Wind Ensemble Music Options

[Clare1986]

In a few weeks I will be conducting the woodwind section of the concert band at my music service while the brass do a project with the Halle Orchestra. It's a great opportunity for me but I'm having problems finding music to fit the instrumentation we have. I can't use wind quintet music as we don't have any horns, and even the arrangements with a larger number of parts don't seem to include saxophones. The kids are all about Grade 6-8 level so I would prefer to give them something challenging (considering what the brass players will be doing) rather than something they may find boring because it's too easy. I found a score from a series called "Compact Winds" with flexible instrumentation, and was wondering if anyone knew anything about these before I consider buying a couple from it? Or, alternatively, any other ideas?

Thanks in advance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[skylark]

Have you tried June Emerson? If you explain what you want, they'll probably recommend some ensembles to you and I think they'll send them out on trial.

[barry-clari]

In a few weeks I will be conducting the woodwind section of the concert band at my music service while the brass do a project with the Halle Orchestra. It's a great opportunity for me but I'm having problems finding music to fit the instrumentation we have. I can't use wind quintet music as we don't have any horns, and even the arrangements with a larger number of parts don't seem to include saxophones. The kids are all about Grade 6-8 level so I would prefer to give them something challenging (considering what the brass players will be doing) rather than something they may find boring because it's too easy. I found a score from a series called "Compact Winds" with flexible instrumentation, and was wondering if anyone knew anything about these before I consider buying a couple from it? Or, alternatively, any other ideas?

Thanks in advance (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Compact Winds will for the large part be too easy Clare.

Some of the music in the Muzika series (distributed by Phoenix Music) may well be suitable, some of it is very stretchy (have come across altissimo Gs and As in some of the music!). Well worth a look. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[violoboist]

Some people will tailor- make arrangements, for not too much money... try googling David Bellwood, and/ or Michael Tupper?

[CJB]

It may be a little challenging but the 2nd movement of Philip Sparke's Dance Movements is for just the WW section of a wind band.

[stewart81]

Some people will tailor- make arrangements, for not too much money... try googling David Bellwood, and/ or Michael Tupper?

I've used David Bellwood before. Very good arrangements and very good value for money. You can pick off the shelf ones and tailor them for your ensemble or suggest new ones. But you do need to know the line-up and grade standard of the parts. You can get him at musicbyarrangement.co.uk.

[Clare1986]

Thanks for the replies (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
I love Dance Movements!...possibly my favourite wind band piece, but I think it will be a little too hard. Worth looking at it again though, thanks (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)