Robert Jager was born in Binghamton, New York (1939), and is a graduate of The University of Michigan. Four four years he served in the United State Navy as the Staff Arranger/Composer at the Armed Forces School of Music. Jager is now retired and is professor emeritus at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee. Jager’s credits comprise over 120 published works for band, orchestra, chorus, and various chamber combinations. Jager has received many awards for his compositions, including being the only three-time winner of the American Bandmasters Association “Ostwald Award.” He is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the American Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Kappa Phi, and an “Honorary Member” of the Women’s Band Directors Association.

Year of composition: 1995

Publisher: Kjos Music Company

Grade: 3

Type of composition: Three Miniatures on folk songs.

Style: Mvt I. Intro, Theme, Theme, Theme, Theme, Ending. Mvt II. Intro, Theme, Theme, Ending. Mvt. III. . Intro, Theme, Theme, Theme, Theme, Ending.

Programming Suggestions: Colorful and exotic sounds abound in this captivating arrangement. Well-known composer Jager has created a setting of three contrasting Chinese folk songs, including The Wind; Jin De Ma and A Love Song Of Kang Ting City. Perfect for teaching both multi-cultural and musical topics, this suite would be a fine addition to the repertoire of any band.

Solo instruments: None

Anecdotal Notes: Movement I comments: Much imitation between instruments. Several changes in key signature. Different tempos Adagio and Allegro several times. Dynamics used are mp, mf, f, ff. 0,3,4 flats in key signature.

Movement II comments: Time signature alternates from 2/4 to 3/4 several times. Cantabile parts between sections allows for ensemble to develop good balance. Dynamics used are p, mp, f. Three flats in key sign. Movement III comments: Much imitation between instruments. Plentiful use of dynamics. Dynamics used are p, mf, f, ff. Music is simple, but scored thickly. Three flats in key signature.

Discography: NORTH TEXAS WIND SYMPHONY – EUGENE MIGLIARO CORPORON, CONDUCTOR TEACHING MUSIC THROUGH PERFORMANCE IN BAND – RESOURCE RECORDINGS VOLUME 4, GRADES 2-3 NTWS-1825