Hymns Brass Band

[Eliz Cisneroz]

Brassbands around the world are famous for their renditions of religious hymns. Many bands started out as temperance ensembles or church groups in the early 19th century. The performance of religious music become increasingly popular during and then proceeding the industrial revolution when many mills, factories and other work establishments sponsored and encouraged their workers to take up brass instruments. The brass band tradition of hymn playing remains as strong as ever in the present day and many contests still require the performance of hymn.

A beautiful arrangement of one the best-loved and most performed religious songs of all time. The particular setting is based on an earlier arrangement for woodwind ensemble. The arranger has indicated that the piece is of approximately a grade 3 or 4 standard so would suit junior/remedial ensembles as well as higher level musicians.

With music by E G Monk (1819-1900) and lyrics by Francis Pott (1832-1909) this work was originally created for organ and choir but works wonderfully for brass band. The hymn became increasingly popular in the UK and America during the 19th century and again, is simple enough that it can be performed by bands of all abilities.

This is a gentle piece that crescendos to a climax and then fades. The piece has a fairly straightforward chord progression supporting the melody. The arranger notes that the hymn will be great for concerts as well as for use in church. As with most choices in our list this piece can be performed by bands of almost all skill levels.

Axbirdge is a well known for many British and American brass bands. Originally composed by Prendergast and Sullivan in 1889 this modern arrangement was created by Jonathan Scott in 2016. The hymn works really well as a warm up for any level of band as well as making a great addition to any concert or church programme.

Blessed Assurance is one of the most well known traditional Christian hymns. The lyrics were written in 1873 by blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby whilst the music was composed in the same year by Phoebe Knapp. The triplet 3-feel employed in this arrangement offer an alternative mood to the standard hymn so it will make a great addition to any rehearsal or concert.

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There are several occasions when a brass band is invited to play along with bagpipes and one of the first titles to be mentioned is the American traditional hymn melody, "Amazing Grace". This arrangement was prepared for one such occasion when Brass Band of the Western Reserve, musical director, Dr Keith M Wilkinson, was invited to play at a wedding in 2007. Parts for bagpipes are included in Concert Pitch (as shown in the full score) and in Db, the key in which they are normally pitched.There are optional parts which make the arrangement equally effective without bagpipes. A suggestion when this version is used is to place the cornet soloist at the beginning some distance from the band.

2242: Fanfare Prelude - Faithful in every way (Simon Gash)Lord, I come before your throne of grace (S.A.S.B. 378) has become a popular song for Sunday worship. These words of great assurance are married to a strong tune which, unlike many contemporary worship songs, suits the brass band idiom well. Although this piece will work without Percussion, the Snare Drum part, which underpins a lot of the piece, will help drive the music forward.2243: The wonders of thy grace (Norman Bearcroft)Herbert Booth's song Within my heart, O Lord, fulfil (S.A.S.B. 211) was the inspiration behind Lieut-Colonel Norman Bearcroft's three-verse setting of the hymn tune Wareham, with the title being taken from the lyrics of verse two.2244: Trombone Solo - I will wait (Andrew Mackereth)Major Leonard Ballantine has an astonishing gift for contemporary song writing. This song is a brilliant example of this, taking the idea of Jesus waiting patiently for us to accept the fullness of his offer of love.This arrangement was made at the request of Andrew Justice, former Principal Trombonist of The International Staff Band. For many years, Andrew has used this song with piano accompaniment. In making this arrangement, the composers aim was to capture the transparency you can create in piano playing.2245: The battle cry! (David Edmonds)Inspired by Lorne Barry's Trinity (F.S. 599), this piece would be well suited as a concert opener but would work in many settings as a contribution to worship. Its main feature is the driving rhythmic pattern in the Bass and Percussion sections. The music needs to be played with confidence and purpose. As the title suggests, it is a strong, inspiring battle cry, corralling the troops. This is a setting of the song by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, O Church, arise (S.A.S.B. 819), which has become popular in recent years, not only within The Salvation Army, but also the wider Christian church.

1347: Intrada on 'St Magnus' (Ruben Schmidt)This is an energetic intrada based on the tune St. Magnus with the composer keeping the words The head that once was crowned with thorns (S.A.S.B. 22) in mind.1348: March - In every corner sing (Alan Williams)This is a bright march requiring plenty of vigour and imagination. Featuring and taking its title from Let all the world in every corner sing: My God and King! (S.A.S.B. 41), this bright melody is contrasted with the tune Lydia associating the words There is a name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth (S.A.S.B. 94).1349: I need thee (Craig Woodland)An expressive arrangement of the traditional hymn I need thee every hour (S.A.S.B. 707)1350: March - The great commission (Paul Sharman)This march was written for the Norwegian Christian brass band, Egersund Missionary Band, and is derived from the tune Onward, Christian soldiers (T.B. 188) as well as a brief fragment of the Norwegian National Anthem and the melody Die Sach is dein (The work is thine).

Based on a poem written in 1208 by chieftain Kolbeinn Tumason on his death bed, the title translates as 'Hear, Smith of Heavens'. It has become one of the most popular hymns in Iceland and has recently been used in the TV series Handmaid's Tale. The music also went viral following an impromptu performance by a choir at a German train station, accumulating over 4 million views. This arrangement brings something totally different to your concerts with an atmospheric setting for brass band, featuring the flugel horn in the opening and closing bars over sung chords from the rest of the band.

This stunning arrangement by British composer Andy Wareham is of the popular hymn 'Mid all the Traffic, which marries the North-American folksong Shenandoah set to lyrics by English journalist, novelist and poet William Arthur Dunkerley (written under the pseudonym of 'John Oxenham'). The hymn is very well-regarded in both the Salvation Army and wider brass band movement thanks to a popular arrangement by renowned Salvationist composer Leonard Ballantine. The arranger writes: 'This setting of 'Mid All The Traffic was originally composed during the Covid-19 pandemic as an octet arrangement for single instrument. My hope was to create an arrangement that offers an alternative view on harmony and could be multi-track recorded; allowing performers to give, and share, a performance whilst in isolation. The music was written in dedication to all of the 'key-workers' in the UK, especially in the NHS, who worked tirelessly throughout difficult conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic.' To view a follow-the-score video of the work please visit =naajvdsg9Wo PDF download includes score and parts. Sheet music available from: UK - www.brassband.co.uk USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com Difficulty Level: 3rd Section + Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb Repiano Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 3rd Cornet Bb Flugel Horn Bb Solo Horn Eb 1st Horn Eb 2nd Horn Eb 1st Baritone Bb 2nd Baritone Bb 1st Trombone Bb 2nd Trombone Bb Bass Trombone 1st Euphonium Bb 2nd Euphonium Bb Bass Eb Bass Bb Bass Drum Suspended Cymbal

This delightful setting for brass band by Kenneth Downie is based on the much loved hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, alternatively known as Blaenwern. An optional organ part which will enhance the last verse is included. Kenneth Downie writes: 'It has been a delight to work on this wonderful Welsh hymn tune called Blaenwern, a tune which perfectly suits the majestic words by Charles Wesley, 'Love divine, all loves excelling'. This hymn is all about a big, expansive, all-embracing God, and I have tried to capture this aspect of the words. The rising interval in the introduction is an important feature in developing the notion of a 'big God', and its reappearance near the end is intended to be very significant. The hymn is full of memorable phrases which will hopefully inspire players, singers and conductors as they contemplate the text in preparation for any performance. 'Joy of Heaven, to earth come down', 'Enter every longing heart', 'Finish then thy new creation', and then the last amazing four lines: 'Changed from glory into glory, Till in Heaven we take our place, Till we cast our crowns before thee, Lost in wonder, love and praise'. The addition of the organ in the last verse, by special request of Peggy and Scott Thomas who commissioned the arrangement, should add to the majesty of the music, but of course, it is not fundamental to any performance. May this music bring honour to our amazing God!' To view a video of the Melbourne Staff Band playing the piece please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUszRQh40lQ A rolling score video can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4dM0fZaVug Sheet music available from www.brassband.co.uk Difficulty Level: 4th Section + Length: 4.00 minutes Instrumentation: Soprano Cornet Eb Solo Cornet Bb Repiano Cornet Bb 2nd Cornet Bb 3rd Cornet Bb Flugel Horn Bb Solo Horn Eb 1st Horn Eb 2nd Horn Eb 1st Baritone Bb 2nd Baritone Bb 1st Trombone Bb 2nd Trombone Bb Bass Trombone Euphonium Bb Bass Eb Bass Bb Timpani Percussion 1-2 Organ (optional)

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