Steve Hodges

Anthem of Liberty is introduced with a warm major-key chorale presented by the woodwinds and then again by the brass. This leads to an intense second presentation in the relative minor, featuring exciting rhythmic motives passed from section to section. Following a dynamic transition, the initial chorale is again presented in a majestic manner over the driving double-time percussion and is complemented with active woodwind countermelodies. From the sensitive introduction to the stirring conclusion, this piece provides many expressive opportunities for the young musicians. (2:40)

Your students will have no fear of playing this piece-in fact, they’ll probably ask you to play it over and over again! This rock-inspired piece has a contagious melody and driving backbeat that will keep your band and the audience entertained.

Feature your alto saxophone soloist on this expressive ballad portraying the beautiful west coast sunset. With a memorable melody supported by lush, chromatic harmonies there are plenty of opportunities to develop tone quality and blend, especially with the effective interplay between the soloist and the band. This will be a great change of pace and a perfect selection for any concert or festival!

Your whole band will be groovin’ on your next concert when you program Big Band Bop. Steve Hodges has given us everything students love-a swing beat, jazzy harmonies and fun melodies. Show your students you’re not “square” and program Big Band Bop on your next concert!

Here is a high-powered piece that will provide your band with an excellent ventura! Featuring fast Latin percussion, lots of driving syncopations and even a short jazz section, your band will want to play this tune again and again. A great selection to close a concert or contest!

Cascadia Celebration is a buoyant piece in triple meter, which provides the young band with many interesting rhythmic and harmonic motives. The energetic A section and the contrasting, flowing B section both feature active rhythmic patterns and memorable themes. The solid scoring provides melodic interest for every section of the band and will make this piece a favorite to rehearse!

Catalina March, an original composition by Steve Hodges, contains elements of both traditional and contemporary marches. The spirited opening theme features a playful give-and-take between the brass and the upper woodwinds. A contrasting minor trio section is presented by the clarinets, saxophones and horns before returning to a charming woodwind variation of the initial presentation. Following an effective modulation, the piece finishes with a powerful restatement of the opening theme with woodwind countermelodies complementing the strong brass and percussion. This exciting march would be an excellent way to begin a concert! (2:35)

Columbia Gorge Suite is a composition with three distinct movements. The first movement is bold and brassy with fanfare-like motives throughout. The second movement is expressive and peaceful, with the flutes presenting the melody over an arpeggiated counter-melody in the clarinets. Movement three drives ahead energetically with a strong theme that is passed from section to section. The syncopated rhythms and the interplay between the winds and percussion bring the suite to an exciting finish.

The entire band will enjoy working on this exciting new march by Steve Hodges. With bold introductions, spirited melodies and buoyant countermelodies the energy level will remain high during each performance of the piece. A perfect opener or closer to any concert!

Where’s the party? At your next concert when you play Fiesta Blues! This extremely fun piece has a Latin flavor, featuring short solos for trumpet, saxophone, trombone and flute. Very enjoyable!