Let The Journey Begin!
Grade 0.5 (Concert/Festival)
Your concert will definitely get off to a rousing start when you perform this bold and contemporary new work by composer James Swearingen. No detail has been spared in crafting a piece that is well suited for beginning band students with limited experience. Be aware that the energy and drive that your band is sure to generate will leave your audiences excited, highly satisfied and wanting for more. A great way to start a concert!

Mi Casa Es Su Casa (My Home is Your Home)
Grade 1 (Noveltyl)
Based on the traditional folk song Home Sweet Home, this musical setting provides a wonderful opportunity for your developing percussion section to perform on a variety of Latin instruments. Castanets, claves, maracas and vibraslap are all utilized to help provide a rhythmic energy behind a beautiful and lyrical theme. All of your students, including parents, will thank you many times over for programming this selection. A real showstopper!

Above and Beyond (A Triumphant Fanfare for Band)
Grade 1.5 (Fanfare)
If you’re looking for an exciting opener, look no more. From the first measure to the last, you’ll discover dramatic sounding melodies that are creatively scored against a background of bold rhythms and contemporary harmonies. This piece has it all and is certain to be popular for many years to come. A guaranteed winner!

The Gentle Mist of Spring
Grade 2 (Expressive Work)
This beautiful and sensitive piece touches all the emotional buttons required to help younger students develop a better understanding of musical expression. Very tuneful and crafted in such a way as to insure that your students will sound their absolute best. Audiences of all ages will be deeply touched by this highly expressive work. Stunning!

Joyance
Grade 2.5 (Concert/Festival)
Joyful energy abounds right from the start with this fresh and exciting new work for band. All the teachable ingredients that you’ve come to expect from this talented composer are at your disposal. The main theme is tuneful and highly syncopated while the middle section is absolutely beautiful and very emotional in character. This is a classic gem from the pen of James Swearingen. Very Impressive!

Aces of the Air by Karl L. King and arranged by James Swearingen
Grade 3 (March)
The always popular collection of King marches has provided us with, yet, another great work of masterful writing. You can be assured that all the ingredients of a traditional march can be found in this “fun to perform” piece by the preeminent composer of circus music. His timeless pieces continue to be performed around the world and this new and exciting march will hopefully find its way into the music folders of your students. A real crowd pleaser!

A Scottish Portrait
Grade 3 (Concert/Festival)
This delightful suite of three folk songs is sure to bring about a toe-tapping smile along with an occasional tear of Scottish pride. With musical excitement from beginning to end, this sensational new work has been scored to make your group sound its absolute best. Tuneful melodies and great percussion writing compliment each other throughout the entire performance. It should also be noted that the creative rendition of Scotland the Brave as a heart-wrenching ballad has been described as “pure genius.” Musically rewarding!

Raise Your Joys and Triumphs High
Grade 3.5 (Expressive Work)
This beautiful setting of one of the most popular hymns ever written, Christ The Lord is Risen Today, was respectfully commissioned by the Ohio chapter of Phi Beta Mu in memory of James Morgan. Its musical impact is undeniably both breathtaking and stunning beyond all descriptive words. The emotional conclusion of this work allows for the audience to sing the hymn while an antiphonal brass section soars high above with emotional reverence. Both of these creative ideas are purely optional, but they should be definitely thought of as highly effective when applied. Inspiring!

James Swearingen’s Classic Chorales
Over the years, band directors from around the world have expressed appreciation for the many teaching opportunities that have resulted from using First Chorales for Band by James Swearingen. Now, sixteen of his all-time favorite hymns have been added to a brand new collection that will further enhance the value of using quality chorales as part of your daily warm-ups. Classic Chorales is designed to assist you with incorporating musical objectives while allowing your students the unique opportunity to reach their fullest potential as musicians.