Chris M. Bernotas

A Hanukkah Festival is a medley of three traditional Hanukkah songs, “Sevivon,” “Maoz Tzur,” and “Hanukkah.” “Sevivon” has a dramatic melody and is written with a variety of accompaniment leading to a brief, but impressive, clarinet cadenza that leads into “Maoz Tzur.” This traditional piece is scored with full, rich voicings along with the beautiful melody. “Hanukkah” is the festival of lights and the last section of the piece. It is a bright playful march with an exciting conclusion. A Hanukkah Festival is filled with memorable tunes that students and audiences will enjoy while paying homage to this important holiday. (5:17)

Battlestar! is a piece intended to spark imagery in your students’ minds. The beginning features driving rhythms and an exciting, dramatic melody followed by a battle scene and victory! Send your students into the galaxy with this cinematic piece. (2:15)

This is a rocking, fun piece that directors can utilize to teach students to play with a steady and strong beat. It has a bluesy-rock melody, groove accompaniment, and—of course—cowbell! This piece can be a worthwhile vehicle for students to develop understanding of eighth note subdivisions, articulations, dynamics, and phrasing in a fun way. (2:10)

Beginning with an unresolved emotion and motive, “Finding a Way” travels through many emotions looking for a way to find resolution and comfort, conveying an uplifting and hopeful spirit that ultimately finds peace. When healing has had a chance to occur, sadness and sorrow can become replaced with delight and excitement of our memories. The piece concludes with a restatement of the opening, questioning motive, but this time with the question answered. (4:15)