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Skye Isle is located in the Inner Hebrides archipelago on Scotland’s west coast where it is both the largest and northernmost island. Known for its picturesque landscapes, castles, and wildlife, it is frequently visited by tourists from all over the world. This piece is a setting of the Skye Boat Song, a beautiful Scottish folk tune…

Tuning is the responsibility of each individual in the ensemble. Directors can’t really “tune” the band. The best results occur when the director guides the student’s skill development to match pitch with the players around them. Playing in tune, like any skill, and learning to match pitch has to be worked on a little bit…

Another school year is off and running and you know what that means? Football! Oh, and yes marching band. Many band directors have a love, hate relationship with marching band and there are many who wish it was not even part of what we have to do in music education. Others love it to the…

I received an e-mail from a composition student yesterday, one who received an A-minus. The student, who did not question the grade, asked what could be done to improve. I should say the student is intelligent, musical, and as creative as the student’s current level of knowledge allows. Here is my response: Dear [Student]: There…

COMING SOON from Excelcia Music Publishing Folk music has long been a source of inspiration for composers. Many melodies of more than several hundred years of age have survived in part due to their incorporation in modern music, and also because they are tuneful and memorable. Much of my music for band thus far has been…

The percussion section of an ensemble can add or detract from the performance of a march in concert. The conductor needs to have a concept of the sounds expected from each percussion instrument and be able to assist the performers to achieve that tone quality. Directors should not be willing to accept whatever happens in…

Are you interested in being a published composer for school band and orchestra? Let me start out by dispelling a myth right now. Getting music published does not equal getting rich! There are very few composers that I have ever known that can make a solid living just on getting music published for school bands…

Marches Nothing in the band world is more inspiring, thrilling, and musically satisfying to band audiences than a stirring march, when performed by a superb band under the direction of vital, inspired leadership. Select marches carefully, rehearse them thoroughly, and perform them with life, vitality and observe your audience reaction. -William D. Revelli The University…

ALPINE MEMORIES is a fantasy on traditional folksongs from the alpine region of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. A grade 3 piece for band, it was premiered in January of 2018 by the 9th and 10th-grade Hillsborough all-county band in Tampa, FL. The premiere performance was conducted by my longtime friend, Dr. Justin Mertz. Justin and I…

Whether you want to learn how to arrange for your ensemble or just want to improve your arranging skills, here are my top 10 arranging tips and tricks arranging. Of course, these can and should be considered when composing your own music as well.  All good arranging, in my opinion, is based upon the overtone…