Michael Sweeney
Showing 25–48 of 97 results
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Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5
Coldwater Crossing
Even developing bands need to be challenged with music that stirs the imagination. Here’s a great-sounding overture with bold melodies, creative harmonies, and contrasting styles that’s still within the capabilities of beginning players. Dur: 2:50SKU: HL04002953 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 0.5
Cool Blues
Performer Level (correlates with Book 1, p. 24)Here is a fun and easy way to introduce the blues to your beginning players. Includes a low brass (and woodwind) “bass line” feature in the beginning, some easy chromatic lines, and tasty finger snapping. Totally cool! Dur: 2:30
SKU: HL00860962 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Crossings in Time
Here is something different for contest or festival. Written in the style of a tone poem, this work uses minimal melodic development but builds emotional intensity through changing textures and evolving harmonies. Great for teaching breath control, phrasing, ensemble balance and blend. Dur: 2:50 (Includes Full Performance CD)SKU: HL04002424 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2.5
Dance of the Spirits
The Native American Cree tribe refer to the aurora borealis (or “northern lights”) as the “dance of the spirits.” Using a variety of unusual sounds and effects, quickly changing textures and surprises, Michael Sweeney has created a musical impression of this phenomenon’s stunning beauty and unpredictable nature. An exciting and unique addition to the young band repertoire, this will be enjoyable to rehearse and perform. (Grade 2.5) Dur: c. 5:30SKU: HL04003051 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5
Dansbury Run
Designed for second-year players, Michael’s energetic overture provides mature and dynamic sounds at a very attainable and easy to learn level. Combining full band unison statements along with some unusual harmonic effects, this is impressive music for young bands. Dur: 2:45SKU: HL04003466 -
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Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1.5
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Grade 1.5What better way to introduce the music of Duke Ellington to your young jazzers than with this wonderfully scored arrangement by Michael Sweeney? Even at this easy level, this chart really swings and will sound great with limited rehearsal time. Your pianist gets a rare chance to shine as he or she is featured on the melody while the ensemble answers. Later, every section gets to play the melody and there is a solo section for any sax. The final section starts softly with saxes alone, then builds as various layers are added. A great-sounding chart for beginning bands.Enjoy great flexibility with the Discovery Jazz series! Playable with 3 saxes, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, piano and drums.SKU: HL07470701 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Down by the Salley Gardens
The haunting melody of this traditional Irish folk song is treated here in a lush and moving setting by Michael Sweeney. Even at this easy level, the instrumentation is varied and a wealth of musical elements are provided through creative harmonizations and carefully placed key changes. This is scored in a way that will make even small bands sound terrific. Dur: 3:05SKU: HL04002337 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1.5
Doxy
Arranged in a medium swing/shuffle style, here is a very easy version of this jazz standard by Sonny Rollins that maintains the style and feel of the original. Featuring a mix of tutti playing and call-and-response scoring, this is a great way to introduce a jazz legend to your young players. There is a written or ad lib solo for any trumpet or alto sax, and the shout chorus features a dialogue between the ensemble and drums.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: HL7012333 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2.5
Due North
Composed for a band festival in Duluth, MN, and suggesting perhaps an exciting downhill ski run or possibly a snowmobile chase through the woods, Due North is a fast-paced overture written entirely in a single tempo. Along the way, various moods are suggested as themes and musical ideas are passed from section to section. The percussion section provides a driving, rhythmic pulse throughout. Dur: 3:00SKU: HL04003876 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Earth and Sky
The Native American Omaha Tribe believed in an inseparable union between earth and sky. Commissioned for the Nebraska All-State 8th Grade Band, Michael Sweeney’s Earth and Sky celebrates this ideal with a balance of woodwind motifs and delicate textures (sky) contrasted with an underlying percussion ostinato and feature spots (earth). Rich chordal accompaniments and soaring melodies provide continuity and flow in this dynamic work for band. Dur: 6:15SKU: HL04003380 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Earthdance
In celebration of mankind’s connection to our planet, Michael has created an extraordinary work for band using an intriguing array of composition devices and captivating melodies. Listeners are immersed in a simulated rainstorm, the sounds of world drumming, overlapping tone clusters and textures, and finally a dance of jubilation as the piece comes to a satisfying and rewarding finish. Dur: 7:30SKU: HL04002979 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Emerald Awakening
Splashes of color and striking textures combine with an underlying “street beat” driving pulse in this joyous overture for band. Throughout, Michael skillfully manipulates melodic and rhythmic fragments as they are developed and passed from section to section. A brief slow section and tender chorale provide a poignant calm before the celebration of rhythm and dance returns for the uplifting conclusion. A rewarding piece that is fun to play!SKU: HL04003207 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 0.5
Fanfare and March
Explorer Level (correlates with Book 1, p. 11)An important ingredient in your beginning band’s first concert is a suitable march. What better choice than this gem from Michael Sweeney that guarantees success right from the start. A powerful-sounding fanfare leads to a march theme built on only quarter and half notes. Also included is a short feature for the percussion section. A winner! Dur: 1:50
SKU: HL00860548 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1.5
Fires of Mazama
Aleatoric music for grade 1? Why not?! Through carefully controlled parameters, your beginning players can actually create their own erupting volcano effect! Mazama was the imposing mountain peak in southwest Oregon that erupted 7000+ years ago and became the serene and beautiful present day Crater Lake. Fires of Mazama opens with bold sounds and powerful melodies before the “eruption” changes everything. Afterwards, a calm chorale leads to the exciting final strains in this ingenious and impressive piece for beginners! Dur: 3:20SKU: HL04002347 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1.5
Fly Me to the Moon
Discovery Jazz – Grade 1.5Here is a good example of creative arranging using very limited technical demands. Michael has taken this familiar standard and converted it into a smooth-sounding Latin chart. A trumpet/alto duet starts things out, then the full ensemble gets into the act. No solos are required, however, a stop-time section features written or ad lib. drum fills. Enjoy great flexibility with the Discovery Jazz series! Playable with 3 saxes, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, piano and drums.SKU: HL07470675 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Fractures in Time
Exploring different facets of “time,” this unique work utilizes a wide range of compositional devices, including periods of carefully controlled aleatoric playing, a dizzying effect of multiple “ticking clocks,” and a variety of moods and time signatures. Densely layered harmonies are contrasted with lyric passages and soaring melodies, and the overall effect of the piece is quite different and striking. Dur: c. 6:45 (MusicWorks)SKU: HL04005118 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1
Get Back
Recorded by the Beatles on Let It Be, and notably performed on the roof of Apple Studios in London, here is a rockin’ version for very young jazz bands.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: HL7470743 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Half Moon on the Hudson
Nearly 400 years ago (in 1609) Henry Hudson and his ship, the Half Moon, explored the majestic river that was later to bear his name. Half Moon on the Hudson pays tribute to this area of New York and the spirit of exploration and adventure. A regal fanfare announces the beginning of the work, followed by an energetic and rhythmic section that features various sections of the band answering one another. An emotional and chorale-like middle section provides a calmer mood along with lush harmonizations. The brass and percussion sections herald the final segment, driving to a dramatic conclusion of this rewarding work for winds. Dur: 6:30 (Includes full performance CD)SKU: HL04002551 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2.5
Irish Rising
In Ireland’s quest for independence, the “Easter Rising” of 1916 was a pivotal event that helped shape history and fan the flames of Irish freedom. Here is a sparkling medley of tunes from Ireland’s rebellious past. The familiar Minstrel Boy leads to a lively setting of Wind That Shakes the Barley. The haunting, yet dramatic Foggy Dew then leads to the stirring march strains of The Boys of Wexford which features tin whistles (opt. flutes or piccolo) along with a driving rhythmic pulse. Dur: 5:20SKU: HL04004719 -
Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble Grade: 1.5
It’s Only a Paper Moon
Featuring a relaxed swing style and solid scoring throughout, here’s a terrific chart for young players. Trombones finally get the spotlight, and the harmonies aren’t dumbed down! Short solos are included for any trombone (written or ad lib) followed by a solo or soli for trumpet.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: HL7012035 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2.5
Last Full Measure (A Gettysburg Remembrance)
Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, this medley of Civil War-era tunes is cast in a unique and appealing setting for young bands. The Girl I Left Behind Me (tin whistles are optional), When Johnny Comes Marching Home and the tender Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier express longing and hope for loved ones far away. In contrast, Battle Cry of Freedom and Battle Hymn of the Republic inspire feelings of patriotic resolve and courage. A rousingly effective work! (Grade 2.5) Dur: 5:10SKU: HL04003464 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2.5
Legend of Devil’s Lake
Depicting an ancient tale of battle between water serpents and giant thunderbirds, Michael’s dramatic work for young players provides plenty of imagery amid the dark sonorities and driving percussion contrasted with delicate melodies and rich harmonic textures. This multi-style composition provides an engaging and rewarding work for concert or festival. Dur: 5:10SKU: HL04003145
