Commissioned by Micah Dominic Parsons, Blaenwern Diversions is based on the well loved hymn, Love Divine. The composer writes: 'Originally intended to be a set of variations, I found myself wandering around the notes of the hymn tune at the piano and found that the variations almost took on a life of their own resulting in what we have here - diversions. There are 8 diversions in total; the introductory diversion; diversions 1 - 6; and the finale which are divided into three linked movements. Blaenwern Diversions represents my entry into the world of contest works, so even though the piece aims to test the band, it is important that the band enjoy the music within no matter how treacherous!'

For more information, including how to purchase this work please head to BrookWright Music

To view a follow-the-score video please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X5gTMTHkfg

For bands searching for an ‘Overture’ kind of work to programme into their Christmas concerts, look no further. “The Coventry Carol” dates back to the 16th century and is one of three songs from a nativity play entitled “Pageant of the Shearman and Tailors” which was traditionally performed in Coventry. The carol itself depicts the “Massacre of the Innocents” in the nativity narrative from the “Gospel of Matthew”, in which King Herod, orders the execution of all baby boys under the age of two in the vicinity of Bethlehem. In this Rhapsody, Karl Whelan takes the familiar tune and turns it into an impressive showcase for bands looking to give the audience something different and very enjoyable for their festive concerts.

Brass Band versions available at Pennine Music

Wind Band version available at BrookWright Music

Commissioned by Golborne Brass Band to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

A finalist in the 2021 BrookWright International Brass Ensemble Composition Competition and winner of the public commendation prize, this highly imaginative and creative etude be a great addition to your ensemble's repertoire. Scored for brass sextet, it tells the story of a night in the life of a hedgehog.

Brass Sextet avalable at BrookWright Music

I: Prelude

II: Aria

III: Scherzo

The first movement, Prelude, is in a mirror image sonata form and with its menacing ostinato sets the tone for the entire concerto and also introduces material on which the concerto is based. During this movement, the soloist has the opportunity to display their technical ability as well as the extremes of the instruments range.

A chord based on the notes of the ostinato signal the beginning of the second movement, Aria. Here, material from the first movement has been weaved together and moves through a multitude of keys, the soloist is able to show the expressive side of the instrument to create an almost yearning, operatic aria.

A reiteration of the 1st subject takes us into an almost march like figure at the beginning of the third movement, Scherzo. This is then interrupted both times by dance-like scherzo which, as with the rest of the concerto navigates itself through different keys leading to the cadenza that even the temple blocks have the the chance of participating in! The concerto concludes with almost a battle between the band (playing fragments of the first and second subjects from the first movement), and soloist who is attempting to have the last word!

Purchase for Brass Band

Written during the Covid-19 pandemic and dedicated to those that keep us safe.  Available for Brass Band, Wind band or orchestra.

Available for a donation to NHS Charities Together.

More details here.

Known by many names, The Paladins were the foremost warriors of the Court of Charlemagne, King of the Franks & Holy Roman Emperor (742-814). The Paladins were renowned as elite warriors and champions of the vulnerable; the epitome of good in the Middle Ages. Over the centuries, the word “paladin” has found its way into language as a noun used to describe an advocate and defender of a particular cause.

THE PALADIN is a march dedicated to Mark Harrison and Kearsley Youth Brass Band. Brass bands, as with the rest of the performing arts world, have had to adapt to restrictions imposed on them due to the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing them to be more creative in the way that they approach their music making. Since the beginning of lock down, Mark and KYBB have been holding weekly rehearsals online using social media, with a very much open door policy, welcoming “attendees” not only from the UK, but across the globe. When asked by Mark if I had a march that would be suitable for KYBB, I felt it only fi tting that they have one written specially for them.

Commissioned by Micah Dominic Parsons in commemorationof the men of The 1st Battalion, The King's Liverpool Regiment in which his great great uncle, Fred Bates (alias Frank Taylor) served.

This work explores the events of Wednesday 11th November 1914, where four hundred men of The 1st Battalion, The Kings Liverpool Regiment defended Polygon Wood from a determined assault by The Prussian Guards. During the course of the battle, the battalion war diary recorded that “the battalion was now supported on the right by the Prussian Guard” which was due to a successful breakthrough by The Prussian Guards close to Black Watch Corner. The men of The 1st Battalion, The Kings Liverpool Regiment lost twenty nine men killed and wounded in action during the course of the day. This new work for Euphonium and Brass Band depicts the events of that day

"Vicennial Celebration" was written for the Wind Band Association's 20th Anniversary competition. An outstanding work which proved to be hugely popular with the judges and was rightly awarded first prize. It's first performance was at the association's Wind Band Festival in Hothorpe Hall, Leicestershire on 20th October 2019.

Available at Bandleader Publications

Abberline was commissioned by Euphonium Artist, Micah Dominic Parsons in 2022.  The work aims to depict the streets of Whitechapel during the investigations into the Whitechapel Murderer, know mre popularly as “Jack the Ripper” in 1888.  Inspector Frederick Abberline (represented here by the Euphonium soloist) hunted the notorious serial killer, even after he retired. 

Written for the Salford/BASBWE Wind Band Composition Contest and chosen as one of the finalists - performed by the Central Band of the RAF at the University of Salford 2012

Judges: Dr Peter Meechan, Prof Peter Graham, Dr Nigel Clarke

Premiere performance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqmOb4ldh6A

One of my all time favourite films is Clue (1985) based on the board game of the same name (Cluedo, if you’re from the UK). Clue follows the night of six guests who are invited to a mansion for dinner. The host, Mr. Boddy is murdered, and the guests must work together to find the killer before any more lives are lost. I implore you to give it a watch if you haven’t already, even if it’s just for Tim Curry’s magical performance as The Butler. Running at 82 minutes, the film is over before you know it. I wanted to create a similar story here with Whodunnit?, which like it’s inspiration, Clue, moves at an incredible pace as it follows a dinner party, to which our guests have been invited. This work is rather dark throughout and full of intentional clichés, for which, I make no apology!

For more details clock here for the info pages from the full score

Available in pdf at BrookWright Music

Available in print at Brass Band Music Shop

Music by Dave Grusin, arranged for Brass Band

Opening theme from "The Goonies" arranged for Brass Band.  This upbeat theme with hints of Beethoven is likely to liven up any concerts!

Purchase from Sheet Music Plus

Purchase from Sheet Music Direct

from Disney's Aladdin

Music by Alan Menken aranged for Bass Trombone/Eb Bass solo with Brass Band accompaniment.

Originally sang by Robin Williams in the 1992 animated film Aladdin, Friend Like Me is high octane fun for all the band to play as well as the soloist. This highly entertaining work will get feet tapping as the organised chaos of the music flows around the soloist throughout the duration of the piece. The arrangement stays faithful to the original and with Disney’s re-release of Aladdin with Will Smith in the starring Genie roll, this new fun filled solo is the perfect solo choice for all bands.

Available at Pennine Music

Music by Alan Silvestri, arranged for Brass Band

From Disney's hit movie A Christmas Carol comes the compelling theme song that will fill every heart with the holiday spirit. This inspiring message of peace and goodwill is a holiday call to kindness, and the festive orchestration is the icing on the cookies. This festive release is accessible to all bands and something familiar yet original for your Christmas concerts this year.

Available at Pennine Music

Music by Ennio Morricone arranged for soloist in C or Bb with piano accompaniment.

Theme from the 1970 Franco-Italian drama, directed by Alberto Bevilacqua about organsied labour in Italy.  This arrangement of Ennio Morricone's thought provoking theme is arranged for solo instruments in C or Bb with piano accompaniment.

To see a performance of this arrangment, played by Mark Harrison accompanied by Karl at the piano go to the media page.

Available at Sheet Music Plus

Available at Sheet Music Direct

Music by Edward Miller

Arranged for Brass Band

This sublime arrangement of the much loved hymn tune Rockingham ('When I survey the wondrous cross'), was arranged by Karl Whelan in memory of Frank Naylor. Frank was a faithful member of North Ashton Band based in Wigan (UK), a renowned tenor horn player and an inspiration to his many pupils over the years. In reference to Frank’s slow melody piece of choice, there is also a reference in the trombones to Star of Bethlehem by Stephen Adams, leading into the final verse.

Available at BrookWright Music