We Come A-Caroling

A brass sextet with opt. parts for flugelhorn and BHTC. The beginning presents a vigorous fanfare where it settles down into solemn rendition of “Leaning On The Everlasting Arms.” After a motivic transition the piece continues with a tuba solo “A Shelter In The Time Of Storm”. with more open scoring passing the tune around amongst the parts. Another modulation, another tune- this time “The Solid Rock” in a slower tempo giving resolve and purpose. The Coda is in a fanfare stance gaining more power leading up to the final chord.

This piece starts out in a plaintive style in the upper brass and then is responded in like kind by the lower brass. The second section transposes up a step and with more contrapuntal design giving more tension only to settle down to a sense of consolation.

A brass sextet scored for two trumpets, horn, trombone, baritone and tuba (and opt. trp for horn). The style is a takeoff of traditional naval tunes. The first section presents the tune in a jovial manner with interludes by the upper brass and continues with motives passed around the various voices. A modulation takes place with thematic material in the lower brass. Now, little snippets of patterns passed around until another modulation leading to material like the beginning. Then a playful exchange of lines leading up to a final kicker.

A woodwind sextet with standard quintet instrumentation only with two flutes. The piece is structured around the simple tune and is passed around through the various instruments all the while supported with moving parts by the remaining instruments The counterpoint is solid throughout and makes for a very reflective ensemble rendition.

The introduction of this brass sextet (3 Trp., 3 Trom.) begins with strong choral movement and then settles into repose. The first presentation of the tune is in the trombones with a subtle counterline in the trumpets which then opens up to a stronger movement with the melody in the trumpet. The tune then reverts back to the trombones and then transitions to a move active support pattern in the trombones with a solo in the second trumpet. The final section gives way to a powerful presentation of the tune and immediately settles into a sensitive climate, much like the beginning. After a DC the piece ends with the strong motifs of the introduction giving a sense of finality. (Opt Horn for 1st Trom.)