Rafael Hernandez
El Cambanchero
"Cumbanchero", Rafael Hernández Marín (1892-1965) was a Puerto Rican song writer whose music became a staple of the Puerto Rican culture. El Cambanchero is EXTREMELY difficult and demanding, but its worth it!
*Includes Percussion
Difficulty: 10/10
Grade: 6+
Kevin McKee
Vuelta Del Fuego
From Mckee: "The idea for Vuelta del Fuego came from a love of that Mexican "Zorro" sound that mixes over-the-top romance with unabashed flair and swagger. I wrote this piece for a group that I played in at the time, the Continuum Brass Quintet, which was made up of some of the best musicians with whom I've ever played." At League City Brass, We love Mckee's works- especially Konner!
Difficulty: 8/10
Grade: 6
Astor Piazzolla
Oblivion
Oblivion is an instrumental work by Ástor Piazzolla. Composed in 1982, it was originally arranged for bandonéon, piano and bass, but its growing success over the years inspired many reprises. Fun Fact: The ballad in Hebron HS 21-22 program "Penstriped" is Oblivion!
Difficulty: 5/10
Grade: 5
Pablo Beltran Ruiz
Sway
Pablo Beltrán Ruiz (5 March 1915 - 29 July 2008) was a Mexican composer and bandleader, most famous for composing "Quien Sera?", known as Sway in English. The arrangement below is notoriously difficult for the French Horn.
*Includes Percussion
Difficulty: 9/10
Grade: 6
Sam Pilafian + Patrick Sheridan
The Strait of Hormuz
Written by Sam Pilafian and Patrick Sheridan,The Strait of Hormuz is a tuba solo to feature Patrick Sheridan's brilliant virtuosity. It is essentially a mini tone poem with Eastern modes and mixed meters which are meant to evoke the sounds and sights that one might find in a bustling desert market place.
*Includes Percussion
Difficulty: 10/10 * for tuba
Grade: 6
Kerry Turner
Ricochet
League City brass was fortunate enough to be able to work with the composer, Kerry Turner, in a online masterclass and then preform Ricochet at "Dark Dining" hosted by Prevent blindness Texas, an non-profit organization. Ricochet has been a staple of our repertoire and continues to challenge us with its incredible depth. Fun Fact: Shan listened to ricochet over 400 times in under 3 months!
Difficulty: 9/10
Grade: 6
Vincent Youmans
Carioca
"The Carioca" is a 1933 popular song with music by Vincent Youmans and lyrics by Edward Eliscu and Gus Kahn, as well as the name of the dance choreographed to it for the 1933 film Flying Down to Rio. This particular arrangement features the horn throughout the piece and a double A in the trumpet towards the end.
*Includes Percussion
Difficulty: 10/10
Grade: 6+
Holst
Second Suite in F
Written in 1905, this exceptional suite, based on English folk songs, is every bit as important and masterful as Holst's First Suite in E Flat. All LCB members have played the full band arrangement. The brass quintet arrangement allows for more exposed lines while also allowing for big and "full" moments.
Difficulty: 7/10
Grade: 5+
kerry Turner
The Casbah of Tetouan
Another Fabulous work by K. Turner. The Casbah of Tetouan was inspired by the Moroccan architecture and culture. “As we crossed the Straits of Gibraltar and first laid eyes on the North African coast, I knew we were in store for an adventure! The city of Tetouan was our destination. We soon stood before its main gates. The many exotic new sights overran our senses as we entered the city, complementing the wild sounds and smells of the bustling ancient city. After proceeding only a few feet past hobbled live chickens, we soon became completely immersed in the endless, tiny alleys of the Casbah."
Difficulty: 9/10
Grade: 6+
Stanton Moore
Blues for Ben
"Blues for Ben" by Stanton Moore is a soulful and rhythmically driven piece for brass quintet, blending elements of blues and jazz. The composition features rich harmonies, bold brass lines, and dynamic shifts that create a groove-filled, expressive tribute. The tuba part in "Blues for ben" Is very popular.
Difficulty: 8/10
Grade: 6
Eric Reed
Purple Bamboo Melody
This beautiful music was adapted by Eric Reed for brass quintet and recorded on the Canadian Brass recording,Great Wall of China. It is based on a traditional Chinese folk song.
Difficulty: 3/10
Grade: 3.5
paul nagle
Jive for Five
This arrangement was created to accompany Paul Nagle's brilliant composition Jive for Five, for brass quintet or saxophone quartet.
*Includes Percussion
Difficulty: 4/10
Grade: 5
Ian McDougall
Cavatina Pacifica
Cavatina Pacifica is an exquisite piece for Brass Quintet featuring lush chords over a haunting melody. With the use of flugel Horns and muted trombone- it almost seems like the melody is saying real words. Give it a listen! You wont regret it.
Difficulty: 5.5/10
Grade: 5
Brandon Ridenour
Doves
This lovely composition, titled "Doves", by Brandon Ridenour is written for brass quintet and performed by Canadian Brass. The use of flugel horns allows for a richer texture and an easier listen.
Difficulty: 7/10
Grade: 4+