Mt. Ararat High School Band Curriculum
Literature Selection
The literature selected for a band to rehearse and perform is the heart of the curriculum for that ensemble. Chosen literature needs to be from diverse styles, historical periods, and genres. Music performed must be of such a level as to be demanding of the ensemble members both technically and musically. The list that follows is an assortment of music divided into six categories. Selections from these categories or equivalent selections will be rehearsed and performed yearly by students in the Mt. Ararat Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. This list is a collection of band literature widely regarded as being quality band music and as having educational benefits to be derived by the students in the ensemble. The list is a sampling of music in each category intended to show the type and level of difficulty of music intended to challenge students and provide them the opportunity for a true aesthetic experience– a well rounded experience that is demanding and grounded in the classics of band literature.The most significant is the Band Masterwork category. These works are the core of the band experience. Each ensemble will perform at least three Band Masterworks per year. Additionally, two each from the Slow and Expressive, Transcription, and March categories will also be performed, with one of the marches being by R.B. Hall (who was born in Bowdoinham, Maine in 1858). At least one selection from the Aleatoric and one from the Pop/Jazz categories will also be performed.
Band Masterwork- at least three per year will be performed
First Suite in Eb- Gustav HolstSlow and Expressive- at least two per year will be performed
Second Suite in F- Gustav Holst
English Folk Song Suite- Ralph Vaughn Williams
Variations on a Korean Folk Song- John Barnes Chance
Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo- Malcolm Arnold, arr. Paynter
American Civil War Fantasy- Jerry Bilik
Third Suite- Robert Jager
Giving- Stephen Mellilo
Symphony No. 1- The Lord of the Rings- Johann deMeij
V.Hobbits
Trauersinfonie- Richard Wagner, arr. John BoydTranscription- at least two per year will be performed
Air for Band- Frank Erickson
Blessed are They- Johannes Brahms, arr. Buelmann
With Quiet Courage- Larry Daehn
Finale to Symphony No. 2- Gustav Mahler, arr. Jimmie Howard Reynolds
Irish Tune from County Derry- Percy Grainger, edited by Rogers
Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral- Richard Wagner, arr. Calliet
On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss- David Holsinger
Prelude and Fugue in Bb Major- J.S. Bach, arr MoehlmannMarch- at least two per year will be performed, one of which will be by R.B. Hall (who was born in Bowdoinham, Maine: part of MSAD 75)
Overture to The Messiah- G.F. Handel, arr. Calliet
The Marriage of Figaro Overture- W.A. Mozart, arr. Slocum
Haydn Variations- Johannes Brahms, arr. Wasson
Water Music- G.F. Handel, arr Hardy
Tancredi Overture- G. Rossini, arr Falcone
Independentia- R. B. HallAleatoric- at least one per year will be performed
Fort Popham- R. B. Hall
Tenth Regiment- R. B. Hall
New Colonial- R. B. Hall
March Chandlers- R. B. Hall
Stars and Stripes Forever- John Philip Sousa
The Gladiator- John Philip Sousa
Trombone King- Karl L. King
American’s We- Henry Fillmore
Them Basses- G.F. Huffine
Arsenal- Jan van der Roost
Epinicion- PaulsenPop/Jazz- at least one per year will be performed
Snakes!- Thomas Duffy
Symphony #1- Daniel Bukvich
VooDoo- Daniel Bukvich
Porgy and Bess, George Gershwin, arr. Barnes
In the Mood- Garland, arr. Clark
Strike up the Band- George Gershwin, arr. Warren Barker
Superman Suite- John Williams, arr. Lowden
Fiddler on the Roof- Bock, arr. Burden
