Published Concert Works
Excelcia Music Publishers
Before I Go to Sleep (Grade 2.5) - A beautifully haunting piece by composer Jason K. Nitsch, Before I Go to Sleep isn’t short on musical opportunities. Written at an accessible grade 2.5, this work is great for developing ensembles, but will sound great with even the most seasoned musicians. We know you will love this new work by an outstanding writer.
All the Pretty Little Horses (Grade 3) - One of the most hauntingly beautiful folk songs is given a fresh new modern treatment. The mysterious integrity of the song is maintained, while adding colorful timbres and textures in winds and percussion, along with creative harmonic choice. This is simply beautiful!
Self Destruct (Grade 2.5) - Have you ever had “one of those days?” You’re about to! Step into a race against time as you attempt to escape with your life intact! The irony? It’s all your fault! After accidentally setting the building’s self-destruct sequence, you hurriedly search for an exit which leads to freedom. Blocked paths, obstacles, and a really snarky computer stand in your way of escape. Will you get out in time? Find out in “Self Destruct!” This piece uniquely includes downloadable “sound drops” to integrate electronic sounds into a modern concert band work.
Armada (Grade 3.5) - Step into an adventure on the high seas as you encounter a band of pirates who are intent on capturing your ship and plundering all of your possessions! This navel odyssey is filled with adventure, intrigue, and fun as you battle your way through a gauntlet of treachery and danger! Be prepared for anything and everything, as it’s every person for themselves once you encounter the Armada!
Coffin Races (Grade 2.5) - Take a frightful ride with Jason K. Nitsch’s Coffin Races! Perfect for Halloween concerts, this new work makes use of sound effects and color from within the concert band. Similar in style to a Danse Macabre, students and audiences alike will have a wonderfully spooky time!
My Heart Always Wanders (Grade 3) - This hauntingly beautiful folk tune has all of the drama that you’d want out of a lyrical ballad. Jason’s fresh harmonic palette works perfectly with this melody and provides ample opportunities to work on expressiveness and sensitivity while also stretching the dynamic range of your musicians.
Randall Standridge Music
Danse Perpetuo (2020) - Enjoy this fun and energetic work from composer Jason Nitsch, now published by Randall Standridge Music!
FJH Music Publishers
The Eternal Pursuit (Grade 2.5) - This new contemporary work was premiered at the 2002 Midwest Clinic and is an excellent way to make use of all your percussionists. After an eerie introduction, a haunting melody is presented that continues throughout. This is definitely a unique and refreshing style which is very welcome at this grade level.
Shockwave (Grade 2) - Feel the sonic boom race away from the epicenter of the blast and flood your concert hall with fury and excitement! This dynamic and heart-pounding tour de force will energize young musicians everywhere as they power up and shake the foundation. Explosive!
Danza del Toro (Grade 2) - Step into the ring and dance with the bull! This exciting Spanish-flavored adventure will place you in the center of the action as you face off against a mighty adversary. Hear the matador dance around the ring, teasing his opponent and bringing the crowd to their feet. ¡Olé!
Grand Mesa Music
Carnivore! (Grade 2) - In nighttime he lays in wait, on the prowl and perpetually hungry. His prey tries to escape into the darkness but the carnivore draws ever closer until prey becomes meal. Composer Nitsch expertly captures in music the daily ballet between hunter and hunted using edgy minor harmonies, driving rhythms, and a short section of intense aleatory. Set your band off on a musical prowl!
Dynasty (Grade 3) - Intense excitement defines this dynamic new band work, from it's gripping introduction to the timpani driven, power chord ending. A single theme is taken through several contrasting sections, featuring all voices in the band along the way. The energy never lags; even as the piece seems to be slowing down to a lyrical contrasting theme, the listeners' expectations are dashed as this irrepressible work launches back into the opening material. A great showcase for a band with solid sections throughout, especially in the alto line.
An American Hymn (Grade 4) - Letting his vivid imagination run freely in his unique soundcape, Nitsch has created a delightful retrospective musical look back at the days of the American Revolution. The melodic materials are a combination of original themes and William Billings' "Chester", put together in an extremely entertaining and quirky mixed meter environment. Special scoring features are a rhythmic dialog between concert snare and parade snare, muted brass, and piccolo solos.
In the Bleak Midwinter (Grade 4) - Nitsch, a young Texas composer and arranger, here creates a highly dramatic, stunningly original musical vision. Simple, chordal sections give way to intensely dissonant passages to heighten the musical drama. In addition, mallet instruments evoking the sound of church bells add to the ethereal atmosphere.
Ferris Wheel (Grade 5) - Welcome to a wild musical romp through an imaginary amusement park! A carnival-like atmosphere is immediately created with a rousing 16th note melody and several multi-meter excursions. Later, a middle 3/4 section reminiscent of old Ferris Wheel carnival music finds you spinning through the air before a return to the original theme closes out your theme park adventure.
TUX People’s Music
It is Well (MA) - Now added to the Texas PML! Enjoy thins haunting setting of ‘It is Well with My Soul”
Dance Party (MA) - premiered at the 2022 MidWest International Band and Orchestra Clinic (Chicago, IL) by Mark Poole and the Lone Star High School Wind Ensemble. For solo Trombone and wind ensemble, follow the ensemble on a fun night out where the party never stops!
Astortango (Grade 3) - Give your band something that they'll love this season! With its strong countermelodies and light syncopation, Astortango brings Latin rhythm and percussion to the concert hall in a new and exciting way that is sure to please!
As the Sky Begins to Clear (Grade 2) - Show off your band's musicality with this shimmering new work from Jason K. Nitsch! Delicate textures and rich harmonies come together in an intricately crafted package that will exhibit your ensemble's restraint and balance.
Vladimir in Panama (Grade 3) - Be bold! Vladimir in Panama has no shortage of flair, and Jason Nitsch's combination of Latin styles and Russian themes throughout the band is sure to keep your ensemble invested!
Serenity (Grade 3) - With no shortage of thoughtfulness in its harmony, Jason Nitsch's latest lyrical work is decidedly delicate in its texture and positive in its message. Its graceful woodwinds, combined with bold brass and unique percussion textures, create a beautifully uplifting work that lives up to its inspiration.
Elegy for a Ghost Town (Grade 4) - Bring some flair to your newest program with Jason Nitsch's ethereal new work for band. Featuring agile woodwind lines with electronic voiceover, Elegy for a Ghost Town is bombastic, daring, and sure to entertain this year!
C. Alan Music Publishers
American Visions (Grade 3) - Soaring themes and dazzling fanfares collide in this exuberant work. A multitude of harmonies, melodies and meter changes are seamlessly woven together to create a piece that works equally well as a concert opener/closer. Absolutely stellar!
The Curse of El Rojo Grande (Grade 3) - Your students and your audience alike will enjoy this ghoulish musical adventure! With a mysterious opening that utilizes the percussion for a "creepy" effect, the battle between good and evil ensues in The Curse of El Rojo Grande. Who will win? We leave that up to you.
Casu Consulto (Grade 3) - With a keen understanding of the developing band, Jason Nitsch has crafted a lovely original hymn for concert band. Full of lush jazzy harmonies, memorable melodies and a variety of textures, Casu Consulto will keep you interested from beginning to end.
Dance of Fire (Grade 2.5) - A fiery tango for the developing band! Dance of Fire begins with a full compliment of percussion setting up the tango rhythms, followed by the bass line in the low winds and brass. Simple melodies top off this dramatic dance
Destination Cincopation (Grade 3) - As the title implies, Destination Cincopation is a rhythmically driven work that explores the time signatures 5/4, 3/4, and 4/4 and all of the possible rhythmic divisions therein. Catchy, soaring melodies round out this rousing piece for concert band.
TRN Music Publishers
On the Banks for the River Shannon (Grade 3) - On the Banks of the River Shannon is a musical journey back through time and history. It is a tribute to the history of the past, the joys of the present, and hopes for the future. The piece, like the modern city itself, attempts to combine the culture of the past with that of the present. King Johns Castle opens the piece with a hymn-like tribute to the might and grandeur of days gone by at the once embattled and now peaceful landmark. Every year bands from across the world converge on Limericks International Band Festival to celebrate all manner of musical styles, ensembles, and compositions. The Festival at Limerick is a joyous ride through the modern city that bustles with activity, but never loses sight of its proud heritage. For more on this piece click on the composer's name above.
