Buying Music
Silvery Snow- SA/PT1 PT2
Recording Link - https://youtu.be/Yf9OcbnLrvQ
Midnight Mystery
Embark on a musical adventure with "Mysterious Midnight," a composition that challenges concert bands with its intricate demands, including double tonguing, upper register playing, complex time signatures, and intense rhythmic patterns. Spanning 6 and a half minutes, this piece offers a thrilling journey into the enigmatic realm of the midnight hour.
With its sporadic and wild nature, "Mysterious Midnight" seeks to capture the essence of the mysteries that unfold under the cover of darkness. It evokes the sense of urgency and excitement one might experience during midnight pursuits, whether chasing elusive clues or navigating through moments of eerie tranquility.
Divided into four distinct sections, each characterized by its own unique twists and turns, "Mysterious Midnight" invites both performers and listeners to immerse themselves in a world of intrigue and discovery. From frenetic chases to moments of contemplative calm, this composition presents a multifaceted exploration of the mysteries that lurk in the night.
While the mysteries at hand may occasionally slip from your grasp, the excitement and adventure of performing "Mysterious Midnight" will remain ever-present. Delve into the exhilarating experience this piece offers, and let your ensemble revel in the thrill of unraveling its secrets with each masterful note.
Experience the excitement and intrigue of "Mysterious Midnight" – a captivating musical odyssey crafted for the daring and adventurous spirit of concert bands.
Recording Link - https://youtu.be/VjLnPNzlc10
The Night the Moon Lost Its Sparkle
Recording link - https://youtu.be/k-CF9VmiJ7A
Brooklyn Bridge (A Modern Love Story) - Chamber Ensemble/Small Band
Brooklyn Bridge (A Modern Love Story) - Chamber Ensemble Grade 3-4
This piece consists of 1 Flute, 2 Bb Clarinets, 1 Bb Bass Clarinet, 1 Alto Sax, 1 Tenor Sax, 1 Bari Sax, 1 Bb Trumpet, 1 French Horn, 1 Tenor Trombone, 1 Euphonium, and 1 Tuba.
The Brooklyn Bridge stands as a testament not only to the ingenuity of its designers but also to the enduring love between Emily Warren Roebling and Washington Roebling. As engineers, they shared a vision of constructing a structure that would not only physically connect people but also symbolize unity and vitality within a city. Regrettably, Washington's illness prevented him from seeing his vision through to completion, prompting Emily to take up the mantle and dedicate herself to realizing their shared dream as a tribute to her late husband. Her unwavering commitment transformed the bridge into more than just a physical edifice; it became a poignant symbol of love and perseverance.
This narrative embodies two overarching themes: one of determination, where an individual or entity is driven to act for the betterment of another, and another of unsuspecting recipients who are unaware of the efforts being made on their behalf. Ultimately, these themes converge harmoniously, reflecting the empowering unity that arises when two hearts find common ground. In this reinterpretation of a classic love story, I invite you to consider what your personal "Brooklyn Bridge" represents—a metaphorical embodiment of your aspirations, challenges, and triumphs.
Recording Link - https://youtu.be/v9vHXqHHS7Y
The Night The Moon Fell
Recording link - https://youtu.be/XJ6om49ghoE
Water Lillies
Water Lilies (Grade 4) - Concert Band
"Water Lilies" is a composition lasting 4 minutes and 30 seconds, drawing inspiration from Claude Monet's renowned painting series of the same name. This musical piece encapsulates a tranquil and unrestrained essence, delving into the nuanced interplay of color and nature depicted in Monet's Water Lilies. Through three distinct themes, listeners are invited to immerse themselves in the delicate pink lily flowers, the fluidity of Monet's brushstrokes, and the overarching majesty of his artistic vision.
Designed for intermediate to advanced ensembles, "Water Lilies" offers an engaging challenge, featuring diverse time signatures and key variations. It presents an opportunity for musicians to expand their proficiency while exploring the evocative depths of Monet's masterpiece.
We invite you to savor the musical journey presented by "Water Lilies," composed by Ben Jaeckel.
Recording Link - https://youtu.be/alIZQlCuLyw
Propulsion - Brass Ensemble
Recording link - https://youtu.be/ZNJ9NsajhQ4
Question Mark Suite
Grade 6 - Question Mark Suite (A work for Wind Band)
The Question Mark Suite by Ben Jaeckel is a deeply personal exploration of life's emotional journey, rooted in moments of longing, confusion, and desire. The first movement reflects the overwhelming rush of emotions when we encounter something powerful for the first time. The brass sections, with raw intensity and extreme trumpet ranges, capture the beautiful yet unreachable feelings of wanting, while the percussion adds a restless energy. The second movement shifts to a more playful and rhythmic tone, expressing a lighter joy that comes from discovering something new, but also recognizing that not all desires are meant to be realized. The mixed meters create a sense of freedom, but beneath the surface lies a bittersweet understanding that life, like music, is filled with ups and downs. The third movement reflects a time of personal isolation and the yearning for connection. It’s written with more soloistic passages, allowing space for introspection and self-expression, as the performer searches for clarity through fragmented sound. This movement is about longing for understanding, with no clear resolution—just a sense of searching for something elusive. The fourth movement is where the suite comes full circle. After struggling to find inspiration, I had found new creative energy in a close-knit group of friends, which brought a sense of joy and fresh perspective. This final movement incorporates fun, spontaneous moments, like quirky time signature changes, reflecting the playful, sometimes cringe-worthy experiences shared with friends. It’s a culmination of the emotional journey, where the piece comes back to the beginning but with new understanding. The suite ends with a literal period, symbolizing the completion of the circle—reflecting life’s constant ebb and flow, from uncertainty to resolution. The Question Mark Suite is not just about the emotions that shape us, but also about the people and experiences that guide us along the way. It’s a reflection of personal growth, of finding meaning through struggle, and ultimately, of life coming full circle.
Recording Link - https://youtu.be/h5mOoDvMB7w
When You Leave...
When You Leave… is a piece that I want to be open for interpretation. I do not think it should have one set meaning, because I feel every performer should bring their own emotions into it. But as the person who wrote it, I know it is also my job to explain why I wrote this piece and why it turned out the way it did.
Someone who was very close to me had to move away. From the moment I met this person, I knew that one day this would happen, and I had been preparing myself for it for a long time. When the time got closer, I wanted to make the most of it. We hung out, we did fun things, we went on adventures. But in the back of my mind there was always this question: what happens when you leave? That question, and the anxiety that came with it, is what I put into this piece.
This piece is centered around D minor. It uses both minor and major chords to create a very solemn feeling. The main theme comes back over and over again to give that sense of knowing what is coming, even if you do not want it to. The piano has a big role in this piece. I believe the piano is one of the most beautiful instruments, but here I do not use it in a flowing, harmonic way. Instead, it provides a constant pulse. That pulse represents this person. They are beautiful, they are steady, they can be wild at times in ways that I love, and they are the motif that keeps repeating in my life. In the end, I chose to close on an F major chord, the relative major to D minor. That chord represents hope, because what lies ahead is the most exciting part.
Score Video Link: youtu.be/OBu7gSAHzDw