News / Announcements

News and announcements about the library are posted below, arranged by date (YYYY-MM-DD). Many of these announcements also appear on the front page in abbreviated form.

2010-07-20 - July 2010 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 634 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 93

BandMusic PDF Blog - July 2010

Release 39 features the music of Kenneth Alford, Alex Lithgow, Johann Strauss, Jr., William Pettee, R.B. Hall, Gustav Holst, Chauncey Haines, John Gready and John Philip Sousa, many of whom are giants in the world of early band music. This set contains 7 Print & Play editions, valuable in any band library. Note: The designation (You Tube) indicates that we found worthy performances online.

Next release, Set 40 available in early September.

EUREKA!

After much research we have found information about the enigmatic donor to BandMusic PDF Library, Chester M. Nettrower. See a photo and brief biographical sketch of the mystery man.

NEWLY ADDED

• Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep - For Cornet, Trombone or Euphonium solo with band. This solo has been a staple in the low brass repertoire of the early 20th century. John Holland made the Print & Play transpositions. Score included as a separate file.
• Sons of New Zealand - Alex Lithgow, raised in Australia and New Zealand wrote marches to honor both countries. After the success of his "Sons of Australia" he composed "Sons of New Zealand." Both marches received acclaim down under and are enjoyed worldwide.
• The Vanished Army - Described as a "Poetic March" and sub-titled "They Never Die," commemorates the first 100,000 who died fighting WWI, "The War to End all Wars." By not excluding the foe, Alford is clear in his inclusion of all humanity. Score included as a separate file. Print & Play edition. (You Tube)
• Wine, Woman and Song - written by the "Waltz King," Johann Strauss, Jr., who along with Jacques Offenbach was a role model and personal favorite of John Philip Sousa. Strauss waltzes were wildly popular in Vienna and all of Europe and were widely performed in the USA as band transcriptions. Score included as a separate file. (You Tube)
• Dunlap Commandery - R.B. Hall wrote "Dunlap Commandery" to honor a Masonic organization in Bath Maine. Hall's genius as a composer and cornetist shine through in this fine march. John Holland did the transposed parts making this a Print & Play edition. (You Tube)
• Overture "Rival" - William Pettee had a feel for writing for the Town Band. Dramatic yet accessible, the music has great appeal for audience and performer. Contribution of this treasure is by Marshall's Civic Band, Topeka, KS. Pettee was one of the pioneers in writing original works for band as early as 1880 during the time that transcriptions of orchestral works were still typical fare. Of the dozen Pettee overtures known, this was by far his most popular.
• Irish Emeralds - For your next St. Patrick's Day concert, consider this gem studded medley of 16 Irish Songs and dances-- some well known; some less-- but all authentic. John Gready included numerous cadenzas in the piece and even a set of variations on "Wearin' of the Green." Score included as a separate file.
• The New Colonial March - One of R.B. Hall's best loved, most popular marches for over a century. Thanks to Roger Cawkwell for the transposed parts, this is now a Print & Play edition. (You Tube)

MORE GOODIES

Thanks to I.M.S.L.P. (International Music Score Library Project) for the variety of scores to both Holst Suites.

• First Suite in Eb for Military Band-Full Score (You Tube)
• First Suite in Eb for Military Band-Condensed Score (You Tube)
• Second Suite in F for Military Band-Full Score (You Tube)
• Second Suite in F for Military Band-Manuscript Score - This is an opportunity to study in depth Gustav Holst's hand-written manuscript for his Second Suite. Discover things your composition teacher never mentioned. (You Tube)

REPLACEMENTS

• Falcon March - Pete Knudsen provided scanned parts and John Holland: transposed Print & Play parts.
• The Giggler - Pete Knudsen scanned pages to add to the set.
• National Emblem - Roger Cawkwell: transposed Print & Play parts and short score. (You Tube)
• Semper Fidelis - David Caldwell transposed Print & Play parts. (You Tube)

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Welcome to new associate members of BandMusic PDF Library, John Holland and Roger Cawkwell, prominent musicians from the UK. Both have been very busy transposing parts for Print & Play editions adding much value to the music available online. Also thanks to Roger for his "short score" to "National Emblem."

Music Continues to be added from Marshall's Civic Band library. Thanks to the band and Rick Baker for this significant addition to BandMusic PDF Library.

BandMusic PDF - Home to vintage masterpieces for band.

2010-06-01 - Jun 2010 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 626 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 84

BandMusic PDF Blog - June 2010

Discover the glorious variety of BandMusic PDF.

Release 38 contains examples of far ranging, colorful, exciting band music from the early 20th century, including 1 concert march, 1 Mexican march, 2 polkas for cornet solo and band, lion chase - a galop for concert band , an oriental foxtrot, a Tyrolean folksong fantasy for cornet or trombone solo and a medley of themes from famous overtures.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

We're back after our short break with more treasures from the golden age of the Home Town Band.

Our efforts to provide a permanent home for the first 1,000+ pieces in the library have hit a snag. So we're regrouping in order to continue pursuing this important goal. Current plans are to restructure the operation to accommodate the enormous amount of worthwhile public domain music available in band libraries across the continent and around the world. This will take a while.

While that restructuring is under way, we will periodically add a number of new pieces to the library. Posting will, of necessity, be less frequent. Meantime, enjoy the incredible music in Set 38.

ADDITIONS

• Honeysuckle Polka - All the energy of the polka has been harnessed by composer James Oscar Casey to showcase the solo Cornet. The piece follows traditional polka-with-trio format including lively melodies, showy cadenzas and brilliant technical passages for the soloist.
• Jupiter - Edwin Franko Goldman wrote this polka for Cornet solo with band. It was one of Goldman's early works and is fun and easy to perform. (Print & Play)
• Children's March - A much loved concert march for band by Percy Grainger. He inscribed the work "For my playmate beyond the hills". Grainger depends heavily on full instrumentation, especially low woodwinds for the rich color palette used in this piece. Listen to some splendid performances on Youtube.
• Children's March - Conductor - The score is condensed down to 2 staves and instruments are carefully labeled. This is the 1919 edition.
• Dardanella - Subtitled "An Echo from the East", the music is described as an oriental foxtrot. The recording sold millions of copies and rose to number 1 on popularity charts in the early 1920s.
• Fantasia on a Tyrolean Folk-Song - Appealing music written as a feature solo for Cornet or Trombone. The solo part makes some technical demands on the performer while the band parts are at a moderate level.
• Gems from Overtures - Transcriptions of orchestral works played an important role on band concert playlists during the early days. This medley features themes from familiar overtures, including the likes of "Poet and Peasant", "William Tell Overture", "Light Cavalry" and others.
• Zacatecas - This much-loved Mexican march has reached the status of national march in Mexico, much like "The Stars and Stripes" in the USA. (Print & Play)
• Zacatecas - Conductor
• La Chasse au Lion - (The Lion Chase) Composer, Charles Koelling, employs the full ranges of woodwinds in brilliant running passages, energizing brass melodies with wide leaps and insistent repeated passages. After the intro, take the tempo as fast as you dare from beginning to breathless climax of this concert galop.

• Trombonium - Transposed and edited parts added to change to Print & Play.
• Ambassador - Transposed and edited parts added to change to Print & Play.
• Skater's Waltz Added FL and ALCL parts.
• Bells of St. Mary's added Drums, including Timpani and Bells to complete the set.

Thanks to Rick Baker from Marshall's Civic Band for sharing pieces from their library, including Honeysuckle Polka and Jupiter Polka. Marshall's Band was already active when much of this vintage music was published. Look for more of their generous donations in the near future.
Thanks to Mike Schaffer for replacement parts to "Skater's Waltz" and "Bells of St. Mary's."
Thanks to Mark Sczublewski for editing and transposing parts to "Trombonium" and "Ambassador". Also in this replacement, "Ambassador" has been expanded to include saxes and many newly restored pages.
A big thank you to David Caldwell for providing Print & Play transpositions for "Jupiter."

BandMusic PDF Blog by Bill Park - June 2010

2010-03-04 - March 2010 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 618 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 80

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for March, 2010

Set 37 of BandMusic PDF is loaded with vintage treasures including pieces representing several regions.

After 5 joyous years of pursuing the BandMusic PDF Library project, the staff is taking a well-deserved break. What began as part-time, once a week meetings in 2005 has turned into a major time commitment since going online in 2007. This will be our first real break in 3 years. And this is a happy thing.

One of our volunteers is driving across country with her husband and sailing to Hawaii. Another is getting in some much needed skiing in NY. One more is devoting time to a long delayed writing and recording project. We'll be back in the spring and BMPDF will be as busy as ever.

While we're catching our breath, the website will be open as usual for downloading, searching and sorting. All the features will be here for you.

Release 37 has some incredible music to enjoy, from masterworks to some lighter but worthy pieces from the period. Plus there's a major bonus of many REPLACEMENT PARTS added thanks to our generous donors.

PRINT AND PLAY

• Under the Double Eagle - includes a full set of parts for modern concert band.
• Second Suite for Military Band in F - includes a full set of parts and condensed score.
• E Pluribus Unum - This Print & Play piece has a full set of parts for modern band and includes a condensed score.
• Jarabacek - Another spirited march by Kmoch, father of the Czech wind band in a Print and Play edition.

Newly Advanced to Print and Play Status:

• Garde du Corps
• First Suite for Band in Eb
• Comrades of the Legion

REGULAR RELEASES

• Second Suite for Military Band in F - This masterwork by Gustav Holst is posted as 3 separate files: Woodwinds; Brass/Percussion; Conductor Score. The 4 movements are based on English folksongs and dances. This was an original work for band that was later transcribed for orchestra. BandMusic PDF Library now has both Suites for Military Band by Holst.
• The Cascade March - Composer Nat Mann is credited with having written a dozen marches. Many were arranged by some of the prominent arrangers of the day and Herbert L. Clarke arranged this one. Most parts are technically easy except the 4th strain brass is challenging due to unusually wide leaps.
• Dreams of Fairyland - Intermezzo; soft, subtle, lyric, sustained, rubato, Dream of Fairyland is a welcome, light-weight addition to a program.
• The Forest King - Interesting, lively concert march, not intended for marching. The composer creates a good balance between predictability and fresh ideas.
• Eureka - an energetic 6/8 march written for small military band-- no oboe, bassoon nor saxes.
• Light Step March - George Weigand dedicated this march to Company C of the 7th Regiment, New York National Guard. It's written with the instrumentation of a work intended for marching-no oboe nor bassoon.
• Louisiana Pastime March - Features an easy-going melody, styled with mordents and trills and well articulated phrasings.
• The Maine Festival March - R.B. Hall's legacy is his marches; because of the distinctive style and musicality, he is generally regarded as one of America's greatest march writers. This tuneful piece was first performed at the Maine Music Festival, a series of grand concerts throughout the state in 1898.
• Yankee Boy - Snippets of Yankee Doodle are woven into this characteristic march contrapuntally. Composer Harry L. Alford inscribed the piece to J. Bodewalt Lampe who had written "Yankee Girl", another characteristic march.
• Dallas - Robert Browne Hall dedicated this march to Dallas Lodge of I.O.O.F., Dallastown, Pennsylvania. The march has good bones, including a catchy melody, strong counterpoint, compelling harmonies and contrasting bass lines. It includes the lodge song, a variant of "Annie Laurie"
• E Pluribus Unum - A great old standard patriotic march by Fred Jewell. Latin for "One out of many," the motto was adopted by the Continental Congress as they worked toward one united America forged out of many states.
• Nights in the Woods - Sousa arranged this music for his own band. It had been a smash hit at the "Folies Bergere" in Paris. An unusual feature is the use of kazoos during 2 portions of the piece.
• Under the Double Eagle - This is the third set of Joseph Wagner's masterwork in the library, providing a variety of arrangements and difficulty levels. Known and loved throughout the world, there are at least 31 published versions of this great march. This title should be in every band repertoire.
• Jarabacek - This march sprang from the Sokol movement. Composer Frantisek Kmoch was very interested in promoting non-military music for band. During concert performance, the audience breaks into spirited song at the march trio on the Czech folk song, "Wild Bird".

REPLACEMENT PARTS

• Autumn Breezes - Parts added to complete.
• King Cotton - Eb Cornet added.
• Garde du Corps - Thanks to David Caldwell for furnishing transposed parts making this fine R.B. Hall march a Print & Play piece.
• Varsity (One Step) - Cornet 1 part added to complete.
• Under White Tents - EUTC added. The march is now a complete set.
• First Suite for Military Band in Eb - full instrumentation for Print & Play
• The Victors - CL2 and BSN added
• Yale Boola - CL1, EUTC, TB3 added
• Funeral March-Chopin - BSN added
• Hampton Roads - EUTC added
• Comrades of the Legion - F Horn parts added for Print & Play. Thanks to Robert Rudy.
• Gingerbread Cadets - F Horn parts added. Thanks to Dan Steadman

Thanks to Lucinda Lawrence and library staff at University of Illinois Band Library; Dan Steadman; Robert Rudy; Mike Schaffer David Caldwell and our anonymous friend of the library for adding missing instrument parts.

Special thanks to Graham Nasby and Neil Dickinson for searching out the now copyright-free 1922 edition of Holst's "Second Suite for Military Band in F" and providing it to the library.

BandMusic PDF Library - Far More Than Marches.

2010-02-06 - February 2010 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 604 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 73

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for February, 2010

Set 36 of BandMusic PDF includes music with a dedication.

Special Announcement: The BandMusic PDF Library project is reaching completion. Happily, we've found a permanent home for this unique collection of sheet music from the golden age of the American town band. In order to assure a permanent place on the internet where these century old treasures will continue to be freely available, we will be moving all 1,000 plus titles to the University of Illinois Band Library (Champaign, Illinois, USA).

Many thousands of band pieces are in the public domain and over time, potentially an enormous number of pieces will be added.

The move will be taking place in the next few months. When the transfer is completed, this website will remain temporarily online and will include a link to the new home base.

Question: Before launching the website, how many titles did we expect to release?
(Answer: Early on, we discussed maybe being able to have a collection of 100 pieces online.) The far-reaching project has extended beyond our wildest imagination.

Check back here for more detailed information next month.

Be sure to check out our companion website - www.bandmusicpdfscans.org">
More than 400 additional titles are posted there.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play:

• Beneath the Holly - (transposed parts by Dan Steadman)

Newly Advanced to Print & Play Status:

• Hail Columbia
• Glory, Glory Hallelujah
• Yankee Doodle
• High School Cadets
• Willow Echoes
• The Sousa Swing

NEW RELEASES

• Beneath the Holly - For next year's holiday concerts, this piece is a medley of traditional carols. Refreshing contrasts include a section for Brass Quartet. The piece was arranged by Mayhew Lake, under the pseudonym "Lester Brockton" and includes a complete set of parts for Print & Play. Moved from the "Scans" website.
• Cincinnatus March - Cincinnatus was one of the heroes of early Rome and was considered a model of Roman virtue and simplicity.
• Col. Donovan March - It was typical to honor a commanding officer by dedicating a march to him during this period. The sub-title reads: "9th Reg't M.V.M."
• Dream Faces -- Beautifully melodic, this reverie showcases woodwinds. At the trio there is a nice interplay between woodwinds and brass. Dream Faces features a dreamy, lyric style with melodies right out of the Romantic era.
• George Washington, Jr. - Medley march and two-step. The musical by the same name was written as a Broadway show by George M. Cohan in 1906. Multi-talented Cohan wrote the book, lyrics and music. This march introduces the song, "You're a Grand Old Flag."
• Major Cluett's - A march dedicated to Major John Cluett, Drum Major, 1st Regiment, Illinois National Guard.
• Opechee - Indian Intermezzo - The piece is complete with "Indian-style" drumming and characteristic rhythms and melodies.
• The Record Breaker - (March and two-step) dedicated "To Todd Sloan, the World's greatest Jockey."
• Tandem - March and two-step
• Thomas Jefferson - March by W.H. Santelmann, director of the U.S. Marine Band during the 1890s.
• Delilah - A concert waltz characterized by numerous tempo changes, contrasting ideas and graceful melodies.
• Peggy O'Neil - A waltz and popular song in Irish style from 1921. The tone is set by the opening line of lyrics "If her eyes are blue as skies, that's Peggy O'Neil."
• Wabash Blues - This fox-trot was a major hit for Isham Jones and his orchestra in 1921, with over a million recordings sold. It stayed on the charts for 12 weeks; 6 in the number 1 spot. The colorful concert band arrangement was done by the composer, Fred Meinken, featuring blues elements-- "cornet laugh" and "woodwind patter."
• From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific - Cornet (trumpet) solo by Sousa's great virtuoso Cornetist, Herbert L. Clarke. This magnificent rondo caprice continues to be an important solo with band to the present day.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

• Hail Columbia
• Glory, Glory Hallelujah
• Yankee Doodle - Three patriotic titles on 1 page - now with modern parts added becomes a Print & Play feature. Transposed parts by Robert Rudy.
• High School Cadets - Sousa's great march is now in a complete edition and Print & Play set. Replacement parts by Dan Steadman
• Willow Echoes - Frank Simon's sterling cornet solo with band is now in a Print & Play set. Parts transposed by Dan Steadman
• The Sousa Swing - Robert Rudy provided extra parts for this fun piece including an Oboe part that corrects a century-old error. Print & Play.

BandMusic PDF - The largest free online library of public domain band sheet music in the world.

2010-01-04 - January 2010 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 590 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 66

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for January 2010

Special Announcement: BandMusic PDF Library is getting a new home. In order to assure a permanent place on the Internet where these century old treasures will continue to be freely available, we will be moving. More than 1,000 titles will be available and new material will continue to be added. Check back here for more detailed information next month.

Be sure to check out our companion website - www.bandmusicpdfscans.org
More than 400 additional titles are posted there.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play:

• The Tyrolienne - L. Fonse

Newly Advanced to Print & Play Status:

• French National Defile

Regular

• The Tyrolienne - (literally "The Woman of Tyrol") Eb Clarinet Solo with band. Theme and 3 variations. The melody for this 1884 gem was popularized by Andy Stewart who wrote new words and recorded it in 1961. In the vocal setting, known as "The Green Hills of Tyrol". (also "The Scottish Soldier") it became an international hit during the 1960s. Several versions of the 1961 setting can be found on YouTube.
• The Burning of Rome - Another descriptive piece by the composer of "Midnight Fire Alarm." The music is shaped by its programmatic content. A descriptive synopsis is listed on the Solo Cornet/Conductor part.
• Coming Thro'the Rye - This medley march by Harry von Tilzer quotes the Scottish song by Robert Burns in the intro. From there it's pure Tilzer. A popular song, "When Kate and I were Comin' Thro' the Rye" with music by von Tilzer and words by Andrew Sterling was published the year before in 1902.
• The Directorate March - Sousa wrote "The Directorate March" to honor the board of directors of the 1893 St. Louis Exposition. The Directorate had awarded Sousa a highly prized medal for his successes at the Exposition.
• March Ethopian - Each strain features the melody of a song that was popular in the late 1890s, including "O Susannah".
• Indian Trail - This intermezzo is subtitled "Indian War Dance". It is descriptive and colorfully written.
• Japinsky March - A substantial amount of research turns up no information about the composer nor the march.
• The Last Call March - The trio of this march is based on a hymn tune.
• O Sole Mio! - This is the second version of this great old Italian song in BandMusic PDF Library.
• Old Timer - Noted composer Fred Jewell wrote this march. It is characterized by strong countermelodies in the bass line answering the main melodies in the upper register instruments.
• Princess Pocahontas - Excellent use of ornaments, dynamics and articulations give this march and two-step a unique feel. Colorful percussion writing adds its own distinctive dimension.
• Sword of Justice - Quality 6/8 march. Bass instruments have the melody in the second strain.
• Bells of St. Mary's - Before the 1945 movie and Bing Crosby, "The Bells of St. Mary's" was a popular song written by A. Emmett Adams in 1919. Can be performed with or without a vocal solo. Lyrics are available online. Also a vocal version of the music can be heard on YouTube.
• Cherokee - a very playable march by Edwin Franko Goldman. Scored for concert or street performance.
• The Kilties March - The composer played with "The Kilties" band from Galt, Ontario, Canada on their world tour in the early 1900s. One or more Scottish folk songs are incorporated in the music. This piece comes with a conductor score.
• Serenade d'Amour - This beautiful love song is in a moderate 4/8 meter.

REPLACEMENT PARTS ADDED

• High School Cadets - Flutes and CT1 added to complete the set. Seeking F Horns.
• French National Defile - 5 parts added to advance the set to Print & Play. Note that the manuscript [hand-written] FH parts are no longer needed.
• Flying Eagle

Thank you to Mike Schaffer for contributing all the above replacement parts.
Thanks to Rick Baker and Marshall's Civic Band for contributing The Tyrolienne.

BandMusic PDF - The largest free online library of public domain sheet music for band in the world.

2009-12-01 - December 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 574 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 64

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for December, 2009

Release 34 is a veritable "Who's Who" of great composers active in the early 20th Century. The list, while not comprehensive, includes Blankenburg, Sousa, Lincoln, Chambers, Losey, Holzmann, Leidzen, Seitz, Brooke, Clarke, Jewell and R.B. Hall… a full dozen giants from this early period. "Military" is the thread that ties everything together. Music by less well known composers stands up well too and that is reflected in this collection.

ADDITIONS

Print & Play

• Flying Eagle

Newly Advanced To Print & Play

• Blue Danube

• Flying Eagle - Herman Ludwig Blankenburg is believed to have written the most marches of any composer…over 1,000. Most were destroyed during WWII. Flying Eagle is considered one of his best and is the Print & Play feature this month. The eagle was a nationalistic symbol in Germany from before WWI.
• Flying Eagle-cond - This Blankenburg march comes complete with a conductor score.
• Fusillade March - features the sound of gunfire… lots of gunfire.
• High School Cadets - John Phillip Sousa wrote this march for a youth drill team. The music has been popular with bands ever since for more than a century.
• Old Reliable - Harry J. Lincoln. It's a mystery. Does the title refer to the "old reliable" muzzle-loader, a Civil War General or the railroad that shares the same name? Mystery aside, it's an excellent march.
• On Dress Parade - W. Paris Chambers. The ceremonial character of the music fits the title.
• Oregon Volunteer - Performed by the Oregon Volunteer Band in Manila, P.I., it's a well written march.
• Passion - intermezzo by Hager was arranged by Herbert L. Clarke. It's in a rubato style with appealing melodies. Frederick W. Hager was a prolific composer with many pieces published including marches, dances and others.
• Pride of the U.S. Marines - Interesting march--the trio features woodwinds spinning a melody in counterpoint to a persistent brass fanfare.
• Blaze Away - Abe Holzmann - The title refers to an order to fire given during a great sea battle in the Spanish-American War. The historic reference was well known during this period.
• Brooke's Chicago Marine Band - Roland Seitz dedicated this march to Thomas P. Brooke and his popular Chicago band. When ragtime became such a rage, Brooke devoted entire concerts to ragtime music twice weekly.
• Iowa Brigade - a very compelling march from the skillful hand of Fred Jewell.
• Tenth Regiment - One of R.B. Hall's finest marches.
• Sparklets - a beautiful melody for band, well scored.

• Blue Danube - is now a Print and Play piece, thanks to library enthusiast Bob Rudy.
• Elks Re-Union - EUTC added. Donated by an anonymous friend of the library.
• Hampton Roads - DbP, OB added. Now playable, the parts were donated by an anonymous friend of the library.
• George Landers - EbA3-4 has now been added to complete. - Anonymous donation.
• Missouri Waltz - TB2, TB3 added to complete - Anonymous donation.
• Olevine - This circus march is now complete with the addition of a Bass part. Anonymous donation.

2009-10-28 - November 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 561 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 62

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for November, 2009

Release 33 - Service Clubs have played an important role in cities and towns across USA and they continue to serve through the present. The current set of music pays tribute to a variety of service clubs, military service organizations and fraternal organizations through marches that were written and dedicated in the early 20th century by famous as well as little known composers. Posted in part as historical documents, quality of the service club marches presented here varies greatly, ranging from the masterful touch of Sousa, Barnhouse and Lake, to well intentioned efforts of the inexperienced.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play:

• King Cotton - One of Sousa's best, King Cotton has retained popularity for more than a century.

Advanced to Print and Play:

• Rolling Thunder - Henry Fillmore's brilliant circus march masterpiece is now in a Print & Play edition.
• Lights Out - E.E. McCoy's youthful work is an important staple in the band repertory and is now in a Print & Play edition. McCoy was age 18 when he composed this march which features "Taps" in the 4th strain.

Service Club Pieces

• The Elks (B.P.O.E.) March - "Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks" is an American fraternal and social organization.
• Buffalo No. 23 B.P.O.Elks - The title refers to the Elks Lodge in Buffalo, New York
• Elks of America March - The single published work of Henry Emmel.
• The Elks - The composer wrote this piece in the style of a Military March.
• Elks' March - By prominent composer Mayhew Lake, this skillfully written march incorporates, "Auld Lang Syne" as the final strain.

• L.O.O.M. March (Loyal Order of Moose) - is a fraternal and service organization involving the whole family.

• The Mystic Shrine - Also known as Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, the tongue-in-cheek organization began in the 1870s as a fraternity focused on fun and fellowship. While the trappings and costumes are an artifice, the purpose of the fraternity is real and far-reaching. Today the Shriners are noted for their charitable work in supporting hospitals for children.
• Imperial Potentate - The title refers to a high position in the Shrine organization.
• The Potentate March - The only known published work for band by O.R.Greene.

• The Legionnaires - the American Legion is a mutual aid organization for veterans of the US armed forces. Written by prominent composer and publisher, Charles Barnhouse.
• Comrades of the Legion - Sousa wrote this fine march in tribute to members of the American Legion.
• Templar - A Western Christian Military Order famous for participation in the Crusades. Also known as Knights Templar, they were active for about 2 centuries during the Middle Ages, then as a service organization in the early 20th century. Sub-titled "Souvenir March."

Non Service Club Pieces

• King Cotton - Another blockbuster by Sousa, this march was written for the "Cotton States Exposition" of 1895. Sousa's music drew such crowds that the financial success of the expo was assured. Note that this complete set was compiled from several working band libraries.
• The Sun Dance - A characteristic piece, this colorful march is meant to be performed at a moderate tempo and represents an Indian Dance. Would fit the theme for a Wild West show.
• The Dawn of Peace - The lofty title reflects a recurring theme throughout history, the eternal hope for peace.
• The Old Call March - This is the only known published march by Frederick O. Boos, who came from an especially musical family.

REPLACEMENT PARTS

• Rolling Thunder - FH3, FH4 - replacement parts donated by 3 team members: Mike Shaffer, plus an anonymous donor, plus Marshall's Civic Band.
• Two Little Bulfinches - Solo Clarinet 1 and Solo Clarinet 2 from Marshall's; Solo Cornet 1 and Solo Cornet 2 from an anonymous donor completes this piece.
• Spirit of Independence - TB3 completes the set. Marshall's
• Indian Medicine Dance - CT2 added to complete the set. Marshall's
• Booster - CT1, TB3 complete the set. Marshall's
• Karama - TB3 completes the set. Marshall's
• Lights Out - OB1/2 replaces OB; FL1/Pic, SS, AS2, EbA1, FH1, FH2, FH3, FH4, EU newly added. Parts provided from the Klimek collection plus Dick Steele, Tom Pechnik plus an anonymous donor.
• Watermelon Club - FH1 replaced to correct a transposition error.

As indicated above, a number of replacements are courtesy of historic Marshall's Civic Band, Topeka KS. Marshall's was founded 125 years ago and is one of the fine bands in the mid-west. We welcome to Marshall's as an important participant in music preservation.

TIPS AND TIDBITS

Tidbit 1: Question - Why does BandMusic PDF post incomplete sets of music, even with essential parts missing? Incomplete sets are unplayable, right?

Answer - Through the generosity of library patrons, many replacement parts are donated each month to complete these sets. Donors become an important part of this team effort, the library becomes more complete, the music becomes playable and everyone wins.

Example - The complete Lights Out Print & Play edition came from a total of 5 sources.

Tidbit 2: If you have downloaded any incomplete sets of band music, check back later to see if the set has been completed. On the Browse page check the Updated column to find the update history. Next click on the title in the Title column for full information on the Detailed Library Record for each piece.

2009-10-04 - October 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 545 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 59

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for October, 2009

Set 32 of BandMusic PDF is loaded with vintage treasures including pieces representing several countries: Ireland, Mexico, Egypt, Australia, France, Hungary, Italy, England, Scotland and USA. Versatility abounds with wide ranging styles include music suitable for the circus, an athletic event, wild- west performance, ballet, processional, dance, wedding, a trip through canals of Venice, a popular song and an intermezzo that gives a nod to Asian culture. BandMusic PDF Library - Far More Than Marches.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play:

• Cosmopolitan March - includes parts for modern concert band.

Newly Advanced to Print and Play Status:

• War March of the Priests - A band classic from Op.74, by Felix Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn composed the march as incidental music to the play, Athalia.

Regular:

• Cosmopolitan March - P&P - One of several thousand works for band composed/arranged by William H. Mackie, this march was written under the pseudonym "F. Bayer." It's an excellent 6/8 march.
• Irish Hearts - Styled after the popular two-step dance, this march is influenced by Irish music.
• The Kemble Galop - Fun to play as an out-of-breath, lickety-split galop, here is music suitable for circus or dance performance.
• King Buffalo March - Self-published by the composer, this piece readily fits in a show with a wild-west theme.
• Mexican Dance - The subtitle "Te Amo," (I love you) sets the tone for this lovely Mexican Dance. It has the feel of a habanera.
• Nymphs of the Nile - Graceful ballet music. Changing tempos, style, key centers and melodies all add to the "grazioso" feel.
• Oh! Jada Baby - Listed in "Jacob's Monthly" as a popular orchestration, "Oh! Jada Baby" was published as music for singing and dancing.
• Sons of Australia - Born in Scotland, Alex Lithgow wrote much music to honor his adopted Australia. Sons of Australia is highly regarded as a march and was included in the Heritage of the March recordings.
• The Strollers - Light hearted march that fits the title.
• French National Defile March - a brilliant French processional march in a majestic style. 104 to 108 bpm. Incorrectly attributed to A. Turlet. This is the piece played by famed Ohio State Marching Band in forming "Script Ohio."
• Hungarian Dance No. 5 - familiar music by Brahms. During this period music was often borrowed from the orchestra and arranged for band.
• Hungarian Dance No. 6 - familiar music by Brahms, another example of borrowed music.
• In a Gondola - Venetian through and through, this gentle music is in the style of a barcarolle. Very appealing.
• London Hippodrome - Bright harmonized trumpeting opens this dramatic march, making it a good concert opener.
• Scotch Wedding March - Recessional march suitable for a wedding.
• The Pitt Panther - One of several marches written for universities by Louis Panella, it has the feel of a spirited football march.
• Pahjamah - Intermezzo, One-step, Fox-trot. Pahjamah is a very successful circus march written by a prolific composer. Curiously, both composer and arranger worked under pseudonyms on this piece. (note: replaces a previous piece that had a technical problem)

• Dolore Dirge - EbCL, BCL, TB1, TB2, BATC added. Tom Pechnik prepared these pages. Parts came from U.S. Library of Congress.
• The Squealer - New cover, program notes and Flute/Piccolo part added. Transposition thanks to Mark Scherer.
• Men of Ohio - Parts added: FL/P, ALCL, BCL, C-Sax, BS and TB1/2TC
• The Conqueror - Marcus Neiman program notes added.
• War March of the Priests - Flute/Piccolo, Eb Clarinet, F Horns 1, 2, 3, and 4 parts added - P&P; Another Dan Steadman contribution.
• Marche Russe - Program notes added.
• German Fidelity March - Program notes added.
• Shrine of Liberty - Flute1-2/Piccolo part donated by Eleanor Bardes; Trombone 3 part by Bill Park to complete the set.

Thanks to Dan, Eleanor, Tom and Mark for contributing transposed parts to the library and to Marcus for program notes. All are members/directors of community bands from around the country. Transpositions were made for their own bands and shared with bands around the world. Volunteer efforts by these folks greatly increase the value of music in the library. You are invited to become part of the team too.

NEWS

Sept 6, 2009
International Broadcast by Steve Thomas and the Rockport Legion Band.

The Rockport Legion Band, Steve Thomas, conductor, is featured on a recent brasscast. Their excellent September 6, 2009 program features music of BandMusic PDF Library. You can download this international podcast and listen any time. Brasscast - www.brasscast.com Thanks to Steve for spreading the good word about BMPDF.

2009-08-28 - September 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 529 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 57

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for September, 2009

Patriotic Music is the theme for this month. Set 31 of BandMusic PDF includes colorful imagery, including Betsy Ross creating the flag at the request of our first president. Three sets of national songs, a total of 10 in all, are perfect for ceremonies, sing-alongs, even a pre-concert warm-up. There's a march written overnight on a train by Sousa, music inspired by a cartoon strip, an intermezzo with Native American motifs, a transcription from an orchestral suite and one of the best patrols ever.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play:

• Katzenjammer March

Advanced to Print and Play Status:

• Colonel Bogey
• Gen. Mixup, U.S.A,

Regular

• The Birth of Our Flag - A committee that included George Washington and 2 others visited Betsy Ross in May of 1776 with a rough sketch that soon became the national flag of USA. This march commemorates that historic occasion.
• Consolation March - Listed by just his last name, Zattarelli is credited with just 1 march. The piece is characterized by well written melodies, strong countermelodies and interesting parts for all players. Instrument manufacturer C.G. Conn chose to publish this work.
• Flag Day - Betsy Ross's flag was accepted by the Second Continental Congress as our national flag. That event is recognized in this march. Flag Day in the U.S is celebrated on June 14.
• The Invincible Eagle March - Sousa thought "Invincible Eagle" might actually surpass his "Stars and Stripes" in popularity as a patriotic march.
• Katzenjammer March - P&P - This good natured march features popular German drinking songs presented in a unique way. It was written soon after the comic strip, "Katzenjammer Kids" began publication. Listen to the music on YouTube. The performance is by the New Fulton Band, Jeffrey Yeager, conductor.
• Maiden America - The music of Lee Oreon Smith often expresses patriotic pride. The title is a play on words showing his sense of humor too. The best of both worlds.
• National Melodies No. 1 - ("America," "Marseilles Hymn," "Star Spangled Banner" and "Hail Columbia") 4 versatile arrangements on 1 page.
• "America" - 4 versatile arrangements on 1 page.
• "Marseilles Hymn" - 4 versatile arrangements on 1 page.
• "Star Spangled Banner" - 4 versatile arrangements on 1 page.
• "Hail Columbia" - 4 versatile arrangements on 1 page.
• O-ga-lal-la - The title refers to a Sioux Native American Tribe. The composer called it an "Indian Intermezzo."
• Strenuous Life March - Written during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, the title refers to an important essay and speech written by Roosevelt earlier in his career.
• The U.S. Starry Emblem March - Composed at the height of patriotic fervor near the end of the Great War. Excellent craftsmanship by the composer is displayed in this outstanding march.
• American Patrol - The music begins very softly, crescendos to a climax and fades slowly to the end. A patrol serves as a metaphor for a band in parade… heard from a distance, eventually marching past and into the distance. This is arguably the most popular patrol ever written and is enjoyed by performers and audiences.
• Angelus - Third movement in Jules Massenet's "Picturesque Scenes," an orchestral suite. The Angelus is a prayer recited with the tolling of church bells at 6am, noon and 6pm. Along with masterful melodic and harmonic elements, Massenet's colorful orchestration reflects the tolling of church bells.
• National Melodies No. 2 - ("Hail to the Chief," "Home Sweet Home," "Red, White and Blue") 3 straightforward arrangements on 1 page.
• "Hail to the Chief" - 3 straightforward arrangements on 1 page.
• "Home Sweet Home" - - 3 straightforward arrangements on 1 page.
• "Red, White and Blue" - 3 straightforward arrangements on 1 page.
• "Hail Columbia;" - 3 robust arrangements.
• "Glory Glory Halleluja" - 3 robust arrangements.
• "Yankee Doodle" - 3 robust arrangements.

REPLACEMENTS

• Gen. Mixup USA - FL1-2/Pic, AS, BS, FH1/2, FH3/4 added to create Print&Play
• Colonel Bogey - FH3/4, EU added to complete. Note: The former EU part can be discarded. Print&Play
• Royal Italian March; Royal March (Spain) - 6 parts added to complete the set
• Stars and Stripes Forever - Timpani/Bells part provided.

Thanks once more to Dan Steadman and Mike Schaffer for providing these essential parts.

TIPS & TIDBITS

Tips 9 - To keep your band music library up to date, check under "Replacements" each month. Here you will find the most complete versions of this music for your band library. As friends send in missing pages, we insert them into the original file and repost.

Tips 10 - Consult the Detailed Library Record for lots of information about each piece. Click in the "Title Column" to access this feature.

2009-07-31 - August 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 506 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 54

Set 30 of BandMusic PDF includes music honoring persons, occasions, a culture, a town, organizations and even an ocean liner. Some have a formal dedication line while others declare the intention in the title.

ADDITIONS

• March - Jewell's Triumphal

• The Charlemagne March - Music honoring an historic figure.
• March Coeur De Lion - Dedicated to the Coeur De Lion Commandry, Knights Templar of Charlestown, Massachusetts.
• Fillmore's Inaugural March - Commemorates the inauguration of President Millard Fillmore.
• Gen'l Bushnell's March - It was typical for military officers to have a march dedicated to them during this time.
• March - Jewell's Triumphal - Written by the great composer, Walter English, and dedicated to the Barnum and Bailey circus bandmaster, Fred Jewell. English displays his mastery of the circus march in this piece.
• Karama - This interesting piece was written by Mabel McKinley, a cousin of the president, under the pseudonym of Vivian Grey. It's described as a Japo-Rhapsody and derives from a fascination with exotic Asian cultures during this time.
• Oceanic - A march named for the White Star Company's transatlantic liner, "Oceanic," the first truly successful ocean-going vessel that employed both steam and sails. The ship had 1 stack and 4 masts.
• Police Parade March - Scored for a very small band instrumentation and solidly written in the German style.
• The Sousa Swing - Features the lilt of a 6/8 march and composed in homage to Sousa.
• The Storm King - Only questions… Is this some fanciful image or a local real person or the Storm King Center in the State of New York?
• At Evening Time - Gentle music for a change of pace. This serenade is by Fred Jewell. See above.
• Scattering of the Roses - Subtitled "Dance Parisienne," the music is in the French Polka style. The French Polka is graceful and lively but not too fast.
• Gate City March - Atlanta is the focus of this colorful band march. The piece incorporates "Suwannee River" and "Dixie." Two optional sections are for drum and bugle corps.
• Hiawatha's Melody of Love - A slow waltz harkening back to the style of the Romantic Era.
• Montezuma - Historical emperor of the Aztecs. Also a mythological subject among indigenous peoples of south west United States. Neither march nor composer give a clue about which Montezuma.
• Randolph March - Honoring Randolph, the smallest town in the state of Maine, here is another great march by R.B. Hall.

REPLACEMENTS

Two outstanding pieces from the Library have been updated with additional parts to complete the sets. Thanks to the generous donation by Mike Schaffer.

• In Storm and Sunshine - Exceptional Circus March by J.C. Heed.
• Willow Echoes - Classic Cornet Solo by Frank Simon.

Thanks to Dan Steadman for his significant efforts in continuing to create modern parts for the library.

• Shall We Gather at the River - An early American hymn tune, in a band setting by Henry Fillmore, now has FL1, 2-Pic; EbCL, and all FHorns. Great music!
• Southern Railway March - This charming, colorful piece now has a full set of F Horn parts.

TIPS & TIDBITS

Grading Scale - We use a standard method of grading band music with a scale that encompasses grades 1 through 6 as outlined on the American Band College Music Grading Chart.

Mixed Levels - In publishing standards today parts are mostly consistent in difficulty level within the same piece. At the turn of the 20th Century, more difficult parts were given to Piccolo, Flute, Solo Clarinet, Eb Clarinet, Solo Cornet and Euphonium. All other parts were a grade or 2 easier. This way, less experienced players could successfully participate in the same band alongside more proficient members. Making use of this information can often be advantageous in today's community band too.

A Closer Look - If all the parts in a piece are grade 2 or 3 excepting a couple, it's rated at grade 3 with exceptions noted (example: CTS=4). If 3 or more parts are at a higher level, then the whole piece is rated at the more difficult level.

Tips 7 - It's easy to make use of powerful built-in sorting on the "Browse" page. Just click on the blue header to sort alphabetically by title, composer, publisher or keywords, etc. To pick up where you left off at your last visit, sort on the "Released" column.

Next month features Patriotic Music.

2009-06-29 - July 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 490 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 53

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for July, 2009

Ten or more Countries are represented in Release 29, encompassing a broad geographic area from east to west. In addition to nationalistic marches, many styles are in this set, including intermezzo, jazz song, vaudeville song, Trombone smear, waltz and a strong ragtime piece.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play:

• My Irish Rosie

Regular:

• The Charioteer - A vibrant march with lots of style. Fanfares, runs and trills add to the excitement. Basses have the melody at the trio and there's a grandioso strain at the end.
• Colonial - This early 20th century march and two-step was also published for orchestra and piano solo.
• The First Attempt - Ornaments of many varieties and a wide array of articulations enhance the character of this well written march.
• Juvenile Party - This intermezzo calls for rubato style. A light-hearted change of pace for any concert.
• London March - A 6/8 march with wide dynamic changes.
• My Irish Rosie - A 1906 theatrical and vaudeville song arranged for band. Sheet music for voice and piano would have been in the parlor of many homes in the early 1900s. Added modern parts make this a "Print & Play" selection.
• The Observer - George D. Barnard, composer of The Observer, had over 400 published titles to his credit.
• The Picadore March - Sold outright by J.P. Sousa for the sum of $35, The Picadore March is filled with the color and excitement of a bullfight.
• Stop It! - A one-step for dancing by a composer known for his popular music, the trio has 6 words to sing: "Oh stop it, please stop it!"
• The Conqueror - Military march by the premier German march composer. Horns and Euphonium have the melody at the trio.
• German Fidelity - Nationalistic German march
• Marche Russe - A march by a French composer in the Russian style and published in USA.
• The Sheik of Araby (an Arabian Fox Trot) - 1921 jazz song with music by Ted Snyder and words by Harry Smith and Francis Wheeler. Fanciful and fun.
• Turkish Patrol - As in all patrols, this march describes the sound of a band far in the distance, growing in loudness as it approaches, then fading as the band passes by and marches away.
• Royal Italian March - An easy, hymn-like ceremonial march, shares the page with "Royal March" from Spain.
• Royal March (Spain) - Not a typical Spanish march, rhythmically simple as a hymn. Shares the page with "Royal Italian March".
• My Belgian Rose - Beautiful waltz in turn of the century popular dance style.
• Sweetmeats - Rag and two-step by Percy Wenrich, a composer of popular music. Arranged for band by Harry Alford, a well known arranger of the time. Ragtime and bands, a powerful combination.
• Trombone Francais - In ragtime style, this trombone novelty makes use of the unique ability of trombones to gliss. This is one of the great trombone smears.

REPLACEMENTS

• Glory of the Yankee Navy now has all SAXES, BCL, THTC and BATC thanks to the generous donation of Mike Schaffer.

TIPS

Tips 5: Styles - In addition to marches, music in many styles was published in the marchcard format to fit into a music lyre. This included songs, dances, ragtime, trombone smears, intermezzos and many others. BandMusic PDF has formatted all to print at 8.5 x 11, enlarging the print for ease of reading.

Tips 6: Circus Music - Many composers presented in BandMusic PDF Library were engaged in the circus, as conductors, musicians and composers. Much of the library would be suitable for a circus band concert today, including marches, galops, waltzes and a wide variety of others. Think of any circus act…suitable music is here.

2009-06-16 - Website Upgrade

An upgrade of the website code to work entirely on PHP and no longer use server side includes has been completed. All old filenames that ended in ".shtml" have been converted to ".php" files.

2009-06-01 - www.bandmusicpdfscans.org launched

Companion website www.bandmusicpdfscans.org launched.

The Band Music PDF Scans website is an companion website to the BandMusicPDF Library. Both websites are dedicated to sharing public domain band music. However, while www.bandmusicpdf.org contains fully indexed and catalogued pieces, www.bandmusicpdfscans.org contains pieces that we have not had yet the time to index.

2009-05-31 - Update

Dancing Dolls and Virgia Polka have been replaced to fix a transposition error and a technical issue. Please use these files to replace any that were downloaded on May 29, 2009 or before. Thank you for your patience.

2009-05-28 - Update

The following pieces have been temporarily taken offline to correct typos in the transposed parts: Virgia Polka and Dancing Dolls. These pieces will be re-posted shortly once the parts have been corrected.

2009-05-27 - June 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 471 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 52

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for June 2009

Release Notes Set 28 - Dance Music in all its dazzling variety is the central theme of release 28. Waltzes, polkas, gavottes, jigs, reels, a rustic barn dance, a schottische, a ragtime dance, a gallop, a two step, and an oriental dance, all take their places in this extraordinary collection. Be sure to have your dance cards ready.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play:

• Dancing Dolls
• Virgia Polka

Titles newly advanced to Print and Play status:

• Frozen Bill
• Lassus Trombone

Regular:

• Bijou Gavotte - Is this based on the elegant gavotte from the baroque era, or the French rustic peasant dance? Clue: Phrases begin on count 3.
• Cleone - A small set of waltzes, easy to play and straightforward for the dance floor.
• Dance of the Skeletons - Descriptive piece that might find a place in your next kids' concert or for Halloween. Programmatic clues are found on the Cornet-Conductor part.
• Dancing Dolls - A light, airy gavotte with lots of style. Phrases begin on count 1 instead of the usual count 3. A Print & Play feature.
• Doris Waltz - Beautiful waltz melodies characterize this piece for dancers or concert performance.
• Editha Gavotte - There's a certain stateliness in the gavotte that is well expressed in this piece.
• Nuggets - Jigs and Reels - Lively dances, the jigs are in triple meter and reels are in duple. Separately these small gems would make quick encore pieces.
• Si Haskins' Barn Dance - After all the Saturday chores are done, get ready for an evening of rustic dancing.
• Skirt Dance - Schottisch - The dictionary tells that this is a round dance, similar to a polka, only slower.
• Star of Hope - A good example of an early overture written especially for band. Only non-dance piece in this set.
• Volante Galop - This very early 20th century dance will go as fast as the band can play. The very essence of lively.
• Elsa Polka - Frank Tryner composed and arranged a lot of Czech/Bohemian music. This is a good example.
• Lazy Dance - The title sets the pace and mood for this dance. It's a concert work by Amanda Aldridge.
• Missouri Waltz - President Harry Truman, who was from Missouri, made this waltz famous by performing it on the piano in his rare leisure moments. It's a very familiar waltz.
• The Temple Dancer - Oriental waltz in a free flowing style. The composer makes great use of chromaticism to produce this colorful piece.
• Dove Polka - Traditional Czech polka, one of several in this set of music.
• Virgia Polka - One of four traditional Czech polkas. Written for smaller band, suggestions are given to make this piece accessible to modern bands. Demonstrates the use of part substitution. See below. Print & Play
• Havirska Polka - A very distinctive polka. Lots of ornamentation and in the Czech style.
• The Skater - This is the popular "Skater's Waltz" in an appealing concert setting.

REPLACEMENTS

• Frozen Bill - Arthur Pryor's wonderful ragtime piece for the band. Updated to create Print & Play.
• Lassus Trombone - The most famous Trombone Smear of all time updated for Print & Play.
• Dixie Blossoms - Characteristic March and Two Step. New Eb Clarinet and F Horn parts added.

TIPS 4

Working with Vintage Music

Much vintage band music was arranged for 18 to 20 instrument parts. Since the arranger doubled melody (harmony) in several instruments, it would also sound good with as few as a dozen players or even less. For town bands, flexibility in instrumentation was essential and PART SUBSTITUTION was the solution. During this transitional period, when Charlie showed up to play in the band with his grandpa's saxhorn, helicon, bombardon or ophicleide, the librarian simply handed him a substitute part in the same key and same octave. Problem solved.

Virgia Polka has been edited as an example to show logical substitutions to use with modern bands. Suggested substitutions are labeled in parentheses on the printed pages. Also horn players can learn to transpose from the printed Eb Alto parts to F Horn by following the suggestions printed on the page. Newly edited instrumentation plus the ease of transposing these horn parts makes this a Print & Play piece.

2009-04-27 - May 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 452 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 48

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for May 2009

Release Notes Set 27 - Patriotic Music plus an incredible mix: marches, concert works, a miniature Victorian era gem, a grand fantasia for solo Clarinet, Cornet or Euphonium and an operatic overture comprise this edition of the free online library.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play

• Triumphant America
• Tramp, Tramp, Tramp

Titles Newly Advanced to Print and Play status

• Cotton Blossoms
• Persian Market
• Teddy Trombone

Regular

• America - Patriotic melodies, "America," "Red, White and Blue" and the "Star Spangled Banner" are presented in straightforward arrangements by Geo. W. Barnard. An essential for every USA band library.
• Red, White and Blue - Patriotic melodies, "America," "Red, White and Blue" and the "Star Spangled Banner" are presented in straightforward arrangements by Geo. W. Barnard. An essential for every USA band library.
• Star Spangled BAnner, The - Patriotic melodies, "America," "Red, White and Blue" and the "Star Spangled Banner" are presented in straightforward arrangements by Geo. W. Barnard. An essential for every USA band library.
• America Exultant - An inspiring march by Al Hayes (Henry Fillmore). The piece utilizes trumpeting throughout and in a surprising way at the trio presents the patriotic song, "America." Fully half the march is played with valves 1 & 3 for Cornets. Includes music for Bugles in F.
• American Valor - lively 6/8 march changes to 2/4 in the Trio.
• Arms of America - By Arthur Pryor, soloist, composer and arranger with the Sousa Band. Included in "Heritage of the March" recording project.
• Bachelor Club March - There were many Bachelors' Clubs in the early 20th Century. Which one was commemorated in this fine march by Maresh?
• Don Giovanni Overture - Before composers began writing original music for the band, transcriptions from operatic and orchestral works were standard fare. This overture by Mozart is a prime example. Some stamp impressions were left to show the previous owners of the paper copies. Thanks to Tony Fleming from the UK for sharing this treasure.
• Fair Coquette - A delightful small Victorian work, "Fair Coquette" is described as a "morceau" or morsel.
• Hail, Land of Liberty - During the strongly patriotic days at the beginning of WWI, Denghausen wrote this as a national American hymn.
• Jolly March, A - This lighter work calls for a couple of foot stomps. The 4th strain calls for whistling.
• Love of Liberty - Well written patriotic march with good style. The break-up strain alternates between wind instruments and percussion.
• National Defense - Composer Fred Clement produced nearly 1,400 career compositions and arrangements. Arpeggios, runs, and flourishes add to the style and give this march a military bearing.
• New Ideal, The - Very appealing march written for smaller instrumentation. To accommodate a larger band, use "part substitution."
• Regiment's Return - As in any fine "regimental march," this set includes a separate part for regimental drum and Bugle Corps. The bugle part is for Bb instruments making it convenient for modern bands.
• Risveglio Patriottico - "Patriotic Awakening" is a Military March on Italian hymns and popular songs.
• Star March - Dedicated to the president of the "Star" Lacrosse Club.
• Tramp, Tramp, Tramp - Based on an enduring Civil War song, this "Grand Fantasia" is a set of variations for Solo Clarinet, Cornet or Euphonium. George F. Root wrote the original nostalgic ballad that pictures a young man trying to keep up his spirits, writing home to his mother from a stockade where he is a prisoner of war.
• Triumphant America - This excellent and spirited march has interesting harmonies and melodies. Horn parts are varied and fun to play. Modern parts added for Print & Play.

REPLACEMENTS

• Teddy Trombone - Modern parts added to complete this Fillmore Trombone Smear as a Print & Play.
• In a Persian Market - Team member Robert Rudy provided parts to complete this colorful vintage concert work.
• Cotton Blossoms - Modern parts added to complete as a Print & Play.

To Tom Pechnik, Dan Steadman, Nicholas and Brian McKibben and Robert Rudy, thanks for making this release a team effort.

TIPS & TIDBITS

TIP 1 - Working with a smaller band or incomplete instrumentation? Under "Parts Notes," look for "Small Band" or "Small Band; No Saxes." The composer's ideas can be covered with fewer instruments.

TIP 2 - Part Substitution was the norm during the Golden Age of the Town Band. Example: Use Treble Clef Bass for the Bass Clarinet. Judgment call... choose the best part in the correct key and correct octave. Tailor the parts to your players. Works every time.

TIP 3 - Finale NotePad (www.finalemusic.com/notepad/) is a very economical program ($9.95) for transposing parts from BMPDF. Intuitive, not fancy, yet gets the job done and the results look good.

TIDBIT 1 - More than 150 pieces in BandMusic PDF Library are NOT marches.

TIDBIT 2 - In part substitution, avoid doubling in the wrong octave as it muddies the voicings and detracts from the composer's intentions.

2009-03-28 - April 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 433 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 43

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for April 2009

Release Notes Set 26 - Military marches by some of the great composers of the day are featured in this set. But not everything is as it seems: Two military marches were written for the theater. One piece with a military sounding title was actually written for members of a presidential administration. One title sounds like a galop but the music is a two-step. One march was written by a famed song writer. It's all a bit of musical intrigue.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play:

• On the Firing Line
• Cincinnatus

Titles newly advanced to Print and Play status:

• Somewhere a Voice is Calling
• Beautiful Ohio

Regular

• The Chaser - a fun 6/8 march and two-step with excellent melodies, a short drum solo and distinctive fanfares.
• The Fighting Hope - The title of a melodramatic theatrical production from the early 1900s.
• The Glory of the Yankee Navy - Considered one of Sousa's most spirited marches, this work was actually written for the musical theater.
• The Jolly Coppersmith - a humorous march to sing and whistle, this piece makes good use of anvil sounds.
• The Little Dutchess - a march by Reginald De Koven, best known as the composer of "Oh Promise Me" and 400 additional songs.
• New Century March - Written in 1899, this march title looks ahead to the beginning of the 20th century.
• Officer of the Day - Considered R.B. Hall's most popular march. A masterpiece of march writing, the parts are technically easy to play and melodies are memorable. There's ample opportunity for musicality.
• On The Firing Line - This durable military march is very playable and rewarding. Melody lines are embellished with turns, trills and grace notes.
• Battery "O" - As the title implies, this is a military march through and through.
• A Bunch of Roses - One of 3 works for which the Spanish composer, Ruperto Chapi, is best known.
• Gardes Du Corps - A timeless march by R.B. Hall.
• Men of Ohio - This great Fillmore march was dedicated to President Warren G. Harding, who was from Ohio, and had a number of distinguished "Men of Ohio" in his administration.
• Men of Ohio-cond - Score to Henry Fillmore's excellent march.
• Shrine of Liberty - A popular march by the great composer, Fred Jewell.
• Gesellschaft Lieder - Described as a "Medley Waltz" this is a setting of 5 German folksongs. Written for a small band. Could be used as a sing-along.
• Regimental Pride - In addition to the standard instrumentation of the day, this march has a separate part for "regimental" drums and trumpets in F, to be performed by a separate group. One of J.C.Heed's great marches.
• Cincinnatus - This march by H.A. VanderCook is included in the Heritage of the March recorded series.

REPLACEMENTS

• Somewhere a Voice is Calling - modern parts added to create a new Print and Play piece.
• Beautiful Ohio - modern parts added to create a new Print and Play piece.
• Trail to Long Ago (Waltz Version) - modern Horn parts added.
• Under the Willows - Clarinet 2/3 parts (from another piece) have been removed.
• The Gladiator - Clean parts added to replace smudged ones; TB3 added to complete the set.
• L'Estudiantina - Euphonium TC part added to complete the set.
• Keep the Home Fires Burning - Soprano Sax added for a complete set
• Western World - Removed from P&P; Wrong CL2/3 has been removed.

Thanks to Brian McKibben and Dan Steadman for transposed parts.

BandMusic PDF Library - A team effort.

2009-02-28 - March 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 417 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 40

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for March 2009

"College" is the theme of release 25. Ten titles connect to the college theme. Universities Yale, Michigan and Iowa are well represented. Even the waltz ties to college students. Marches, dances and historical references complete this month's music.

• Charter Day - March and two-step, a popular dance of the day.
• Down the Field - Yale fight song
• March "The Golden Bear" - Definitely feels like a college fight song. Anyone know for sure?
• Institute March - Dedicated to the faculty and pupils of Dana Institute of Music, Warren, Ohio. Now Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University (Ohio).
• The Jolly Blacksmiths - Anvil sounds abound in this piece and the trio is whistled first time through.
• Neutral - This march reflects an important period in U.S. history when Pres. Woodrow Wilson declared U.S. neutral in WWI.
• The Spirit of Youth March - James Fulton wrote this fine march in 6/8.
• Varsity - University of Michigan fight song.
• The Victors March - University of Michigan, an older fight song, still filled with college spirit.
• Yale Boola - consists of 3 college songs &;quot;Here's to Good Old Yale," "Boola" and "Bright College Years."
• Yale College Life - A Lively 2/4 collegiate style march.
• The Sparkler - March and Two-Step
• The Booster - Circus music by J.G. Klein, enjoyed with clown acts.
• L'Estudiantina (waltz) - Great music by "the other waltz king," Emil Waldteufel. The music features a set of contrasting waltzes in the style of the period. The title refers to "Spanish Students."
• On! Iowa! - Opening line of lyrics for this Iowa University fight song: "The word is fight, fight, fight for Iowa."

Recognition is in order for BMPDF team members: Mike Schaffer, Dan Steadman, Steve Thomas, Tony Fleming, Mark Heton and Brian McKibben, for contributions to the library. This includes 1 added set of band music, several replacement parts for missing items and 13 transposed pages to create Print & Play sets as noted below. Thank you for your invaluable participation.

Contributions

• Fairest of the Fair - Mike Schaffer CT1,TB3
• Flags of Freedom - Mike Schaffer TB3
• Cotton - Dan Steadman FH
• Soldiers Chorus - Dan Steadman (Print&Play)
• That Laughing Trombone (Print&Play)
• Keep the Home Fires Burning - Brian McKibben, Dan Steadman (Print&Play)
• 12th Street Rag - Dan Steadman (Print&Play)

Here's how you can become a member of the BandMusic PDF Team. When you or someone in your band prepares transpositions of music for your group, send parts to us and we'll share them with the world in your name.

Hints:
1.) Preferred format ".MUS" -- Finale, Allegro, PrintMusic, Finale Note Pad.
2.) To assure that your parts are compatible, follow the BMPDF Style Sheet for Transposed Parts.
3.) Other notation programs will also work as long as the Style Sheet is observed and the pages are saved as PDF.

Next release (Set 26) focuses on "military" and includes music by J.P. Sousa, R.B. Hall, Henry Fillmore and Fred Jewell.

BandMusic PDF Library - a Team Effort.

2009-02-03 - February 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 402 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 36

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for February 2009

Theme for Set 24 is regions, featuring landmarks, cities, states, a fantasy island, whole regions of a country and up to a whole part of the globe.

Included in this release is music by prolific composers, D.W. Reeves and Frank Panella, ranging to someone who published only a single, yet worthy work for band. And here's an interesting note: one composer was by profession an architect who specialized in designing mausoleums.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play

• The Western World - One of only 4 marches known to have been composed by Price, The Western World is marked by effective use of chromaticism, rapid dynamic changes and accented passages.

Regular

• Bostonian - is a high-spirited march in a rollicking 6/8 meter. The trio features a canon between high and low voices.
• Centennial March - was written by the conductor of the great "American Band" of the 19th century. Every bit as challenging and exciting as his famous "Second Regiment Connecticut National Guard March", D.W. Reeves' "Centennial March" features the hymn "Old Hundred" in the trio.
• The Flatiron - Music for marching or dancing the 2-step, celebrating completion of the landmark Flatiron Building in New York.
• In Ole Kentuck - Characteristic March - Melodies take the shape of rustic dance or folk music.
• Jamais Trop (Never Too Much) - composed in a popular dance style of the day, 1-step or trot.
• Lincoln Park March - Bright 6/8 march changes to 2/4 at the trio. It calls for much technique especially in the Solo Cornet.
• N.C.T.V. - The only march known to have been written by John Scharf. The title is a mystery.
• Spirit of Independence - Sweeping dynamic changes and brilliant fanfare writing in the break strain characterize this military march and 2-step.
• The Sunny South - Part of the "regional" theme, this march showcases the melody "Dixie".
• 12th St. Rag - Possibly the most popular rag ever, 12th St. Rag has sold millions of print and recorded copies.
• Back Home - A well crafted march written by an army lieutenant in WWI, based on material from "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" (in 6/8) and quoting "There's No Place like Home" in the cut-time trio.
• Beautiful Isle of Somewhere - Sheet music to this song, typical of the Victorian era, would have been found on the piano in most parlors of the day. An 8 Measure solo for Euphonium is included in the band arrangement.
• On the Squarea - One of Frank Panella's best and most enduring marches. Works well as a street march.
• At the Shrine of the Rose - Written for a Shriners' convention in 1920.

UPDATES

• Midnight Fire Alarm
• Midnight Fire Alarm - FL/P, EbCL
• Persian march
• Radio Waves
• Watermelon Club
• White Rats, The

Thanks to the following people for their direct involvement, volunteering in BandMusic PDF Library.

• Tony Fleming for the donated FL/Pic transposition for "Soldiers Chorus".
• Brian McKibben for the donated FL/Pic transposition for "Radio Waves".
• Dan Steadman for the donated FL/Pic, EbCL, FH1/2, FH3/4 for "Midnight Fire Alarm"
• Mark Heter for anecdotal information on "White Rats" program notes.
• Bob Goodman for updated information about Peter Ludwig Hertel, rightful composer of "Persian March". Good sleuthing, Bob!

NEW

• A corrected program note, based on new information, has been added to "9th US Cavalry March".
• Tuba part added to complete instrumentation for: "Watermelon Club".
• A broken link has been fixed for the long-awaited "Serment D'Amour".

BandMusic PDF Library - An international music-community effort - UK, Canada, USA.

2009-01-07 - January 2009 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 387 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 33

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for January 2009

Release Notes Set 23 - A whole menagerie of critters that hoot, warble, coo, sing, woof, whinny, crow, eek, cackle, croak and trill are included in this set of music with an animals theme. Check out this resource for your next children's concert.

There's a march inspired by Jack (of beanstalk fame), a piece to whistle, a Xylophone solo and a flexible piece to feature various instrument combinations (solo, or duo) with the band. Also galops and marches (including one of Sousa's best) a lovely nocturne, a sparkling waltz and a Latin flavor piece for a change of pace in any concert.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play

• Fire Fly Galop - This light piece for Xylophone solo and band can also be performed with band alone by playing the cued parts.

Regular

• A Trieste - a patriotic Italian song, "Hail Radiant Earth", set in the style of a march. There is a Canto part for Trombone which could also be performed as a vocal solo. Italian words for the song are included.
• Espana Waltz - A brilliant piece by the other waltz king, España borrows thematic material from Chabrier's rhapsody by the same name.
• Fiume March - This well written march by an Italian composer is titled after a port city in Hungary.
• Fairest of the Fair - Considered one of Sousa's best marches, it made a hit at the first performance and continues at the height of popularity today.
• Cavalry of the Clouds - Full ascending chromatic scales propel this music into the stratosphere.
• Fire-Fly Galop - a fun piece featuring Xylophone solo with band. The composer, Stobbe, was a theatre orchestra leader. Using the cues, this music can also be played by band alone.
• Jack March - This march is from a musical. "Jack" is from "Jack and the Beanstalk".
• King Chanticleer - Wonderful for a kid's concert, this March and 2-step emulates the sounds of "King Chanticleer" - the rooster, plus cackling hens and a barking dog.
• La Paloma (The Dove) - Traditional, familiar Spanish serenade. Fits with a Latin theme or creates a change of pace in any concert.
• Myrella March - The main melody is from a "celebrated song" of the day.
• Sinfonia March - By Al Hayes (Henry Fillmore) it's one of his easier pieces.
• The Singing Bird - Features a canary whistle in the percussion section.
• White Rats - Despite the unfortunate title, this turn of the 20th Century march by Arthur Pryor is highly regarded.
• The Boy and the Birds - Water whistle, melodies to whistle, plus numerous bird-like sounds in the woodwinds add instrumental color to this characteristic piece. All Clarinet parts missing.
• The Lizard and Frog - Calls for frog croaking in the percussion. The lizard is never heard from.
• Owl's Lament - Third movement from "The Night Voices Suite", this nocturne gently moves at an andante tempo in a pastorale style. Lyric and beautiful in a flowing 6/8.
• Steeple Chase - has all the rhythm and excitement of horses running full out.
• Two Little Bulfinches - Solo or duo for different instruments. (Solo parts not included but can be extracted from the conductor part.) This very playable feature was standard fare on town band concerts.

A big "Thank you!" to Michael Schaffer who has supplied parts to complete: Holst's "First Suite in Eb for Military Band"; Duble's "Bravura March" and Sousa's "Semper Fidelis".

BandMusic PDF Library - Historic music that helped shape the bands of today.

2008-11-29 - December 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 369 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 32

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for December 2008

Theme for Set 22 is flag music, including great marches by E.E. Bagley (National Emblem,) and Sousa (Stars and Stripes Forever,) plus 7 more. A wealth of worthy marches is included.

There is a broad international flavor to this release, including an English march, an Italian march, Czech march and Spanish waltz; music influenced by Neapolitan, and Bohemian folk songs, an Italian hymn, and national airs from France, Great Britain, USA, Belgium and Italy.

Also to celebrate the forthcoming new year, this set features music published in 1909.

ADDITIONS

Print and Play

• Flag of Humanity - Glorifying the "Star Spangled Banner," this march quotes our National Anthem. Parts include a brilliant Obbligato Cornet in addition to the usual Cornet section. Henry Fillmore wrote this under the pseudonym, Al Hayes.
• Stars and Stripes Forever - Considered one of the best marches ever written, this Sousa masterpiece was declared the official national march of the USA in 1987.

Regular

• Santa Cecilia, A - A genuine Italian march, honoring St. Cecilia, patroness of music. The melody is hymn-like.
• Banner of Victory - Easier patriotic march with interesting melodies and harmonies. Includes trumpeting style.
• Beneath Thy Window - Solo with band to the Neapolitan folk song, "O Solo Mio." Solo parts for Cornet, Trombone or Euphonium. Could readily feature a vocal solo.
• Black Horses March - A march by the "Father of Czech band music." Based on a Bohemian folk song.
• Cuckoo Waltz - Following the typical waltz format of the day, this is a set of 3 waltzes. And yes, there are judiciously placed falling minor 3rd intervals sounding a cuckoo call.
• Mothers of Democracy - Honoring the great work of a ladies' patriotic society raising huge sums in support of US troops in WWI.
• Escort of the Color - Music by a prolific American composer/arranger. Thomas H. Rollinson wrote an estimated 400 original works and arranged 1,500 more.
• Flags of Freedom - Sousa wrote this march honoring European allies in WWI.
• For Country's Flag - English-style march by a British composer who conducted the Coldstream Guards Band. English band instrumentation includes Saxhorn, 1st and 2nd Baritones and Euphonium.
• Frivilous Cupid - A short, light concert work in the style of the Romantic era.
• Gallant Seventh - Written for the Seventh Cavalry, "Custer's Cavalry," in Fort Riley, Kansas.
• I-X-L - Say this title aloud several times to see what the composer intended.
• Mixology - Today this march would be called a "mash-up." Many familiar melodies weave in and out of the music.
• Mr. Thomas-Cat - An easier Trombone smear. It's fun music. Trombones smear from 6th to 1st, sometimes on "C" and sometimes on "F."
• My Cavalier - Spanish waltz; graceful,lilting style. Unlike Viennese waltz, this has 1st and 2nd strains, Trio and Coda. Includes 3 key changes.
• National Emblem March - E.E. Bagley's much loved classic march. Quotes the "National Anthem" of USA.
• Our Flag March - characterized by lots of dynamic change, mostly homophonic writing in the 1st strain and trio.
• Serment D'Amour - (Oath of Love) a worthy concert piece in the style of the Romantic era.
• Silv'ry Bells - Intermezzo two-step features Sleighbells, Chimes and Bells, with bell intervals in the melodies.
• Starry Jack - Excellent 6/8 march by a star composer/arranger for Walter Jacobs Publishing Co.

Parts added to complete band sets for:

• Berlin Echoes
• The Booster
• Convoy
• Marche Lorraine - Thanks to Tony Fleming for the donated C Pic (FL) transposition.

BandMusic PDF Library presents music to delight audiences and performers.

2008-11-02 - Missing Parts listing now available

New page: Missing Parts - Parts We are Looking For

A database query that shows what parts we are currently missing is now available. If you have any of these parts we would really like to hear from you.

2008-10-28 - November 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 347 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 31

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for November 2008

This issue of BandMusic PDF celebrates the memory of Ed Ballenger, friend and benefactor of the Library.

Set 21 has a theme of "Military Music", encompassing 9 marches by such notables as Sousa and Fillmore, plus other less well known, worthy composers. In addition, there's ragtime by J.B. Lampe, a famous suite by Gustav Holst, a barn-burner circus march, a reverie and a Victorian song.

ADDITIONS

Print & Play

• Watermelon Club - Considered one of the best ragtime pieces for band. New edition by Bill Park, honoring Ed Ballenger.
• Watermelon Club-Conductor - This is a full score.
• Advance of the Regiment - An outstanding military march featuring strong melodies and countermelodies with a percussion interlude leading to the trio.

Regular

• First Suite in Eb for Military Band - A masterpiece of band literature by Gustav Holst. (Go to the International Music Score Library Project to pick up the Full Score.)
• First Suite in Eb for Military Band-Conductor - This is a Condensed Conductor Score.
• Battleship California - Another great march by little known composer H.J. Crosby. There is a 16 measure trumpeting interlude leading to the trio.
• The Caress - A Victorian song over an ostinato bass. Moderato tempo.
• Gingerbread Cadets - This light hearted march has been arranged for band from a musical based on "Jack and the Beanstalk".
• Litt March - A well crafted march of very moderate difficulty
• Music to the Ear - Music for marching or dancing the popular two-step of the day
• On Duty March - George Rosenberg wrote this 6/8 military march under the pseudonym of George Rosey.
• Silver Jubilee - Fine 6/8 march with graceful melodies and a strong bass strain
• Soldiers March - in a non-traditional form, this march has a chorus that can be sung.
• World's Military - The 16 measure trumpeting call that opens the trio is next set in counterpoint for an interesting effect.
• Sabre and Spurs - One of Sousa's finest marches. Includes Regimental Trumpets and Drums for giving an extra special lift to a concert.
• Sabre and Spurs FH
• The Chimes - Reverie slower, reflective concert piece featuring Chimes and Bells.
• 53rd Iowa National Guard - Worthy march by a little known composer; Trumpeting opens the trio then continues harmonized along with a countermelody.
• Rolling Thunder - Subtitled "A Trombone Ace"; One of Fillmore's best; Very fast, furioso tempo. This barn-burner is played by circus bands when a really intense, wild effect is desired.
• Rolling Thunder-Conductor This is a condensed score.

BandMusic PDF presents music worthy to be found in every band library.

2008-10-02 - October 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 331 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 29

BandMusic PDF Release Notes for October 2008

Release Notes, Set 20 - Question: What sparkles with electricity, commemorates a genius and is touched by a scoundrel and jail-bird? Answer: BandMusic PDF's October Release. It includes 4 pieces about the electrifying inventions of the period (one radio and 3 electricity pieces) a tribute to Thomas Edison, known during his day as "The Electric Wizard" and the best piece ever written by ne'er-do-well, John T. Hall.

ADDITIONS

Print & Play

• Electric Wizard - Honoring Thomas Edison, known as the "Electric Wizard" during his lifetime.

Regular

• Aviation Tournament - This fine march by Karl King is characterized by strong melody writing and interesting harmonies.
• Mr. Buzz Saw - Written in a very staccato style, this very energetic piece is described as a "rag novelty."
• Radio Waves - In the early 1920s, when radio was taking its place as the wildly popular entertainment medium, Fred Jewell took note with this fun march.
• Capitol City - This appealing 6/8 march was also intended for dancing the two-step, a popular dance of the early 20th century.
• The Electric Age - was composed before electricity began to impact the lives of most people.
• The Electric Wave March - Rhythmic energy and striking melodic writing, characterized by upward leaps, propels this march into a strong performance.
• In Dreamland - From a Victor Herbert musical, a Victorian era song set for Cornet solo and band by the composer.
• Monstrat Viam - from the Latin "It points the way," is the motto of "The First Corps Cadets," one of the oldest militias in the USA.
• Silver Bell - Described as an "Indian Intermezzo," this is a joyful piece. Bells play the melody of the second strain.
• Trombonium - Buel Withrow's excellent Trombone smear was arranged by Ribe Danmark (J.B. Lampe).
• Trumpeter on Guard - A descriptive piece with lots of trumpet statements, this work moves at andante and moderato tempos.
• The Trumpeters March - Solid march writing, with trumpeting sounds and strong melodies. The last strain features call and response between brass and woodwind. Passing through some minor keys, the march returns to its primary major tonality at the end.

Concert

• Wedding of the Winds - has led a dual existence as a set of concert waltzes on stage and in the circus as music for graceful aerial acts. This is John T. Hall's most loved work. Note: Extra large concert work, 7.3MB.

Every release from BandMusic PDF is steeped in the history and traditions of the band. Since the collections are from working libraries of the day, this brings a glimpse into programming by town bands of that era.

2008-08-31 - Updated Library Field Key

The Library Field Key (aka what all the fields mean) has been updated.

During the last year some of the fields in the database have changed slightly. Some new fields have also been added to the database. The documentation as to what these fields are for is now up to date.

2008-08-30 - Special mid-September 2008 Release

Number of pieces in the library - 315 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 28

This release is to "fill in some of the holes" in our piece numbering that were left after we did our latest database upgrade. The holes were from when Conductor and French Horn parts that were moved from the old numbering scheme to the new #### and ####.# numbering scheme.

Set 19A - Blockbusters, Warhorses and Other Awesome Band Music

A Special Edition of 4 marches, 2 waltzes, a set of 3 hymns, 1 trombone smear and 1 solo with band. Truly great music from the golden age of the town band.

ADDITIONS

Print & Play

• Washington Post - one of Sousa's most enduring marches

• Beautiful Ohio - a great waltz. Mary Earl wrote this state song of Ohio, but who is Ms Earl?
• Blue Danube - a perennial light music favorite by the Waltz King, Johann Strauss II. Very accessible for band.
• Stars in a Velvety Sky - a classic for Cornet Solo and Band by Sousa Band soloist, Herbert L. Clarke. Also for Euphonium or Trombone solo.
• Hostrauser's March - solid warhorse of a march by a great cornetist and composer.
• Jesus, Lover of My Soul, et al - a set of 3 much loved hymns from times past.
• Lassus Trombone - perhaps Henry Fillmore's most popular trombone smear.
• Marche Lorraine - a French composer, a German arranger, loved by American bands and audiences. An Important march in French history.
• War March of the Priests - the literary work went out of favor but this concert march has withstood the test of time.
• Safe Within My Vail
• Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

Titles have been included on the edge of the page for convenience in finding music in the folder. We can't always add this feature but it worked for this set.

Already have all of these in your library? Then treat your musicians to fresh, sparkling clean copies.

2008-08-24 - Database Upgrade - Show Related Entries

When you view the "Detailed Library Record" for a piece, it will now show any other entries that are related for the piece. If there are separate entries for a Conductor Score, modern F French Horn parts, modern C Piccolo parts, they will now be much easier to find.

For example, have a look at the detailed library records for:
Thunderer, The
Thunderer, The - Conductor

2008-08-23 - September 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 306 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 27

Release Notes Set 19 - The ethnic variety in this set of music creates virtually a global tour of modern and ancient places. Composers and musicians were vitally interested in exotic places around the turn of the 20th century.

Print and Play!

• "Radetzkey March" - superb "light music" traditionally ending the Vienna New Year concert. Let your audience clap along to this march.

Regular Pieces

• "Colonel Bogey" - outstanding march, a real crowd pleaser. The only military march with "golf" references in the title. Said to have been inspired by the sounds on a golf course in Scotland.
• "Colonel Bogey-Conductor"
• "In a Persian Market" - colorful programmatic music with an Asian flavor; optional vocals by the band.
• "In a Persian Market-Conductor"
• "Review of the Regiment" - a fine military style march with "Bugling passages," played 1 & 3 by Trumpets.
• "Some Band Rag" - totally American music, a lively Ragtime piece by Fred Jewell.
• "Bajaderen" - a Turkish march
• "The Bandolero" - a Spanish outlaw... bold with a touch of macho.
• "Chinatown March" - skillfully written using pentatonic sounds and melodic ornaments for an exotic flavor.
• "Echoes of Seville" - good Spanish march.
• "In Command March" - military style march, written by J. Ben Michaelis and arranged by Herbert L. Clarke
• "In the Eternal City" - religious song with lyrics by A.J. Lamb, "In the eternal city on Heaven's shore." Solo for Trombone or Euphonium or Cornet. Technically easy with plenty of opportunity for musical expression.
• "Japanese Triumphant" - uses the melody "Sakura" in varied settings. Exotic music.
• "The Meteor Galop" - circus galop by a master composer. J.J. Richards played cornet and directed circus bands.
• "Nippono" - Intermezzo, march and two-step. Lots of technical playing by WW, TP and EU.
• "Pagoda March" - a pagoda is a tower with several eaves; an architectural feature in many Asian places.
• "The Signal Bell" - march by the prolific and popular composer, L.P. Laurendeau
• "The Sultan" - Turkish March, boisterous and energetic.
• "Zenobie" - named for a third century Syrian queen.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Check out Fedex Office's Print Online service. You can submit a PDF via their website and then pick up the completed output from your local Fedex Office (formerly Kinko's). This could be useful for people who don't have a laser printer but still want high quality output. Very affordable.

BandMusic PDF Library - the home of delightful music filled with colorful imagery.

2008-07-21 - Database Upgrade - Add-On Entries

The piece numbering scheme has been updated so that we now have a Major Entries and Add-On Entries in the databasee.

OLD

Every entry in the database (pieceID = ####) was considered a unique piece.

NEW

Every entry in the database with a whole number pieceID (pieceID = ####) is considered a unique piece.

Every entry in the database with a fractional number pieceID (pieceID = ####.#) is considered an Add-On Entry to a unique piece.

EXAMPLE:

An example of the new numbering scheme:

• e.g., 46 - Thunderer, The
• e.g., 46.1 - Thunderer, The - Conductor

As part of this database upgrade, any existing Conductor parts will be renumbered so that they fit into the new numbering scheme. We will be filling in the "missing numbers" with new pieces shortly.

2008-07-28 - August 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 288 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 26

This month's "Transportation" theme covers trains, planes, automobiles, highways, speedways and even the ocean.

ADDITIONS

• "Bride of the Waves" - a brilliant solo piece by Sousa Band cornet soloist, Herbert L. Clarke.
• "Neola Waltz" - a sparkling little waltz by composer Fred Jewell using a thinly veiled pseudonym.
• "Ottumwa" - named for the small town in Iowa.
• "Romance" - Don't let the title get in the way... this is an excellent march with some interesting hooks.
• "The Aviator" - Tribute to the heroes of the era, daredevils of the air.
• "I Dare You" - Liven a concert up with this tango by Maurice Levi.
• "The Ideal Railway" - the overnight train from New York to Chicago, offering the luxury of a grand hotel. Wide leaps and a fast pace mark this very smart galop.
• "The Messenger Boy" - written by Everett J. Evans, said to have been a pupil of Sousa.
• "Motor King" - from the early days of the automobile. Find the piano edition of this march online and note the excitement portrayed on the cover.
• "National Highway" - Straightforward march.
• "The Old Stage Coach" - Fast paced circus gallop. Program this on your next Wild West show.
• "Side by Side" - an easy 6/8 march
• "Southern Railway March" - written in the heyday of the railroads.
• "Speedway March" - Shortly after the introduction of the automobile, racing is already moving to the forefront.

2008-07-09 - July 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 279 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 26

"Countries" is the theme of this month's release and includes references to countries and cultures past and present; some real and some fantasy.

ADDITIONS

• "Sesame" is the Print and Play piece.
• "Arabia" - no exotic sounds here. Nice contrapuntal interplay between melody in Trombone - Euphonium and embellished countermelody in upper voices.
• "Chant de Espana" - expressive song style music.
• "Garry Owen March" - one of the great standards by James M. Fulton, on an Irish melody.
• "Ithaca March" - excellent 6/8 march with call and response in the trio.
• "Mad Major" - a perennial favorite by Kenneth J. Alford, a pseudonym for Frederick J. Rickets.
• "Mexicana" - based on themes from the 1906 musical, "Mexicana" including: Wizard of Wall Street, Major Margery and I Was Just Supposing.
• "Persian March" - use of chromatic harmonies lend a touch of the exotic to this march.
• "The Marquis" - subtitled "March Japonaise," the march was dedicated to a Japanese statesman. The composer's name seems to be a pseudonym and a pun.

Non-theme pieces include:

• "George Landers"
• "Happy Hobo"
• "Prince of Decorah"
• "Ye Ancient Vets"

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Music from the Cooley-Selland Collection is integrated with Nettrower music from this point on. F Horn parts included with some of the titles are a gift of a friend of the Library.

BandMusic PDF Library continues to present colorful vintage music worth exploring.

2008-06-21 - mid-June 2008 update: SPECIAL EDITION

Number of pieces in the library - 263 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 25

SPECIAL EDITION
Introducing the Collection of Ed Ballenger

Ed Ballenger - educator, performer, circus music enthusiast and member of Windjammers is a long time collector of band music. He is fun to be around, a great friend and advisor to BandMusic PDF Library. Preserving our band music heritage is a passion that inspired him to fill many filing cabinets with perfectly organized sheet music. Find out more about Ed Ballenger on the history page.

Ed has generously donated everything in his music catalog to BandMusic PDF, where select public domain pieces will be made available to bands around the world. The music will be posted as the "Ed Ballenger Collection". There's enough sheet music for several years of posting and many years of performing.

This SPECIAL EDITION is our way of introducing this fine collection to the world and thanking Ed for his generosity.

Three marches, 3 galops and 3 trombone smears, reflecting significant aspects of Ed's interests are included in this edition.

MARCHES

• Abe Lincoln - written to observe the centennial of the birth of this great president.<.li>
• Alamo - an easier work by Henry Fillmore, using the pen name "Will Huff".
• New Friendship March - Composed by Fred Jewell, this easier work is accessible by many bands, including fine middle and high schools.

GALOPS

• Zip Boom - by the great composer of "Bravura", Charles Duble, from Ed's home town.
• Midnight Fire Alarm - This galop couldn't be more colorful, descriptive and exciting. This is the Print & Play selection for this edition.
• Under White Tents - (circus tents, naturally) - It's a wild ride at the circus.

• Razzazza Mazzazza - Famed composer, Arthur Pryor, wrote this. It's been described as a big trombone sneeze.
• Slick Slide - composer Fred Huffer shows a great sense of humor in his choice of subtitle "A Trombone Tone Poem" (it isn't) and the tempo marking "Tempo di draggioso"
• That Laughing Trombone - The title gives it away. Have fun!

Not to be too concerned about performing music that's filled with humor. Many of the most serious composers, from Haydn to the present have expressed humor in their music.

Our regular July 1, 2008 release will continue with music from the Chester Nettrower and Cooley-Selland Collections.

2008-05-31 - June 2008 update

Number of pieces in the library - 255 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 24

Several important historic periods are represented in this month's patriotic selections: "Cradle of Liberty" (Colonial/Revolutionary), "Wood Up" (Civil War era), and "Keep the Home Fires Burning" (WWI). Strong patriotic statements are also made by "National Defense" (pre-WWI), "American Stride", and "Official U.S. American Guard March".

Three of the selections from this month are recognized among their composers' best works: J.C. Heed's "In Storm and Sunshine" a long-time circus favorite; Lampe's "National Defense" and Vandercook's "American Stride", characterized by memorable melodies, decorative running woodwind parts and strong countermelodies.

Non-theme pieces include: "Happy Days" - arranged for street or concert performance, "Marcelene" (Dance of the Clowns), "Rag Town Guards" - ragtime influence and "Le Secret" - an intermezzo featuring woodwinds on a familiar melody, while brasses play a supporting role.

Two Print and Play pieces this month are "National Defense", from the Nettrower Collection and "Invercargill", from the new Cooley-Selland series.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New on the Resources Page - "Keep it Legal, a Music Copyright Law Guide [in the USA]", is posted with kind permission of Music Publishers' Association of the United States. It's a concise presentation of "What You Can Do", "What You Can't Do", and "Getting Permission" when it comes to sheet music. An especially helpful feature is "Getting Permission, # 5" - "Know the Law", as it spells out basics of public domain for the USA.

It's Here! - This month we begin posting a brand new collection from the Cooley-Selland Library. Find out more about Vernon Cooley and James Selland on the History Page.

COOLEY-SELLAND MUSIC

• "Aurora" - A more difficult march than most but well worth the effort.
• "Golmar Brothers Triumphal" - a fine circus march
• "Invercargill" - Alex Lithgow's march masterpiece. Print out the score, then check out the U.S. Marine Band performance of Invercargill here - www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wa2CIRdsHM (YouTube video)
• "Willow Echoes" - A classic cornet solo with band by Frank Simon, famed Sousa Band Cornet virtuoso and composer.

BandMusic PDF Library continues to present colorful vintage music worth exploring.

2008-05-04

Added a new feature where you can filter search results by the date the piece was released and/or updated.

2008-04-20 - May 2008 update

Number of pieces in the library - 239 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 21

Theme for this month is animals and other fun stuff. The musical menagerie includes: gazelle, bee, tiger, rooster and mare.

"Chanticleer", (the rooster) one of Albert Gumble's best ragtime pieces, was wildly popular during its time... part of America's love affair with ragtime during the early decades of the 20th century. Ragtime and modern bands... a perfect fit.

Two pieces for an old-fashioned sing-along include "Hail, Hail the Gang's All Here", and "The Old Grey Mare". Both are set as marches and period dance music.

Little is known about " Manisot March" but we did find a link to a 1901 recording. http://www.dismuke.org/how/prev12-04.html

The widely varied pieces in this month's release include Albert Schuh's "Sasarida". This Mexican Intermezzo begins with a free flowing, lightly scored opening followed by a Mexican dance. This elegant music calls for delicate playing. Since Sousa found it interesting enough to perform, maybe you will too.

BandMusic PDF Library gives us all an opportunity to dig deep into our musical roots and expand our horizons beyond the comfortable, familiar styles of present day music.

Patriotic music is featured in the next release from some of the heavy- hitters of the day, including Hale Vandercook, J.C. Heed, J.B. Lampe and Al Hayes (not his REAL name. Look it up in the "Composers Info" under Resources Menu.)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

For those wishing to produce scores from BMPDF original parts, see "BMPDF Style Sheet for Scores, (2 pages)" and "Some Ideas for Creating Modern Voicings in Finale" under "How to Help".

Coming soon - a brand new collection from the Cooley-Selland Library.

2008-04-05 - April 2008 update

BandMusic PDF Library is pleased to announce a significant addition to the library. The Cooley-Selland Collection will begin being posted soon. This collection of public domain music which includes marches, concert works and solos with band is being made available through the generosity of a major collector and Friend of the Library, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Number of pieces in the library - 227 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 20

Theme for this month is military music. Sousa's stirring "Semper Fidelis" sets the pace for all that follow. But not to overlook some of the less well known composers from the era whose music played a prominent role in playlists of the day.

"Battle" and "Adjutant Keeler's March" are some of the other treats in this category.

Here are some points of interest: "Gem of the Ocean" has melodies in the opening strain in the style of a bugle call and the trio is based on "Taps". Semper Fidelis is a famous example of melody based on bugling. Instrumentation for the Sousa march includes a part for Regimental Trumpets and Drums.

"Comrades", by George Barnard is in the style of a "patrol." As with all patrols, it begins quietly, grows in intensity to a climactic point, then fades to the end. (Think "American Patrol" for a model.) It's a metaphor for a parade. Make this a better piece by fixing an error that's been there since 1891. The drum part needs to start at a dynamic level no more than "p" and grow from there. And the ending needs to fade to "p" before the loud tag at the end.

Whether featuring a concert of military or patriotic music, there's plenty here to select from.

"Under Fire" by Walter Hearn is the "Print and Play" selection and is especially appealing for Hearn's strong melodic writing and interesting countermelodies. Instrument parts all present and accounted for . . . Note that there are 2 completely different marches titled "Under Fire" in this month's update.

Other prizes include Karl King's "Royal Emblem Overture" and "Mandator March" by Hale VanderCook, founder of VanderCook College of Music.

Looking for something a little more exotic? Be sure to check out Chauncey Haines' "Three Little Maids". Or give your woodwinds the lead in 2 miniatures by Schumann and Schubert, "Abendlied" and "Moment Musical".

Next month's releases feature the theme of "Animals" and include such titles as "Busy Bee", "Chanticleer" (Rooster), "Falcon March" and "Gazelle"

2008-03-01 - March 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 215 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 20

Theme for this month is regions and includes such titles as Lackawana Band, West Park, Southern Blossoms, Cotton, and Berlin Echoes. Lackawana Band March is the Print and Play piece, with modern parts added. Use the Bb Bass for Bass Clarinet and you'll have all the instrumentation needed.

Mendelssohn's "Ich Harrete des Herrn" is based on the trio from the "Song of Praise" from his Second Symphony. It's a simple chorale with the masterful Mendelssohn touch.

"Grandfather's Clock" is a light piece, especially suited to a children's concert. Chock full of clock sounds, the piece is fun, descriptive music.

Four additional pieces just waiting to be discovered complete the set.

Next month's update features "Military Marches" and includes such composers as Karl King and Sousa.

2008-01-30 - February 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 204 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 18

HAPPY 1-YEAR ANNIVERSARY TO BANDMUSIC PDF LIBRARY!

Yes, it's been a whole year that the free library has been online at bmpdf.org. Thanks to our dedicated staff for preparing content, and to our good friend and benefactor, Graham Nasby for his magnificent job of keeping the website up and running 24 hours a day.

New cover pages, plus Marcus Neiman's program notes are some recent popular additions.

Looking ahead, an enormous amount of music, from individual replacement pages to whole collections, has been donated to the library over the course of the past year. It's going to take a while to prepare and post this wealth of vintage band music. We are so grateful to our donors for assuring a bright future in our goal of preserving this music.

Theme for this month is "dedications", including works dedicated to friends or historic figures.

"Neddermeyer Triumphal" is the Print & Play feature this month. Composer Karl L. King dedicated it to his friend, Fred Neddermeyer and it's as sparkling fresh and musical today as when it was first performed (about 1911). Neddermeyer was a band director in Columbus, Ohio.

FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Print & Play UPGRADES

To celebrate, we've upgraded the Print & Play list to include Sousa's "The Thunderer" (our most popular piece on the site). Modern horn parts have been added and a Thunderer score as well.

Modern parts and a score have been added to "Miss Trombone", the historic piece that Henry Fillmore published as his first "trombone smear". The sound was so popular that he followed up with a whole family of these feature pieces. Fillmore became known as the father of the "trombone smear".

Next month's focus is "Regions".

2007-12-27 - January 2008 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 192 - show additions - show updates
Print & Play pieces - 15 -

Theme for this month is newspapers. All the newspaper marches in this set were founded in the 1800s and all are still major publications in their localities today. Besides the papers, also remembered here are newsboys and the journalists.

"Washington Times March" is the Print & Play featured this month. It's a skillfully written musical piece by a less well known composer, George W. Barnard. The 6/8 march is well scored and easy to play. Clarinets need a good high register.

"Alice Where Art Thou" is a Civil War era drawing room ballad set for Solo Cornet. The work can also be performed as a vocal solo and lyrics are provided. An online search of the Sheet Music Consortium will provide printable music for vocalists.

If you like Sousa, your sure to like his "The Gladiator March", posted this month. First published in 1886, the march eventually reached a circulation of over 1 million sold.

There is a major update to the initial posting of 52 pieces. A new title page, designed to provide more info at a glance, plus program notes by Marcus Neiman are included. There are now 80 program notes included on the website. There is a scarcity of available information on some of the composers and their works. Your additions would be much appreciated. More to follow soon.

Looking ahead, BandMusic PDF Library will be celebrating 1 year online next month. Theme for February is "dedications," with music dedicated to or remembering people ranging from influential historic figures to friends.

2007-12-08 - December 2007 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 181 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 14

Theme for this month is "Military Music," including a march dedicated to Teddy Roosevelt and his "Rough Riders". The march was written by James W. Casey within months after the Rough Riders charged up San Juan Hill. There are 2 marches on Civil War themes, plus 1 dedicated to the 1st U.S. Cavalry and 1 Sailors March. The Print & Play piece is "Vashti" by Henry Fillmore.

Of particular interest to American Civil War buffs will be 2 companion marches featuring tunes that were so popular during that historic period. George D. Barnard took melodies by composer/songwriters Geo. F. Root, Dan Emmet and others plus a popular anthem by William Steffe, with words by poet Julia Ward Howe, and crafted them into marches honoring the aging warriors, 30 years after the war.

Program notes, including composer/arranger biographies, researched by Marcus Neiman, (www.soundsofsousa.com) are being continued with this update. Some notes are very sparse because information is not readily available. If anyone has information to help expand on these notes, we'd appreciate any contribution you can make.

Theme for next month is Newspapers.

2007-11-19

We realized we released pieces 170-181 early, but without PDFs, by mistake!
We have removed pieces 170-181 - they will be re-released shortly.

2007-11-13 - November 2007 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 181 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 14

Theme for this month is "Places", a diverse category including pieces on Broadway, an old region in China, a city in Oregon, (or Minnesota, or Tennessee) and waterfalls. The Print & Play piece is "Cottage Grove" by Edgar G. Allen.

Another cornet feature is included in this month's offerings, "The Great Beyond" by John Carrington. It's another little gem that might be programmed as an encore piece.

NEW!!! This month, in with the PDF files, we are initiating program notes and composer/arranger biographies, researched by Marcus Neiman, (www.soundsofsousa.com). Some notes are very sparse because information is not readily available. If anyone has information to help expand on these notes, we'd appreciate any contribution you can make.

Theme for next month is Military music.

Two companion pieces by George D. Barnard: "The Old Warrior" and "The Old Veteran".

DATABASE UPGRADE

New sorting options for the "Browse" and "Search" pages added
You can now sort by "Print and Play" to list all the "Print and Play" pieces first
You can now sort by "libDateReleased" to list the most recent additions first

2007-10-01 - October 2007 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 159 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 12

TWO SOLO GEMS

There are two little gems on BMPDF that are not to be overlooked. Both are for soloists with band. The great virtuoso cornet player, Herbert L. Clarke arranged "Ah! Cupid", a song by Victor Herbert. The piece was performed and recorded by Clarke with the Sousa Band.

The other is Victor Herbert's "Roses of Piccardy", a very popular song from the Great War era, arranged by Haydn Wood. This is the featured Print & Play piece this month. It's flexible in that the band can showcase several different instruments on the solo part.

Both the above are feature or encore material.

BONUS PIECES

"Glory of Jamestown"
2007 marks the 300th anniversary of the settlement of Jamestown. It's fitting that we honor the occasion this fall or anytime in the next year or so. James W. Casey wrote the march and Herbert L. Clarke arranged it. Well written, the piece is especially striking due to strong melodic and harmonic writing and the ornamental woodwind flourishes. This piece has been reposted as a bonus Print & Play.

Arthur Pryor was an enthusiastic proponent of ragtime music for band. "Frozen Bill" is an early example of his skills.

Henry Fillmore is noted as the "Father of the Trombone Smear." But others have produced outstanding works in this style too. "Sliding Sid," by Abe Losch, is just one example written to showcase the trombone section.

FRIENDS OF BandMusicPDF

So many people have been contributing music to the website that we've added a new collection category for music donated by Friends of BandMusic PDF. This month there are 2 (the ragtime and smear, above,) and we expect that number to grow in the future.

Theme for next month's posting will be "Regions," and will include Broadway, Tonkin, Cascade, Cottage Grove and The Great Beyond.

2007-09-01 - September 2007 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 143 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 11

Added ""Marches: Rehearsal Techniques and Performance Practices" - a new paper by Robert Jorgensen and Gene Milford, University of Akron, presents a wealth of ideas that every band director will find of benefit. The paper was part of a presentation at the 60th Annual Midwest Clinic. This authoritative paper is posted on BandMusic PDF Library by permission of the authors. Jorgensen and Milford retain copyright of the work.

2007-08-02 - August 2007 Update

Number of pieces in the library - 129 - show additions
Print & Play pieces - 9

Released 29 more pieces, we now have 129 pieces in the library (9 pieces are "print & play". We now have 9 Print & Play titles online. Ranging from Patriotic/Military to Circus styles, a Funeral March, 1 Novelty and 1 march dedicated to "Old Faithful", there's certain to be one to spark up your next performance.

"Under the Double Eagle" has been updated with 2 new pages to replace damaged Euphonium and Tuba Parts. - Thanks Andrew!

The next update focuses on "Countries," with songs from Scotland; marches, "Turkish Imperial Guards," "Hungariana" and more.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

BandMusicPDF Associate Membership is now available

All pieces now have a field "libDateReleased" which says what date the piece was released on the website.
A new "libReleaseNotes" also contains a note about the release. Pieces are generally released in groupings about once a month.

2007-07-01
-website database upgrade completed: there are now 102 pieces now on the website

2007-07-01
- Collections of transposed parts will soon be available at a nominal cost for all posted pieces. Contact us for more information. Be assured that downloading from the BandMusic PDF Library will remain free of charge.

2007-07-01
- Added April pieces: themes are "Places" and "Military Music," including, For Liberty, Let Me Like a Soldier Fall plus 'Print & Play' selection, Trumpets of Victory, a little known march gem by Fred Jewell. Most of the 10 April additions relate to the 2 themes, with a few uncategorized selections added.

2007-07-01
- Print & Play feature for March 07 is Lobster's Promenade, described as "an underwater humoresque". Don't overlook this fun, well written piece.

2007-07-01
- Added the March 2007 Additions: pieces with the theme "Animals", including "Lobster's Promenade" and "Kangaroo Parade".

2007-01-29
- Modern parts added for "Belfords Carnival March" and "Men of Valor"

PRINT & PLAY BONUS - Modern parts have been included with "Men of Valor" and "Belford's Carnival March". The Db Piccolo parts have been transposed to C Piccolo. The Eb Horn parts have been transposed to F Horn. They are ready to download and play with your band.

2007-01-28
- 10 more pieces to be added in March 2007

Each month we will release 10 additional pieces to the Band Music PDF Library. The March theme will be "Animals" and will include "Lobster's Promenade" and "Kangaroo Parade."

2007-01-28
- Official launch of the website.
- We now have 51 pieces available in the library

2006-11-25
- Paper on Sousa Marches by Dr. Kenneth Thompson posted

2006-11-05
- Website enters the testing phase (prior to launch)

2006-10-31
- BandMusic PDF Library, Inc. is set up as a non-profit corporation