Instrumental (Brass and keyboard) and class teaching from early years through Key Stages 1,2,3 and 4 has always played a significant role in Alan’s work.
He believes strongly in the part music can play in the enhancement of a child’s development. His approach to composition for children is as meticulous as his work for professional orchestras and ensembles. Hence, parts are idiomatic, demonstrating to the children the identity and character of their instrument and the part it plays in much of the orchestral repertoire.
These pieces below (5 of a series of 10 entitled – Making an Early Start) were written specifically to provide young players with the opportunity to utilise the skills they are acquiring in their instrumental lessons.
Each piece has been composed to demonstrate to the children the identity and character of the instrument and the part it plays in much of the orchestral repertoire.
The ‘catchy’ nature and character of the pieces has proved to be readily accessible and popular with childrens’ groups.
Parts also available for Treble Recorder, Oboe, Alto Saxophone, Bassoon, French Horn, Viola and Cello.
Minuet in G
Composed to provide experience of the style and character of the classical minuet. Written for an orchestra of varying standards. (Violin 1 and Guitar part for students of Grade 4-5 standard).
To the right is an image of the front page of the score.
Listen to a short excerpt.
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Score and parts are available from Alan Danson
Sprightly March
This work provides a feature for the trumpet players, and can also be played at a less sprightly tempo!
To the right is an image of the front page of the score.
Listen to a short excerpt.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Score and parts are available from Alan Danson
Country Dance
The recorder is given a predominant part in this work and is composed using the first 5 notes the student learns (G, A, B, C, D).
To the right is an image of the front page of the score.
Listen to a short excerpt.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Score and parts are available from Alan Danson
Outward Bound
Provides children with experience of interplay with some answering phrases from one group to another.
To the right is an image of the front page of the score.
Listen to a short excerpt.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Score and parts are available from Alan Danson
The Grand Little Waltz
Composed to provide children with the “geographical” skills of performing works on a grander scale, and includes many repeats and a coda sign; also included is the challenge of playing traditional ‘um-cha-cha’ off beats.
To the right is an image of the front page of the score.
Listen to a short excerpt.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
