Orchestra

"​I am a number one fan of Bryan Kidd's music.  It has been my pleasure to perform his music for decades. 
He never fails to touch the hearts and musical souls of both performers and audience members
​with his magical composer / arranger gifts!"
     - Anthony Maiello
          Professor of Music, George Mason University
          Founder and Conductor Emeritus, The American Festival Pops Orchestra 
New for 2025!  Orchestral Version​
As performed by The United States Navy Band
Benny Goodman: Memories of You
 ADVANCED - PROFESSIONAL
"Benny Goodman: Memories of You" is Bryan Kidd's tribute to the Big Band era's masterful King of Swing, Benny Goodman (1909 - 1986). This enduring medley was commissioned by The United States Navy Band, Captain William J. Phillips, conductor. Featuring clarinetist Chief Musician Matt Rutkowski, the premiere performance was on October 22, 1992, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on the occasion of the United States Navy's 217th Birthday Concert. For over 30 years it's been a favorite with Navy Band clarinetists and world-wide audiences alike.  For more information, click here
Video Score
Sí Mi Amor
String Orchestra and Latin-American Percussion 
​MEDIUM ADVANCED
Commissioned by the Fairfax High School Chamber Orchestra, Gerald Fowkes, Director and premiered by them at the 2022 Virginia Music Educators Conference​
"Sí Mi Amor" is a rhumba, a ballroom dance introduced to America by Don Azpiazú and His Havana Casino Orchestra in 1930 with their recording of "El manisero" (The Peanut Vendor). Beyond the dance floor, the rhumba has also found its way into classical pieces by composers like George Gershwin and Morton Gould.
     With its tuneful melody and tasteful inclusion of Latin-American percussion, "Sí Mi Amor" ​focuses on the quality of ensemble sound rather than technical complexity. Discrete and distinctive four-note jazz harmony creates a rich texture not often found in orchestral music for students. Added to the traditional string orchestra instrumentation are vibraphone (or piano), claves, bongos, shaker and cow bell. ​Available either as a hard copy with concert-size parts (9 x 12) and tabloid-size, coil-bound score (11x17), or downloadable EPrint
Video score excerpts performed by the Fairfax High School Chamber Orchestra
​Away in a Manger: A Trilogy
​String Orchestra
EASY
One of the most popular of the Christmas carols and one of the most unusual in that the words share three distinct melodies.  All three are combined in this lyrical and flowing trilogy rendition for young string players. ​Available either as hard-copy letter-size (8 1/2 x 11) score and parts, or downloadable EPrint 
Burst of Glory
Concert Band with Optional Strings
MEDIUM
​A patrol-styled concert march with tuneful and engaging melodies for everyone. Edited from the original publication and adapted to include optional string parts for band and orchestra directors who are looking for an opportunity to combine their ensembles.​​ Available either as a hard copy with concert-size parts (9 x 12) and tabloid-size, coil-bound score (11x17), or downloadable EPrint​​
Picture
Fantasia for Alto Saxophone
Full Orchestra
​ADVANCED
Claude T. Smith, arranged for full orchestra by Bryan Kidd
As performed by The United States Navy Band ​
Composed in 1983 for saxophone virtuoso Dale Underwood, this magnificent work has become one of the premier solo compositions of the 20th century. Its reputation has been proven by its appearance in conservatory curricula and by its popularity among young saxophonists for concerto competitions.  This edition, with full orchestral accompaniment, provides a solo and orchestral opportunity that is unmatched in the concert repertoire for the virtuoso performer.​
Latin Winds
Concert Band with Optional Strings
MEDIUM EASY
​Edited from the original publication, "Latin Winds" is written as a Brazilian bossa nova. Its simple flowing melody contrasts with a fanfare-like section found in the introduction and again later in the piece. The ranges, rhythmic patterns and technical demands are relatively simple, and the jazz-influenced harmonies and colors are orchestrated so young players will achieve a full sound with minimal rehearsal.
     Optional Strings — the optional string parts are for band and orchestra directors looking for an opportunity to combine their ensembles. The challenge, of course, is that wind and string keys are not always friendly to each other.  Such is the case especially in the bridge (measures 25-36 and 45-50) where the string players are in A-flat major.  The good news is that the strings are always reinforced by the wind parts and never exposed by themselves.  Finally, for the kids who ask why the band and orchestra can’t play together more often, here’s one of the reasons why — and an opportunity to overcome the challenge of the “unfriendly keys.”  Available either as a hard copy with concert-size parts (9 x 12) and tabloid-size, coil-bound score (11x17), or downloadable EPrint​​
Picture
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Full Orchestra
​MEDIUM ADVANCED
George Wyle and Edward Pola; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd
​​As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus
A dazzling and most wonderful Holiday Season opener for full orchestra in Viennese-styled three-quarter time. “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” was first introduced in 1963 by singer Andy Williams as the opening song for his second Christmas TV special. It was composed by the show’s vocal director, George Wyle, along with Edward Pola. Apropos to Williams’ show, the song describes joyous family and friends’ seasonal activities that include “scary ghost stories” (a Victorian Christmas tradition – think 'Dickens'). Among the artists who have covered the song are Pentatonix, Johnny Mathis, Garth Brooks, Amy Grant, Pattie LaBelle, and Harry Connick, Jr.
Picture
Out of the East
Full Orchestra and Vocal Soloist (Bass-Baritone)
​PROFESSIONAL
Harry Noble; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd
As performed by The United States Navy Band ​
​"Out of the East" – Harry Noble's elegant setting recounting the Magi’s westward journey to worship the Christ Child. Edited and updated from Bryan Kidd’s arrangement for The United States Navy Band’s performance featuring guest vocalist, Tony Sandler. An obscure Christmas song... perhaps. But it will be a new Seasonal favorite for your audiences.​ ​
Picture
What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
Full Orchestra with Vocal Soloist (G3 to A-flat 4) 
​PROFESSIONAL
​Frank Loesser; ​arranged by Bryan Kidd
As performed by the American Festival Pops Orchestra, Anthony Maiello, Founder and Conductor Emeritus ​
A beautifully orchestrated and dreamy arrangement. Although Frank Loesser wrote this as an anytime-of-the-year question, most often it’s heard during the Christmas Season. A veritable who’s who have covered it since first being introduced in 1947 by Margaret Whiting. A partial list includes Ella Fitzgerald, Ramsey Lewis, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Johnny Mathis, Idina Menzel, Seth MacFarlane, Barbra Streisand, Andy Williams, Lee Ann Womack, Lena Horne and The Carpenters.​
Picture
As performed by The United States Navy Band
Turning Point
For Wind Ensemble or Full Orchestra
​​ADVANCED
Commissioned by The United States Navy Band, Captain Ralph M. Gambone, Jr., Conductor, in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the World War II Pacific naval engagement, The Battle of Midway... read more and video score