Michael Sweeney
Showing 46–60 of 71 results
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Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2.5
River of Hope (Based on “Down to the River to Pray”)
The centerpiece of this work for band is the memorable Appalachian folk hymn “Down to the River to Pray,” which was featured in the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? Interspersed with this melody is a faster original theme that provides a complementary yet contrasting tone to the emotional statements of the folk hymn. Richly scored and flowingly beautiful. Dur: 4:25 (Grade 2-1/2)SKU: HL04002863 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
River Rendezvous (for Multi-Level Combined Bands)
River Rendezvous conceived as a work for multi-level band festivals, however it also serves as a dynamic stand-alone composition for grade 3 bands. Representing moods and scenes of the Fox River in southern Wisconsin, the two contrasting movements may be performed separately or together. The primary themes in each movement are simple enough for beginning players, and are then embellished and developed in the more advanced levels. Sure to be an exciting extravaganza for parents and students alike! Dur: c. 6:00SKU: HL04004711 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Rock, River, Tree
Drawing inspiration from American poet Maya Angelou’s inspirational poem “On the Pulse of Morning,” this unique work for band offers challenges and rewards for young players. Using the imagery of “a rock, a river, a tree,” Angelou challenges us all to work for unity and peace. The music ranges from an energetic percussive pulse (rock) that utilizes plastic buckets played throughout the ensemble, to a flowing chorale theme (river) that’s heard near the beginning and again at the end. Throughout, the piece grows and intensifies (tree) as various musical elements are combined and varied. Dramatic music with important cross-curricular opportunities! Dur: 4:10SKU: HL04004305 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Sawdust City Celebration
Commissioned by the Oshkosh (nickname “Sawdust City”) Area Community Band for their 25th anniversary, Sawdust City Celebration presents varied and creative settings of early American folk tunes commonly heard during Wisconsin’s pioneer days. With styles ranging from dramatic and powerful to lighthearted and lyrical, this is a rich-sounding and impressive work for the concert stage. Dur: 5:50SKU: HL04003288 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Shorewood Overture (for Multi-level Combined Bands) Complete Set
Combining a district-wide extravaganza for players of all levels creates an exciting spectacle for parents, while providing much needed incentives for the younger players. Shorewood Overture is specifically designed to be performed by multi-level bands and, rather than the typical massed band number where everyone plays at once, this ingenious overture allows each level to be featured briefly by itself, along with sections where everyone plays together. In addition, the “Level 3” parts include cues (also in the Level 3 score) that allow the piece to be performed by a single ensemble. Dur: 4:20 Note: Level 2/Level 1 versions are not playable separatelySKU: HL04003858 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Silverbrook
Rarely does a Grade 2 composition contain as much musical depth and variety as this powerhouse from the pen of Michael Sweeney. The impressive opening strains lead to a fast-paced ostinato accompanying an explosive melody in the trumpets. After a delicate lyric section, the fast pace returns and the piece drives to a powerful finish. Dur: 4:25 (Includes full performance CD)SKU: HL04002414 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Song for Hope
Written as a memorial for a middle school band student, this sensitive and moving work opens with a chorale played by off-stage brass. A flowing melody stated in the low register is then developed before leading to a brief fanfare-like affirmation. The Korean folk song “You and I” is briefly quoted before returning to the off-stage brass and calm closing passage. A beautifully scored lyric piece for band. (Extra players are not required for the off-stage parts.) Dur: 4:30SKU: HL04003057 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 2
Southern Folk Rhapsody
Featuring some of America’s most beloved folk melodies, Michael Sweeney has crafted an emotional and satisfying work for young players. You’ll hear recurring strains of Swing Low, Sweet Chariot woven together with Wayfaring Stranger, a sensitive treatment of Steal Away, and a rousing gospel version of Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit. Rich in musicality and strong in general appeal, this will work great for contests as well as casual concerts. Dur: 4:30 (Includes Full Performance CD)SKU: HL04002391 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 1
Southwind
Composed in the 1700s, this traditional Irish ballad was a lament of homesickness by its author, and is now a tender and beloved melody appearing on countless recordings. Also known as “The Wind from the South” or “An Gaoth Aneas,” this setting for second year players provides melody for all sections of the band along with subtle and tasteful harmonic variants. Dur: 2:35SKU: HL04004214 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 3
Spirit of Avalon
Michael Sweeney’s newest work is characterized by powerful full band writing as well as contrasting, delicate sections with flowing melodies. As always, Michael’s writing keeps the musical interest flowing for all players, making this another work you can trust to motivate your players while teaching strong musical concepts.SKU: HL04001745 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Spring City Overture
Celebrating its 130th anniversary, the Woodstock City Band of Woodstock, Illinois (at one time known as “Spring City”) commissioned this dynamic overture honoring the long-standing tradition of summer concerts in the historic town square. Joyous and celebratory in nature, Spring City Overture features a dramatic opening segment that builds to the tuneful main theme. A brief reflective lyric section provides a moment of calm before returning to the energetic opening theme. Beautifully paced for maximum emotional impact and providing challenging parts for all sections, this powerful work is equally suitable for festivals or casual concerts. Dur: 5:00SKU: HL04004103 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Stardance
The opening of this unique and masterful work for band places the wind players out in the audience as the listeners are surrounded by the effect of a swirling dance of celestial lights and sounds. Onstage, the percussion section introduces a driving ostinato pattern later picked up by the entire ensemble. A delicate and beautiful middle section almost suspends time as soloists provide a bluesy interaction with the rich background texture and each other. The frantic pace returns leading to a stunning chorale played by the winds while the percussion continues simultaneously at a separate tempo! A creative and magical addition to the repertoire! Dur: c. 9:30SKU: HL04003153 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 0.5
Strike Force
Explorer Level (correlates with Book 1, p. 11)Using modal harmonies, dynamic percussion sounds and bold melodies, here is a great-sounding piece that your beginning players can really dig into. With nothing faster than a quarter note (except percussion), this will sound terrific with very limited rehearsal time. Dur: 1:30
SKU: HL00860558 -
Concert Band, Concert Band Grade: 4
Swamp Rabbit Stomp
Commissioned by the 2015 South Carolina All-State Junior Band and written to celebrate the natural scenic beauty of that state’s famed Swamp Rabbit Trail, Michael Sweeney’s Swamp Rabbit Stomp is a joyous romp of rhythm and harmony. Exploring layers of sounds as well as an expanded role for the percussion section, this work also calls for a middle section where all members of the band perform with egg shakers. A substantial work, but with a dash of fun! Dur: 7:15SKU: HL04004490