YOUNG BAND REPERTOIRE PROJECT
Literature Analyses

BROTHER JAMES AIR
Written by  J.L. Bain
Arranged by Douglas Wagner


Publisher: Belwin Mills Publishing
Year Published: 1995
Difficulty Level: Publisher rating = 1

1999-2002 Texas PML rating = Grade 1
Reviewed by: Victoria E. Hays-Spring 2000
Style/Form: Intro (m.1-5); Melody in trumpets (m.6-17); Bridge (m.18-21); Melody in upper voices (m.22-33); Bridge (m.34-37); Melody with ostinato snare (m.38-49); Ending (m.50-52)
Key Signatures:

(concert pitch)

 Two flats 
Time Signatures: 3/4 
Ranges: Woodwinds:
    Flute up to b2; Oboe up to f1, down to f; Clarinet up to b-flat, down to A , Bass Clarinet up to g, down to G; Alto Sax up to d1, down to d: Tenor Sax up to d1, down to d; Bari Sax up to g1, down to c
Brass:
    Trumpet up to c1, down to c; Horn in F up to c1, down to c; Trombone up to c, down to BB-flat; Euphonium (same as trombone); Tuba up to BB-flat down to BBB-flat
Rhythms: Winds:
    Level 1
Percussion:
    Level 1
Instrumentation: Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax, Bari Sax, Trumpet, Horn in F, Trombone, Euphonium, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Chimes, Bells
Percussion: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals,  Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Chimes, Bells
Conductor Score: Full score
Length/Timing: 2 minutes, (52 measures)
Comments:
  • Much use of written nuance (crescendo, decrescendo) and rubato
  • Limited instrumentation (useful for small groups)
  • Clarinet remains below break
  • Trumpet soli (8 measures)
  • Articulation demands (slurs in trombones, etc.)
  • Hymn-style piece must be played in a singing, sustained manner
  • Measures numbered in score and parts

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