Michael Sweeney
Showing 1–24 of 147 results
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Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
A Simple Song (from Mass)
From Leonard Bernstein’s masterwork Mass, this tuneful ballad has become its best-known and most often recorded song. Here is a beautifully poignant setting for band, authentically transcribed by Michael Sweeney, that features a trumpet soloist (or flugelhorn) as well as short solo spots for baritone or trombone. (Grade 3)SKU: HL48020910 -
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Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Across the Northern Sky
Commemorating the 50th anniversary of Eckroth Music (Bismarck, ND), Across the Northern Sky captures the majesty and beauty of the northern states served by their store locations. The antiphonal brass fanfare in the opening is followed by a dynamic main theme. A brief lyric section features rich harmonies with a short solo for flute, and the work concludes with a buoyant theme of celebration. (compatible with the “Young Edition” for multi-level performances – HL04007669) Dur: 5:20SKU: HLPC26553 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Across the Northern Sky (Young Edition)
Here is an easier version of Michael’s powerful overture that commemorates the 50th anniversary of Eckroth Music. Capturing the majesty and beauty of the northern states served by their store locations, this edition is completely compatible with the more advanced version (HL04007667) for use in multi-level performances. The opening brass fanfare is optional when performing this version by itself. Dur: 4:50 (without fanfare)SKU: HLPC26554 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 2
Afro Blue
Easy Jazz Ensemble – Grade 2With an almost hypnotic 3/4 rhythmic pattern, here is an effective yet easy version of this standard made famous by John Coltrane. The saxes are featured on the first chorus then the brass get a chorus of their own. The simple solo section (using a single scale) makes this a great training piece for improvisation (sample solos are provided for all keys). A marvelously unique offering at the easy level!Enjoy great flexibility with the Easy Jazz Ensemble series! Playable with 4 saxes, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and rhythm.SKU: HL07010985 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Afro Blue
Composed in 1959 by Mongo Santamaria, “Afro Blue” became one of the earliest jazz standards written in an Afro-Cuban style. This creative setting for concert band utilizes the African bembé rhythm, along with characteristic melodies and harmonies alternating between various sections of the band. Also a great vehicle for engaging your percussion section while introducing your students to an important and appealing musical genre. Dur: ca. 2:30SKU: HL4008726 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2.5
Algona Crossing
Celebrating the spirit of hope and determination of the early pioneers on the Iowa plains, this bold and varied overture also pays tribute to the historical importance of railroading to the city of Algona. Using a wide range of styles and timbres, Algona Crossing allows every section of the band a chance to shine. (Note: The piano part is optional and cued in mallets and woodwinds.) Dur: 5:10SKU: HL04005028 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Ancient Airs of Ireland
Based on traditional tunes dating back hundreds of years, Michael’s masterful rhapsodic setting utilizes a wide variety of styles and moods. Taking the listener on a dramatic and emotional journey, the featured melodies include: Return from Fingal, Lord Mayo, The Yellow Bittern, Captain O’Kane, Song of the Chanter, and Behind the Bush in the Garden. Dur: 6:35SKU: HLPC25699 -
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Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 0.5
Auld Lang Syne
Performer Level (correlates with Book 1, p. 24)Featuring the clarinets in their low register, along with Michael Sweeney’s unique harmonic approach and a tasty percussion accompaniment, here is a splendid yet easy setting of this traditional Scottish melody. Sure to become a holiday gem for years to come.
SKU: HL00860956 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5
Aztalan (City of Mystery)
The ancient city of Aztalan existed around a thousand years ago in southern Wisconsin, but disappeared mysteriously by around A.D. 1300. Through careful use of tone clusters, haunting melodies and creative percussion effects, this very easy work for band portrays a sense of mystery and drama. Dur: 2:45 (Grade 1-1/2)SKU: HL04002883 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1.5
Bad Attitude
Here’s a fun original swing tune with a bit of an edge! Michael Sweeney again shows his understanding of this easy level in this well-written blues that features some minor dissonances for spice and a melody that really swings. Includes sample solos for alto and trumpet, but you can have anyone solo. Your band will sound great playing this one!SKU: HL07470643 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 0.5
Bandroom Rock
Using only limited rhythms and ranges, Bandroom Rock is a great way to get your beginning players energized and motivated. The low brass starts things off, following the rest of the band and short feature spots for the percussion section. Fun for all!SKU: HL04004358 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 0.5
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Performer Level (correlates with Book 1, p. 24)Michael’s very easy arrangement of this patriotic favorite starts with a solemn statement by the woodwinds and low voices, then builds to a solid march-like treatment with a stirring finish. Easy to learn, but rewarding to perform. Dur: 1:40
SKU: HL00860964 -
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Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1
Blue ‘n’ Moody
Utilizing the Dorian mode and a bluesy melody, here is a catchy original perfect for teaching swing. This one also works great for beginning improvisers since the solo section uses only two chords (two scales). Sure to become a favorite with your band.Enjoy great flexibility with the Discovery Jazz series! Playable with 3 saxes, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, piano and drums; includes optional parts for flute, clarinet, F horn and tuba.SKU: HL7470745 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Blue Mambo
Opening with a lyric section featuring a solo for flugelhorn (or trumpet), this appealing work includes sensuous melodies surrounded by lush and “bluesy” harmonies. The uptempo “mambo” kicks in with an infectious percussion groove that accompanies the melodies and riffs from the full ensemble. A marvelous and entertaining change of pace. Dur: 4:00SKU: HL04005110 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 2
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Easy Jazz Ensemble – Grade 2Mike was able to create an easy version of this classic from the swing era without sacrificing the sound and style of the original. The trumpet section is the primary featured section, however the saxes also get a crack at the melody and the trombones will really enjoy the “glissandi” in the shout chorus. This enjoyable chart is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy great flexibility with the Easy Jazz Ensemble series! Playable with 4 saxes, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and rhythm.SKU: HL07010222 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1.5
Born to Be Wild
This rock classic from the group Steppenwolf is a tune your band will sound great playing with very limited rehearsal time. Guaranteed success with beginning groups. Enjoy great flexibility with the Discovery Jazz series! Playable with 3 saxes, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, piano and drums.SKU: HL07470685 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1.5
Can’t Buy Me Love
Mike found a nice jazz shuffle groove for this early Beatles classic that will be a lot of fun for beginning groups. The minor blues solo section allows players to use either the blues scale or dorian mode for ease in improvising. Enjoy great flexibility with the Discovery Jazz series! Playable with 3 saxes, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, piano and drums.SKU: HL07470602 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5
Celtic Air & Dance No. 3
Continuing with Michael’s popular series of “Celtic Air and Dance” arrangements, the third installment opens with “Red is the Rose” (or “Loch Lomond”) in a flowing ballad treatment. The lively “Bill Sullivan’s Polka” follows and features various sections of the band. The flutes start things off followed by the rest of the woodwinds, trumpets, percussion, low brass and finally the entire ensemble in an energetic finish. Dur: 3:10SKU: HL04003077