Composer: Brendan Collins

Band Class 3 Score

RM724 Band Class 3 Score Seabrook BC3 CB
RM724 Band Class 3 Score Seabrook BC3 CB
Printed Book
Composer: Adam Pinto, Andrew Hackwill, Barry Cockcroft Editor, Brendan Collins, John Barrett, John Peterson, Katy Abbott, Katy Addis, Lachlan Davidson, Martha Baartz, Matthew Orlovich, Paul Marshall, Paul Witney, Sam Seabrook, Taran Carter
Composed: 2010 Duration: 60 mins.
Instrumentation: Band Class 3
ISMN: 979-0-720100-32-6 Catalogue: RM724
Level: 1.5, 3 Country: Australia

Band Class 3 is a great value repertoire collection including 23 original Australian band compositions for levels 1½ – 3.

For more information on this series please visit the Band Class 3 page.

Browse all books in the series.

  • Styles include rock, blues, contemporary, rag, swing, hoe down, march and more.
  • Full score includes all parts, program notes, fingering charts and performance instructions.
  • Duration of pieces range from 1½ – 4 minutes with more than 1 hour of music.
  • Additional band exercises, warm-ups and scales.


Kosciuszko

RM584e Kosciuszko Collins CB
RM584e Kosciuszko Collins CB
Digital Download eScore
Composer: Brendan Collins
Composed: 2008 Duration: 5 mins.
Instrumentation: Concert Band Repertoire
ISMN: 979-0-720083-90-2 Catalogue: RM584
Level: grade 4 Country: Australia

Thaddeus Kosciuszko was an outstanding military commander and strategist who fought for freedom not only in his native Poland against the Russians in the late 18th Century, but also in his adopted America during the War of Independence.  To this day he is considered a Polish national hero and the fondness for which he is held in the United States is evident in Mississippi’s city and Indiana’s county that share his name.  In 1840 Paul Strezlecki, the Polish-born explorer who first climbed the Australia Alps named its highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko.

This composition reflects three aspects of the life of Kosciuszko.  After some plaintive themes reminiscent of Polish folk tunes, the first section represents Kosciuszko’s battle for freedom in his native homeland against the Russians and Prussians.  The music reflects the chaos of war and the clash of tonality helps to represent the mayhem of battle.  Kosciuszko led his troops to numerous victories during this campaign and there are moments in the score where uplifting major tonalities represent the joy of victory.  Unfortunately for Kosciuszko he was seriously wounded towards the end of the war and was held prisoner by the Russians.  His release was conditional on him not returning to his homeland, Poland.  The solemn and mournful solo off-stage trumpet call at the end of the first section reflects both the tragedy of war and the circumstances faced by Kosciuszko at the end of this campaign.

The second section of the work represents Kosciuszko’s American experience.  The music is open, free and hopeful, representing the ‘New World’.  Kosciuszko served with distinction in Washington’s army and was instrumental in the success of many battles including the blockade of Charleston and the victory at Saratoga.  As he was in Poland, Kosciuszko was a tireless defender of freedom in America and he used his military knowledge and skills to fight oppression.

The final section of the work is a ‘climb to the summit’ making direct reference to the journey undertaken by thousands of tourists each year when they endeavour to climb Australia’s highest peak.   The music gradually intensifies as the journey nears its end and there is an explosion of joy and exhilaration as the summit is reached.  While this section refers directly to Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko, the themes of struggle, striving and toil could easily represent the life of Thaddeus Kosciuszko and his endless dedication to the fight for human liberty and freedom.

Violin Suite

RM479e Violin Suite Collins VLN/PNO
RM479e Violin Suite Collins VLN/PNO
Digital Download eScore
Composer: Brendan Collins
Composed: 2008 Duration: 8 mins.
Instrumentation: Violin & Piano Level D
Exam Grade: ANZCA Violin Grade 5,
ANZCA Violin Grade 6,
ANZCA Violin Grade 7,
HSC Violin
ISMN: 979-0-720083-27-8 Catalogue: RM479
Level: D Country: Australia

1. Fiddler's Be Bop
2. Bowing 747
3. Groover's Manoeuvre