Diversions on Sine Nomine is a substantial concert work for brass band, derived entirely from Ralph Vaughan Williams’ celebrated hymn tune For All the Saints. Rather than a conventional set of variations, the work unfolds as a sequence of contrasting diversions, each reimagining aspects of the melody’s character, harmony, and rhythmic potential. 
 
The opening establishes the noble and timeless quality of Sine Nomine before leading into episodes that explore a wide expressive range — from reflective and lyrical writing to passages of rhythmic energy and grandeur. Fragments of the hymn are continually transformed and re-contextualised, allowing the music to progress with clarity and purpose while maintaining a strong sense of structural coherence. 
 
Scored specifically with 3rd and 4th Section bands in mind, the work combines musical substance with practical playability. Idiomatic brass writing, transparent textures, and effective use of traditional band colours ensure musical impact without excessive technical demand. The final section brings the work to a broad and affirmative conclusion, reaffirming the dignity and enduring strength of Vaughan Williams’ original melody. 
 
To view a rolling score video of the work please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sth69ate-Cs
 
Duration: 11.00 minutes
 
Difficulty Level: 4th Section +
 
This PDF download includes the full score and parts.
 
Sheet music available at www.brassband.co.uk (UK) or satradecentral.org/(USA)
 
Instrumentation:
Soprano Cornet Eb
Solo Cornet 1&2 Bb
Solo Cornet 3&4 Bb
Repiano Cornet Bb
2nd Cornet Bb
3rd Cornet Bb
Flugel Horn Bb
Solo Horn Eb
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
1st Baritone Bb
2nd Baritone Bb
1st Trombone Bb
2nd Trombone Bb
Bass Trombone
Euphonium Bb
Bass Eb
Bass Bb
Timpani 
Percussion 1-2
Tuned Percussion