Difficulty: Grade 4½

“The Village School” a frivolous and colourful overture for wind band. The work, originally for orchestra (titled as “Regalo Festivo Ouverture”) was commissioned by the University Orchestra Maastricht and serves as a prelude to its concerts. 

This version for wind band is also freely inspired by Jan Steen’s painting “the village school”, in which the everyday chaos within a classroom can be felt. 

It is also a reference to the connection with the university, where students experience their hopefully best time of their lives that eventually leads to a successful career. 

In the work, the various musical themes develop into a grand apotheosis.

Score and parts are available from May 2026

commissioned by Windband St. Agnes Bunde on the occasion of the festive opening of the “Agnespoort” in Bunde (NL)

A short festive overture on the occasion of the festive opening of the “Agnespoort” in Bunde (NL). The work is based on two motifs that relate to the village of Bunde and its wind orchestra St. Agnes Bunde.

The work opens with a motif based on the song “Gans Bung” (which means “whole Bunde”) with a driving and powerful accompaniment.

The second motif is based on an “Andante Religioso”composed by one of the former conductors of Harmonie St. Agnes Bunde, Mr. August Hautvast.

After this short but sparkling opening, a more subdued section follows in which the musical link to the Patron Saint “St. Agnes” is made.

The overture ends with a resume of all motifs, resulting in a spectacular ending.