Texas Music Educators Association Presents

LaBanda Nascente By: B. Sbraccia/arr. Fennell

La Banda Nascente was written in the early 1900’s by the Italian composer B. Sbraccia. The title translates to “The Birth of the Band.” The only other known march composition by Sbraccia is Onore all’ Arte (“Honor to Art”) which was written in 1914. Little is know about the composer, but sources in Italy indicate that Sbraccia may have been one of the many Italian composers who came to the United States for several years to study and write music for Italian-American bands.

Italian musicians have made significant contributions to American wind band music, especially in the early part of the 20th century. Many immigrants started bands in the eastern part of the United States, which often toured the country. These bands performed transcriptions of opera music as well as military marches, and several of the musicians then settled in the United States.

A Joyful Journey By: Robert Sheldon

Robert Sheldon is one of the most performed composer(s) of wind band music today. A recipient of numerous awards from the American School band Director’s Association, Phi Beta Mu and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, his compositions embody a level of expression that resonates with ensembles and audiences alike. His music is performed around the world and appears on many international concert and contest lists. Mr. Sheldon regularly accepts commissions for new works, and produces numerous publications for concert band each year.

Bride of the Waves By: Herbert L. Clark(e)/arr. Mike McGowan

Featuring Ben Bynum, Sean Dodd and Jennifer Wilson

Herbert Lincoln Clark(e) (1867-1945) has been celebrated as on of the greatest cornet soloists of his time. He was also an excellent composer, accomplished arranger, conductor, and violinist. Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, he moved with his family to Toronto, Canada in 1880. He taught himself to play the cornet after hearing a solo performance of Bowen R. Church. At the age of 15, he was a member of the Queen’s Own Rifles Band. His skills continued to improve as he worked jobs in Toronto and Indianapolis, where his family relocated. He auditioned for Patrick S. Gilmore’s Band in 1892 and was selected as the band’s cornet soloist. Six years later, he became the solo cornetist for the Sousa Band. Clarke served in that position or as assistant conductor for most of the period until 1917, when he retired to a life of teaching and conducting. He conducted Sousa’s band in over 200 recordings and recorded most of his own solo cornet compositions.

Into the Storm By: Robert W. Smith

Into the Storm was inspired by the “Storm of the Century”, the great blizzard of 1993. This composer spent most of his life in the southern United States, far away from the vicious winter storms of the northeastern part of the country. Spending four days completely snowbound prompted many hours of watching and listing to the spectacle of nature outside the comfort of a warm house and a roaring fire.

John Williams in Concert arr. Paul Lavender

As Vice President of Instrumental Publications for Hal Leonard Corporation, Paul Lavender directs the product development of marketing of Hal Leonard’s extensive catalog of performance publications for orchestra, concert band, marching band, and jazz ensemble, as well as instrumental books, collections and methods. Also a prolific writer, Paul has contributed more than 1000 arrangements and compositions to the educational and concert repertoire and continues to be one of the most widely played writers today. Paul supervises the creative work of many of the industry’s most respected composers and arrangers, producing over 600 new instrumental publications each year. Recently, his association with the renowned film composer John Williams has produced the prestigious John Williams Signature Series, featuring Williams’ authentic film scores and concert music for professional orchestras.