When The Roll Is Called Bb Solo

Grade Level 4

Year: 2009

Type: Bb/C Solo

Composer: Stephen Bulla

Program Notes:

This solo feature presents the familiar melody in an upbeat setting, full of joyful character. Following some original material at the beginning, the tune appears in the solo part, and provides both melodic and decorative reshaping of this song.   The author, James Black (1856-1938), wrote both words and melody in the late 1800s when he was a Sunday School teacher in Canada. This setting particularly follows the description of the first verse: 

When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, and time shall be no more,

And the morning breaks, eternal, bright, and fair;

When the saved of earth shall gather over on the other shore,

And the roll is called up yonder, I'll be there.

American Instrumental Ensemble Series (AIES/ABES)