Robert Sheldon

This musical escape will take your audience to a quiet place during your next performance. Simple, elegant lines combine with rich harmonies and counterpoint to provide an uplifting moment of repose. (1:55) Correlates to Book 1, level 6.

With lush harmonies and contemporary compositional techniques, “Ghost Fleet” takes you on the journey of long-forgotten warships as their “spirits” break free, returning to the high seas and former days of glory. Sure to be a staple on many contest lists, “Ghost Fleet” is a must-have for every concert band. An instant classic!

This energetic overture is brimming with catchy melodies for nearly every section of the band. The bold opening fanfare leads to a brisk Allegro that uses a variety of textures and colors. A contrasting lyrical section provides many opportunities for expressive performance before returning to the main theme.

Treat your ensemble and audience to sophisticated-sounding, yet quite playable blues for young band. Jazz-voiced chords and a cool bluesy groove give this piece a very appealing sound. Add in some soloists trading fours and a shout chorus, and this might be the tune that brings the house down! (2:30) Correlates to Book 2, level 2.

Written for the Boca Raton Middle School Band in Florida, Iberian Escapades was inspired by the resort architecture of Addison Mizner, whose Mediterranean-style estates launched a “Florida Renaissance” and inspired architects across North America. Mizner identified each of his Boca Raton villas with Spanish names, three of which are captured in this musical collage: El Mirasol (it watches the sun) is a fanciful Flamenco-style opening; El Solano (the east wind) presents exotic colors and romantic themes; and La Guerida (the bounty of war) ends the piece with an aggressive and energetic statement.

Lake County Landscapes is a mini-suite that pays tribute to four charming places. An excellent teaching piece, developing bands are presented with brief musical tableaus, each having a distinctive style while exploring common time, 3/4, and 6/8 meters. (4:30)

An excellent selection for concert, contest or graduation ceremonies, March of the Majestics is a bold and stately processional march, full of dignity and character. The opening fanfare leads to a majestic melody that first appears in the upper voices, and later played by the lower brass and woodwinds. The return of the original fanfare ends the piece with a regal flourish.

“Mills on the Merrimack” presents a musical portrait of Lowell, MA and its mill town traditions. Opening with a view of the river on a misty morning, the music flows with the river into the city of Lowell where industry and the Irish heritage of its settlers is represented. These two main musical themes are then brought together in a way that depicts the bond between the city and its founding citizens. (3:45)