Wind Ensemble

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CANTIQUE

This work was written to accentuate long lyrical lines and attention to a legato style, yet remain playable by ensembles with limited range and technique. The work uses a modified arch form consisting of ABC-A-CBA. The introductory A section is repeated at the zenith before recapitulating in the reverse the B and C sections. The A section appears again at the end as a coda and brings the work to a quiet ending. Grade 3.

Duration: 6′  Published by FJH Music.
Listen & see the score at: http://www.fjhmusic.com/band/b1528.htm

COUNTRY BANDSTAND

Three movements based on American folk songs that suggest the sounds of the traditional town bandstand. The first movement is a march based on the Southern folk song Batchelor’s Hall. The second movement is a slow chorale setting of the folk hymn Vernon and the third movement transforms the folk tune Happy Land into a rousing barn dance. Grade 3.5.

Duration: 7′  Published by FJH Music.
Listen & see the score at: http://www.fjhmusic.com/band/b1446.htm

“… delightful collection of imaginatively scored melodies lies at the easier end of this grade level.” ~ New Music Reviews, The Instrumentalist, Jan. 2011

“The Bishop Ireton High School Wind Ensemble commission of Country Bandstand was a popular piece among my students. Although this piece was one of many commissions I recorded with the Washington Winds, the musicians ranked this piece as the most fun to play!”
~ Garwood Whaley, Conductor Emeritus, Bishop Ireton High School, President Meredith Music Publications

CONGO SQUARE

for African Drums and Wind Ensemble

Features four hand drummers playing Bata, Djembe, and Boula drums (substitutes recommended if unavailable). The opening music quotes an authentic Konkoba war dance in 3/4 and grows in intensity. The slower middle section quotes Salangadou, an old Creole song. Near the end of the work an early jazz style song emerges in a stomp style to suggest the new music that will eventually grow out of Congo Square. These three musics – African drums, a Creole song, and early jazz – overlap to produce the emotional zenith of the work as you hear the past, present, and future simultaneously. Very playable by high schools and above. Commissioned by a consortium of 12 universities. Grade 5.

Duration: 12′  Score & Parts for Sale $170  Extra Score $50
Watch & Listen at: https://youtu.be/7VeeA4GzMrY

“A marvelous composition that successfully combines history, a palpable sense of place and time, and musical evolution. The chance to incorporate authentic African drumming with very playable wind writing is novel and effective.” ~ William J. Hochkeppel, University of Louisiana

“Congo Square is a kaleidoscope of powerfully evocative musical elements. Syler has a unique talent for distilling the spirit of a place and time into sound, and overlaying and juxtaposing various eras to create a three-dimensional sonic portrait. The result is imaginative, compelling, and deeply moving.” ~ Carolyn Barber, University of Nebraska

FANTASIA ON SILENT NIGHT

A re-interpretation of the classic Christmas carol Silent Night. All the elements of the original music have been altered through elongation of the melody, changing the key to minor, changing the meter to 6/8, re-harmonization, and a more polyphonic texture. The result is a dreamy music that extends the wonder and beauty of the original carol. Completed in 2011 and commissioned by a consortium of 11 community bands. Something different for holiday concerts. Grade 3.

Duration: 5’30”  Score & Parts for Sale $80.  Extra Score 15.
Watch & Listen at: https://youtu.be/CHf71eN2NUw

“It made an extremely nice addition to our holiday repertoire. Overall, I think it is a very nice work and hope that you will get many future performances out of it.” ~ Ted Vives, Conductor, Los Alamos Community Winds

“Fantasia was quite well received by both audience and ensemble. Thanks for another nice addition to the repertoire.”
~ Charlie Conrad, Conductor, Indiana Wind Symphony

FIELDS

A dark abstract adagio that exploits the sonorities of the woodwind and brass choirs by separating them on stage. Further spatial sound is achieved through an off-stage right flugelhorn and off-stage left percussion. A dramatic quiet ending fuses together blocks of woodwind and brass chords. Uses asynchronous events and layers of sound to create an Ivesian numinous sound world. Completed in 1994 and commissioned by the Air Force Band of Flight, Dayton, Ohio. Grade 5.

Duration: 11′  Parts Rental $300.  Score for Sale $25.
Listen at: https://soundcloud.com/james-syler/fields

“Fields remains one of the most prominent works for wind band on my Core Repertoire list. James Syler is a master at exploiting sonic resources to create musical images of depth and poignancy as well as joy and sanctity.”
~ Richard L. Johnson, Coastal Carolina University

GEARBOX

An energetic, brassy and lyrical overture-like work that evokes repetitive mechanical sounds and the singing lines that emerge out of them. Develops a simple motive through canon, repetition, counterpoint and lyricism. Commissioned and premiered by the San Antonio Symphony, San Antonio, TX in 2009, James Judd, conducting. In memory of my father Robert Syler (1933-2007) – a lover of cars, driving and all things mechanical.

Duration: 8′  Score & Parts for Sale $125.  Extra Score 25.
Watch & Listen at: https://youtu.be/JR0YHNaw75c

“The world premiere of ‘Gearbox’ for orchestra was a pleasant surprise … Syler’s composition thrilled the audience with a brassy ride in a well-tuned machine.” ~ David Hendricks, San Antonio Express News

THE HARMONIOUS BLACKSMITH

Arranged for Woodwind Ensemble

G.F. Handel published eight harpsichord suites in 1720 that showcase his mastery as a 35-year-old keyboard virtuoso. The “Air and Variations” is the final movement from the Suite No. 5 in E major. Through the years it’s become popular and in the early 19th century took on the nickname “The Harmonious Blacksmith”. It is dazzling music and considering the many colors available from woodwinds, this version for woodwind ensemble becomes kaleidoscopic, full of textural color, and fun to play.

This arrangement for full woodwind ensemble was completed in 2020 and celebrates the 300th anniversary of this music. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic when most college and high school bands have had to meet in smaller ensembles, it can be performed by 15-22 players. Includes double bass and optional contrabassoon, Bb or Eb contrabass clarinet, and bass saxophone. A modest grade 5 in comfortable F major. A folder containing the PDF score & parts will be emailed directly to you after payment.

Commissioned by a consortium of four universities from Louisiana led by Dr. William Hochkeppel.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Dr. William Hochkeppel
University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Dr. Derle Long
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, Dr. Charles Taylor
Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Dr. Jeff Matthews

Duration: 5′  Score & Parts for sale $75.  Extra Score $10.

Watch & Listen: https://youtu.be/2TAKfqSgbtY

HOCUS POCUS

Mischief and fun abound in this magical work that evokes images of young wizards. A mystical opening features flute and percussion before moving into a tarantella, a fast dance in 6/8 that almost has a delirious character to it. Themes collide, intensity rises, and pulse quickens as the music moves forward at a feverish rate. Grade 3.5.

Duration: 4′  Published by FJH Music.
Listen & see the score at: http://www.fjhmusic.com/band/b1553.htm

THE HOUND OF HEAVEN

~ Winner of the 1993 National Band Association Award
~ Winner of the 1993 Arnald Gabriel Award

Now available for purchase with a newly engraved score and parts. A programmatic symphony in six movements based on the poem of the same name by poet Francis Thompson. Features a solo antiphonal trumpet and an eclectic mix of styles to emphasize the poem’s drama. Minimalism, 12-tone writing, post-romanticism, tonality and atonality exist side by side and are held together by the work’s melodic through-line. Grade 5.

Duration: 18′  Score & Parts for Sale $195.  Extra Score $60.
Listen at: https://youtu.be/EviwhbgYVXE

“I listened to your work ‘The Hound of Heaven’ and I like it! I think it’s imaginative and evocative and hope it receives many performances.”
~ Morton Gould, Distinguished American Composer

“The Hound of Heaven” is a masterfully crafted work by the gifted young composer, James Syler. It is a challenging composition destined to enrich the contemporary repertoire with its imaginative and innovative effects.”
~ Arnald D. Gabriel, Conductor Emeritus, United States Air Force Band

LOVE AMONG THE RUINS

for Viola and Wind Ensemble

The subject of the work is love as a timeless force, a continuation beyond the grave, a presence amidst personal loss, difficulties, or the ruins of our lives. The title is from the poem Love Among the Ruins by Robert Browning. It features the viola for its color, expressivity and voice. It is always evolving as a metaphor for love as a transforming force. It also borrows from a previous work titled Fields that I’ve always felt had more to say before and after it. The phrase by the Roman poet Virgil seems to have become appropriate for this work – “Amor Vincit Omnia” (Love Conquers All). The music was commissioned by a consortium of 14 colleges led by Dr. Matthew Schlomer, Director of Bands at the Interlochen Arts Academy, Interlochen, MI. Grade 5.

Duration: 18′  Score & Parts for Sale $250.  Extra Score 30.
Watch & Listen at: https://youtu.be/zWSpq52Uhf4

“Love Among the Ruins seems to achieve the impossible with a perfect orchestration for viola soloist and wind ensemble. This wonderfully patient work takes the audience to an intimate sense of introspection that is incredibly rare in our repertoire. Our audience was talking about it for weeks after the premiere.”
~ Matthew Schlomer, Interlochen Center for the Arts

“… a richly textured work that probes the wonderful sonic possibilities of the winds/solo viola combination. This music is personal, heartfelt, and full of sustained lines, and, above all, beautifully melodic.”
~ Paul Bhasin, Emory University

“… a moving and poignant work full of beautiful colors and evocative melodies. Distinctive in its scoring and musical content, the piece is a most welcome addition to the repertoire and will fit very nicely into virtually any concert program.”
~ Scott Weiss, University of South Carolina

MINTONS PLAYHOUSE

for Sax Quartet and Wind Ensemble

A modern one movement concerto grosso for sax quartet and wind ensemble that explores the connection between the Baroque and bebop jazz. Inspired by the famous 1940’s New York jazz club in a “third stream” type setting. No improvisation required. Also available for orchestra. Completed in 1994 and commissioned by the United States Air Force Band, Washington, DC. Grade 6.

Duration: 10′  Parts Rental $300.  Score for Sale $25.
Listen at: https://youtu.be/YtmdE3ESsKI

“What a romp! Any serious conductor who’s also a true lover of bebop should know about this work. It’s eclectic, but great fun – artistically conceived and skillfully orchestrated.”
~ Stephen Squires, Conductor, Chicago College of Performing Arts

“The audience thoroughly enjoyed the fresh sounds of this piece. Syler has achieved a pleasing marriage of the bebop idiom and the sonic possibilities of the wind band. His use of simultaneous musics is extremely effective.”
~ Fred Allen, Director of Bands Emeritus, Stephen F. Austin State University

O MAGNUM MYSTERIUM

for Soprano and Wind Ensemble

A transcription completed in 1996 for wind ensemble and solo soprano of the composer’s choral work. Based on the ancient Christmas day text, it attempts to transcend time by simultaneously juxtaposing the birth and death of Christ. A terrific recording from the University of North Texas below. Grade 5.

Duration: 12′  Parts Rental $250.  Score for Sale $25.
Listen at: https://youtu.be/qskuoL3nf0Q

SEASONS

for Soprano and Wind Ensemble

The seasons of the year can be thought of as a metaphor for the stages or “seasons” of life. Each text is from a different time and place, yet all reflect the theme of remembering. We begin in the Fall with a rousing and colorful excerpt from Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem Autumn Fires and celebrates the change of seasons. Winter is a setting on the classic Robert Frost poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening. Winter can be a complicated season full of stormy weather, still moments, and hard times that reflects the “winter” of life. Spring is based on a poem by the composer. Water Bells employs the traditional Japanese haiku three-line form consisting of 5, 7, and 5 syllables each. It reflects the bursting of spring. Summer is based on the traditional Gaelic poem Olde Irish Blessing as we say goodbye and look forward to a time of rest. In the end, our work and memories from the “seasons” of life will not be forgotten.

Commissioned by Dr. Daniel Belongia, Director of Bands at Arkansas Tech University and a consortium of high schools and colleges, in honor of Professors Karen and Ken Futterer’s more than 40 years of service to the music department of Arkansas Tech University. The music was completed October 24, 2021 and premiered on April 24, 2022, with Ken and Karen’s daughters Erin, horn, Keely, soprano, and Carling, soprano, as soloists.
Duration: 12′  Score & Parts for Sale $175.  Extra Score $40.
Listen at: https://youtu.be/H8Oc-GYgtZI

Seasons score & parts
Seasons extra score

SILENT SHADOWS TO THE LAST

Three Walt Whitman Poems for Soprano and Band

There are very few works for soprano and grade 3 band. Thanks to Dr. Brett Richardson at the University of the Incarnate Word for leading a consortium of colleges and ensembles to commission this work. The music is technically accessible, yet still artistically mature with a strong lyrical flow. What a joy it was to set these timeless Walt Whitman poems  to music – “Look Down Fair Moon”, “A Clear Midnight”, and “A Prairie Sunset”.

Duration: 9′  Score & Parts for Sale $150.  Extra Score $25.
Listen at: https://youtu.be/sc0pcFgS450

 

“James Syler has displayed his adept ability to compose a work for wind band and voice where the text is not hidden by the instrumental colors. The work has moments of incredible beauty and lush textures juxtaposed with transparency and clarity. A wonderful addition to the repertoire for band and voice.” ~ Brett Richardson, University of the Incarnate Word 

 

“With his poignant text painting of the amazing poetry of Walt Whitman, James Syler has created a beautiful contribution to the canon of wind band repertoire for ensemble and voice. This composition is worthy of your time and deep exploration!” ~ Brent Allston, Florida International University

SINFONIETTA

This one movement abstract work is in three sections and begins with a timpani motive containing the intervallic and rhythmic ideas to be developed. A lyrical 12-tone theme follows and is developed by way of a fugue where each entrance is at the m7th creating a perpetual spiral fugue. It grows in volume, complexity, and weight to its culmination in the brass. The B section is slower and features oboe and bassoon solos developed from the original 12-tone theme. Static woodwinds and keyboard percussion provide background to simple melodic lines. The C section is Allegro and begins with a traditional fugal treatment in 7/4 of the opening theme. The music develops and restates the opening as it grows in intensity and power to the end. Completed in 2012 and commissioned by a consortium of 20 university wind ensembles. Grade 5.

Duration: 13′  Parts Rental $300.  Score for Sale $30.
Watch & Listen at: https://youtu.be/–Jk8WwNNbM

“The themes presented reveal outstanding construction and provide beautiful opportunities for expression. The middle section stretched the ensemble with its demand for sensitivity, a quality I find important for the medium. This Sinfonietta holds a unique place in the oeuvre of wind band literature.”
~ Isaiah Odajima, Baylor University

STORYVILLE

A one movement “Third Stream” type symphonic poem. Early jazz styles and contemporary devices are used in a modern setting to intensify the realities of Storyville – the infamous New Orleans prostitution district. No improvisation required. The work is dramatic with a sense of sadness and spaciousness. Completed in 1996 and commissioned by a consortium of 9 universities. Grade 5.

Duration: 17′  Parts Rental $350.  Score for Sale $40.
Listen at: https://youtu.be/A1hnlMdjnJY

“Through a brilliant use of the wind ensemble colors, Syler has captured the expression of Storyville and its people. He is a truly gifted and creative composer whose contributions to wind band literature are to be cherished. ‘Storyville’ is a particularly moving and emotional experience.”
~ Bobby Francis, Conductor, Texas Christian University

SUITE ARGENTINE

The South American country of Argentina was born from Spanish, Italian, French, and other immigrants who started arriving in the coastal city of Buenos Aires in the mid-1500’s. It is a rich and diverse musical culture that spans vernacular traditions to art music. Most famous for the tango, I chose the following four folk musics for this symphonic suite.

I. Chacarera is a type of folk dance that originates in northwest Argentina. The name is derived from the Spanish word “chacra” meaning farm or ranch. This setting is partially based on a recording of an old chacarera for guitar from the Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.

II. Milonga is a precursor to the more popular tango and originates in the Rio de la Plata region near Buenos Aires. Milonga reached its height of popularity in the 19th century. In this setting, I wrote a slow tempo milonga that implies the music that would eventually become the tango.

III. Bombo is a traditional Argentine wooden drum with an animal skin head that is the basic rhythm instrument for most Argentine folk music. Its sound is similar to a muffled bass drum and features a drumming technique that alternates between striking the drum head and the rim or shell. This movement is an extended solo featuring four drummers playing traditional bombo patterns that accentuate its unique sound and drama.

IV. Malambo may be Argentina’s most exciting dance. It originated on the country ranches where gauchos (cowboys) used to pantomime a fight. The music is a IV-V-I chord progression in a repeating four-bar phrase used to accompany gaucho dancers performing intricate foot dances. In this setting, I combined the opening chacarera melody with the traditional malambo progression. The music harmonically modulates upward and culminates with the full ensemble at full volume. Suite Argentine was commissioned by a consortium of twenty high schools and colleges organized by Dr. John Zarco, conductor. The music was completed February 1, 2020. Grade 4.

Duration: 7′  Score & Parts for Sale $125.  Extra Score $25.
Listen at: https://youtu.be/Gam4Mwzcwkk

“Suite Argentine is a fun piece with good contrasts — also well within the reach of high school ensembles. It’s fresh and to the point, with music that so wonderfully captures the spirit of their respective dance forms.”
~ John Zarco, Conductor, The University of Texas at San Antonio

SUITE LOUISIANE

A consortium of colleges and universities from the Louisiana chapter of the College Band Directors National Association commissioned this new work for the 2019 Louisiana Intercollegiate Honor Band. SUITE LOUISIANE is a five movement setting of Louisiana folk songs. Louisiana is uniquely rich in vernacular music. My goal was to display that richness in a symphonic suite that entertains and educates. The five songs I selected each have unique histories and rich musical characteristics that I was able to amplify and expand upon. Grade 4. Now published by Alfred Music.

I. Isabeau S’y Promene (French Canadian folk song)

II. Michieu Banjo (Afro-Creole folk song)

III. Aux Natchitoches (Louisiana French ballad)

IV. Now Shall My Inward Joys Arise (Shape-note hymn tune)

V. Eunice Two-Step (Cajun accordion tune)

Duration: 11’30″‘
Listen at: https://youtu.be/gmywbh1fUt4

To purchase from Alfred Music go to:

https://www.totalsheetmusic.com/digital-sheet-music/suite-louisiane-671460/

“James Syler has crafted and wonderful work that draws inspiration from the many cultures present in Louisiana. Set in five movements, the work is accessible to a wide range of bands regardless of maturity level.”
~ Jeff Mathews, Conductor, Northwestern State University, Louisiana

“… a delightful collection of tunes showcasing the unique variety of the cultural heritage of the state. In turn, it is bold, beautiful, fun, and simply a joy to perform!” ~ Caroline Beatty, Conductor, Texas State University

 

“James Syler has taken the musical history of Louisiana, and created a work incredibly entertaining for audiences and musically rewarding for musicians. Attainable by both high school and collegiate ensembles, music educators will find exactly what they need to fill a broad range of educational and performance goals. ~ Jay Jacobs, Conductor, University of South Carolina

SYMPHONY NO. 1 “BLUE”

for Soprano, Chorus and Wind Ensemble

“Blue” is an oratorio-like choral symphony in five movements based on a narrative text. Oratorio-like in the sense of relying on spiritual concepts and choral symphony-like in its symphonic structure and instrumentation. In the broadest sense, it’s about a loss of hope and the mysterious process of change. The text is metaphorical and not intended to be read literally.

For many years, I’ve wanted to write a work that would combine my musical and literary interests. Much of twentieth-century fiction presents despairing characters who find their resolution in some form of self-destruction. In writing this text, I wanted to resolve despair in a different way. It begins by presenting the continuation of a “Kurtz” character, the quintessential modern man from Joseph Conrad’s novel The Heart of Darkness. A character who epitomizes outward success, but inner emptiness. This notion was further developed in T.S. Eliot’s poem The Hollow Men with its reference to the Conrad novel in the epigraph “Mistah Kurtz – he dead.” In attempting to continue this “modern man”, I’ve chosen a T.S.Eliot line for the epigraph of this text, “to make an end is to make a beginning” from Four Quartets, as an indication of how this character will reach a resolution. 

The character gradually descends to a point of giving up the “self”, sometimes referred to as “rock bottom”. The metaphorical “Mistah Kurtz” is indeed “dead”. Regeneration of the character becomes, at the very least, possible now and the ascending process of change is mysteriously put into motion as an inversion, or chiasmus, of the descending process of despair. Eliot’s idea of “the still point dance” combine with the biblical idea of “the still small voice” to move the character through a process of despair, stillness, listening, revealing, and ultimately knowing. The outward is now in harmony with the inner, but not fully understood.

Musically, the five movements are held together by a chiastic arch form (ABCBA) that descends in the first two movements, reaches its nadir in the third, and ascends in the final two movements to a dramatic conclusion. The music ends where it began, but has been transformed by the process of change. Completed in 1999 and commissioned by a consortium of colleges and universities. The text is available upon request. Grade 5-6.

Duration: 35′  Parts Rental $500.  Score for Sale $75
Listen at:
I. Impending Blue https://youtu.be/8kXdSLnH3_Y
II. Dark Blue https://youtu.be/7z7GhucnQIE
III. Fading Blue https://youtu.be/SSP8J76CgNI
IV. Still Point Blue https://youtu.be/sgFJ7FKrp-4
V. True Blue https://youtu.be/n5FXKA_K3rg

“… James Syler’s ‘Symphony No. 1’ … is a major addition to the wind ensemble repertoire. What immediately strikes the listener about this composition with a title ‘Blue’ is the depth of the text and music and the absence of all of the possible stereotypes that could be associated with such a title.”
~ Leon Bly, World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles

SYMPHONY NO. 2

for Wind Ensemble
~ Finalist 2020 National Band Association/Revelli Memorial Composition Contest

The foundation of this music is an ascending three-note motive of C-Ab-B. This motive is the basis for the primary 12-tone theme heard at the beginning. Because there is no narrative, the structure of the work is held together by using three traditional forms.

Movement I is a modified sonata form with a mood of foreboding. It may feel nervous, alarming, comical at times, and militaristic. Movement II is an ABA form built on an excerpt of the original theme from movement I. The zenith of the movement is a quiet chorale. This movement may feel like it is traveling and looking back with nostalgia. Movement III is a passacaglia and eight variations followed by a double fugue featuring two simultaneous subjects. The themes of the previous two movements reappear as the music develops into a dissonant texture that transitions to the opening bass ostinato. As the brass build tension, the music pushes towards its new tonic of G major.

Commissioned by a consortium of 15 universities organized by Dr. Timothy Shade, Director of Bands, Wichita State University, Kansas. The first performance was September 26, 2019 by the Wichita State Wind Ensemble, Dr. Timothy Shade, conducting. The first draft of the score was completed July 29, 2019 and after revisions the final score was completed October 1, 2019.

Duration: 20’  Score & Parts For Sale $400.   Score For Sale $50.

Standard instrumentation, +2 Flugelhorns, Timpani + 4 Percussion

Listen at:
I. Andante https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3LHvbpHKTA&list=PLmn1snfcF76l2NKTXW-EkCHwM4Ja3Hmg5&index=23
II. Adagio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syn-W5Ku6yI&list=PLmn1snfcF76l2NKTXW-EkCHwM4Ja3Hmg5&index=24
III. Passacaglia and Fugue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RcEZxtAMBM&list=PLmn1snfcF76l2NKTXW-EkCHwM4Ja3Hmg5&index=25

“This work is one of his best. Very well constructed, lean and clever, it also reaches both musicians and audiences on an emotional level. For me, it strikes a great balance between the exciting and the gentle, the powerful and the sublime. Symphony No. 2 brings lasting value to our repertory.”
~ Stephen Squires, Conductor, Chicago College of Performing Arts

“Symphony 2 is both powerful and intimate. Its thoughtful structure, transparent layers, and engaging melodic content allows for the players and listeners to immediately connect with the music.”
~ Phillip Clements, Conductor, Texas A&M University-Commerce

“The Symphony No. 2 is a fantastic addition to the repertoire. I loved studying and teaching it, our students loved playing it, and our audience reception was terrific!  I highly recommend it, and look forward to our first opportunity to perform it again.”
~ Dan Belongia, Conductor, Arkansas Tech University

“It is in turns aggressively muscular and exceedingly tender, forcefully imposing and intensely intimate. In short, Symphony No. 2 is a masterful work that deserves the attention of every thoughtful conductor.”
~ David Campo, Stephen F. Austin State University

TATTOO

Built on the techniques of minimalism, this work separates the timbre and color of the woodwind and brass choirs. The woodwinds begin by playing repeated fragments that create a shifting contrapuntal texture along a steady pulse. The brass are divided into stage-right and stage-left choirs and play out-of time with the woodwinds. As the music develops and the energy builds they come together to drive the music to its climax. Optional 2 conductors. Completed in 2005 and commissioned by a consortium of 20 university wind ensembles. Grade 5.

Duration: 8′  Score & Parts for Sale $100.  Extra Score 12.
Listen at: https://soundcloud.com/james-syler/tattoo

“James Syler has written an ingenious and fascinating minimalist work… This is a great work to introduce your players to the aleatoric world of Steve Reich and his colleagues. Highly recommended.”
~ Tim Reynish, Conductor Emeritus, Royal Northern College of Music, England

THE TEMPTATION OF SAINT ANTHONY

for Chorus and Wind Ensemble

Anthony of Egypt (251-356) was a 3rd century hermit, saint, and father of monasticism in the early church. His life and account of being tempted and tormented in the Egyptian desert were popularized through the first hand account of Athanasius in his book The Life of Antony. Anthony’s dramatic and supernatural reports of temptation and torment have been a source of inspiration for visual artists and writers from the 10th century to the present. The six musical sections of this work are titled by phrases I found memorable from my reading of The Life of Antony. By avoiding a direct depiction of his experiences, I’ve approached the Temptation of St. Anthony as an analogy for the process of temptation – approach, doubt, temptation, torment, relief, and joy. The music is filled with drama, sensuality, horror, and strangely enough, joy. Grade 5.

Duration: 18′  Parts Rental $400.  Score for Sale $60
Watch & Listen at: https://youtu.be/IoYDggCNKw8

“The vocabulary ranges from thorny tone clusters to soaring vocal lines to beautiful traditional harmonies. The effect of the combined choral and instrumental forces is sonically powerful and intensely emotional.”
~ John Silantien, Choral Conductor Emeritus, University of Texas at San Antonio

WU XING

Concertino for Two Percussion and Band

~ Winner of the 2016 College Band Directors National Association Young Band Composition Contest

The Wu Xing (pronounced wu-hsing) are the traditional Chinese five phases – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. “Wu” refers to the number 5. These five phases also have traditional pitch associations in Western solfege that produce a pentatonic scale and these corresponding harmonies.

	Metal	Water	Wood	Fire	Earth
	re	la	mi	sol	do
	ii	vi	iii	V	I
in Bb:	Cm	Gm	Dm	F	Bb

The resulting chord progression of Cm Gm Dm F Bb briefly appears at the beginning of the “Wood” section and is repeated in the last “Earth” section as the culmination of the Wu Xing concept. The number 5 is referred to throughout – 5-measure phrases, 5-note harmonies, a 5-note melody, 5-note rhythms, etc. The work features two solo percussionists playing a variety of sounds organized by instruments made of, or representing, metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. The final “Earth” section uses two bass drums playing a 5-note rhythm, in five phrases, of five rhythms each, that grows in power to the end. Very playable by high schools and above. Commissioned by a consortium of 22 high schools and colleges. Grade 3-4. Now published by Alfred Music.

Duration: 10′
Watch & Listen at: https://youtu.be/UORcaK6i2e0

To purchase from Alfred Music go to:
https://www.totalsheetmusic.com/digital-sheet-music/wu-xing-671560/

“Wu Xing is a versatile, colorful work that fills a much-needed spot in the wind band repertoire. Musically enriching and technically accessible, our ensemble has had a wonderful time collaborating on the piece.
~ John Zarco, The University of Texas at San Antonio

“Wu Xing has it all! The energy and colors that Syler includes appeal to the performer and audience member alike. This work is highly accessible to a wide range of groups, yet offers a collaborative experience that musicians of all ages can’t help but to grow from. Wu Xing is a truly worthy addition.”
~ Dan Harbaugh, Mt. Vernon High School, Mt. Vernon, Missouri