In the Glow of the Starlit Sky is a reflective work that contemplates the quiet vastness of the night sky.

It was selected as the winning entry in the Bandamonium 2026 Composition Competition.

The piece opens with a gentle, hymn-like melody on solo cornet, its simplicity suggesting a moment of stillness beneath an expansive sky. Around it, the band creates a delicate shimmer of sound - soft, sustained chords and distant tones that evoke the sense of space and suspended time, as though the world itself has paused to listen.

As the work unfolds, the music grows in breadth and intensity. The vastness of the sky reveals both its beauty and its solitude, leading to a central climax of radiant power. Here, the full band unites in a glowing, expansive sonority, capturing the awe of standing beneath a sky filled with stars - an overwhelming yet deeply connecting experience, where the individual feels momentarily part of something infinite.

The intensity then subsides as naturally as it arose. The music receding, returning to a state of quiet reflection. The final moments echo the opening stillness, leaving a lasting impression of a night that is endless, peaceful, and filled with light.

INSTRUMENTATION
Percussion 1 (Glockenspiel / Xylophone)
Percussion 2 (Tubular Bells / Vibraphone)
Percussion 3 (Snare Drum / Tambourine)
Percussion 4 (Clash Cymbals / Suspended Cymbal / Triangle)
Percussion 5 (Bass Drum)

PROGRAMME NOTES
Composed for the talented young percussionists of Macclesfield Youth Junior Brass Band, this selection of Christmas favourites is sure to hit the right note!

Featuring:
I Saw Three Ships
We Three Kings
In Dulci Jubilo
Hark the Herald
Good King Wenceslas
Jingle Bells

Alan Silvestri’s Portals is one of the most memorable and emotionally charged pieces from Avengers: Endgame (2019), the epic conclusion to Marvel’s Infinity Saga. The music accompanies a pivotal scene in which heroes from across the Marvel universe reappear to join the final battle. Beginning with a quiet, suspenseful atmosphere, the piece gradually builds to a triumphant orchestral climax, with soaring brass and strings capturing the moment’s scale, hope, and unity.

In concert, Portals stands out for its dramatic pacing and cinematic power. Silvestri distils years of storytelling into a sweeping musical statement that reflects themes of sacrifice, resilience, and solidarity. It has quickly become a fan favourite and a striking addition to the modern film music repertoire, offering a stirring experience both on screen and in the concert hall.

This orchestral arrangement sticks closely to the original version with a few alterations and additions in orchestration and arrangement to suit the playing ability of Chetham's Philharmonic Orchestra (Chetham's School of Music).

It features a more standard orchestral line up - without the additional Hollywood style brass forces that appear in the original - alongside extra parts for Alto sax, Tenor sax, Baritone sax and Harp.

The woodwind play a larger part in this version to add more colour and cover some of the original choral part that appear in the original.

Optional simplified rhythms are in Ossia staves for the Violins, Violas and Flutes, to get make the difficult triplet semiquaver rhythms easier.

Timpani has been reduced to be able to be played by just one player on just three timpani.

The ending has been altered so that if finishes on a shock chord instead of the original's long held, dying away chord