FJH Music Company

Teachers keep returning to the Measures of Success series across multiple instruments: Sheldon's Clarinet Book 1 and Trumpet Book 1 remain perennial favorites, as does Gail V. Barnes' Measures of Success for String Orchestra-Violin Book 1. Joanne Erwin's New Directions for Strings, Violin Book 1 is another widely adopted entry point for string programs.

Recent releases include Lauren Bernofsky's Fanfare for brass ensemble, Ryan Fraley's Adirondack Park for concert band, and Robert D. McCashin's Helter-Skelter for string orchestra, all published in June 2026.

Brian Balmages brings nearly a thousand titles to the catalog, with roots in orchestral, band, and chamber music performed in major venues from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House. His pedagogical instincts have earned him the A. Austin Harding Award from the American School Band Directors Association.

Timothy Loest has built a national reputation for accessible young band works that are performed worldwide and appear on state and national required lists. His composition Cloud Gate drew an audience of over 5,000 at Chicago's Millennium Park in 2017, and he received the Illinois Grade School Music Association's highest honor.

William Owens, based in his native Indiana, has maintained active work as a composer, clinician, and conductor since 1993, with over 300 titles for concert band, string orchestra, and small ensemble. His practical approach to writing for young ensembles has established him as a leader in the field.

Carrie Lane Gruselle holds degrees in music education from the University of Wisconsin and brings direct classroom experience as both an elementary and middle school strings teacher in the Appleton Area School District. Her Measures of Success for String Orchestra-Violin Book 1 reaches thousands of beginning string students each year.