THE BAND HYMNAL
This is an excerpt from a new chorale book for concert band. These arrangements were done to use in my work with my band.
I have been looking for a chorale set that includes easy, sustained rhythms with little counterpoint; practical ranges that are easy to sustain; and chorales that sound full, but with voice-leadings that avoid blocked, root-position chords on every beat.
While I've also wanted a full variety of keys, I wanted the majority of the chorales to be in band-friendly keys that avoid awkward fingerings, and to minimize the time it takes to get the notes "under the fingers."
I also wanted chorales that worked with brass choir and woodwind choir alone, as well as with full band.
I have left out dynamic and stylistic markings so that I can vary each one to match the day's rehearsal goal. For example, on some days I want to work on full band sound at one or more dynamic levels, and on other days, I want to interpret the music with my conducting.
I'm making the first three available here. When the complete work is complete, I hope it is published, but if not, it will be available here. It will take some time to finish, as I wanted to have quite a lot of chorales from which to choose.
Click on a part name to download a .pdf file. If they suit your needs, I would appreciate your feedback. Additionally, if you have suggestions, I would like to hear those as well.
Best wishes!
Score
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2
Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Sax 1
Alto Sax 2
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax
Trumpet 1
Trumpet 2
Trumpet 3 (optional)
Horn 1
Horn 2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3 (optional)
Euphonium BC
Euphonium TC
Tuba