Concert Band Grade: 1.5

Canciónes Mexicanas takes three popular Mexican folk songs and combines them into an appealing and easily playable arrangement for young band. A maestoso introduction ushers in Las Mañanitas, the traditional Mexican birthday song, which is followed by a rhythmic variation on Chiapanecas. The third song introduced is La Cucaracha, which is combined with elements of the preceding two songs to make for an effective and fun ending. Correlated with Accent on Achievement, Book 1, page 33.

Cape Breton is a wildly beautiful island on the northeast coast of North America. The Scottish settlers of Cape Breton brought a rich Celtic musical tradition with them. Fiddlers, drummers, pipers, and singers keep that music alive today throughout the island. “Cape Breton March” pays homage to that rich heritage with its sprightly syncopated rhythms and natural minor tonality. (2:00)

Commissioned by the Chesapeake, Virginia Intermediate Honor Band, this sparkling overture is destined to be as well received as other O’Reilly favorites at this level. (Grade 1 1/2)

When the circus comes to town, one of the main attractions for children of all ages is the clowns. Their humorous antics always get the show rolling and they frequently move through the audience with their happy and sometimes sad faces. This work is a delightful composition that reflects on both personalities of the circus clowns. (2:30)

This arrangement of two Irish folk songs is dedicated to the memory of Danny Pearl, the Wall Street journalist who was kidnapped and subsequently murdered by Islamic Militants in February 2002. The choice of Danny Boy is an obvious one. The arranger, John O’Reilly, always thinks of Danny when he hears this tune since Mr. O’Reilly’s daughter was very close to Danny during their high school years. Danny was a violinist and he loved to play fiddle music. The Wearin’ of the Green is in the style Danny enjoyed and the lyrics of the song relate to the struggle of the Irish people as they defied the British oppression. Correlates with Book 2. Page 15

October 28, 2007 began as a typically beautiful Southern California day. But as the composer sat at his piano writing this composition, he became aware of a major firestorm raging within a few miles of his house. Dense smoke filled the air and a steady stream of helicopters flew into the local reservoir to fill up with water to battle the flames. John O’Reilly has crafted a remarkable piece that captures the drama of this event. (3:25)

Correlated with Accent on Achievement, Book 2, page 23.