Concert Marches in Flexible Arrangements Tuesday, September 15, 2020
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Capstone by Tyler Arcari, Grade 2
“Capstone,” a traditional march in the style of Henry Fillmore, has been set for flexible ensemble. Young bands will enjoy playing this traditional march. Lots of dynamic changes and built-in color will have your audiences clapping in no time. A melodic horn part and moving low brass lines will keep everyone in the band interested and sounding their best! Playable as little as 5 wind/string players and percussion, this accessible concert march is perfect for small ensemble rehearsal, performance, or as a planning piece for when your ensemble comes back together in force.
American Patrol by Frank W. Meacham/arr. Ed Huckeby, Grade 3
Ed Huckeby’s band arrangement of “American Patrol” has been a favorite of band directors for many years. Now he has taken that arrangement and adapted it for the Barnhouse Build-A-Band Series so that very small bands can sound great performing this timeless classic. Playable by any instrumentation as long as the five basic parts are covered, it also includes optional percussion parts to add to the fun.
Amparito Roca by Jaime Texidor/arr. James Curnow, Grade 2-3
Composed in 1925 by Spanish composer Jaime Texidor, this attractive, moderately paced march (paso doble) has a proven long-lasting appeal and musicality. Authentically adapted here by James Curnow, this version for flexible instrumentation will sound great for virtually any occasion.
Coast Guards by Karl L. King/arr. Andy Clark, Grade 2.5
A very popular Karl King march arranged by Andy Clark for the Build-A-Band Series for bands with unique instrumentations. Playable by any combination of instruments as long as you have the five main parts covered plus drums. It’s true to King’s original and will sound great with a small number of players.
Courage by Harold Bennett/arr. Larry Clark, Grade 2.5
“Courage March” is one of the most popular of the Harold Bennett marches. It is now presented here in a flexible instrumentation edition for bands with instrumentation needs. Tuneful and very fun to play, “Courage March” will make every band sound their best, and is a good choice for a smaller group to use for contest warm-up.
El Relicario by Jose Padilla/arr. Andy Clark, Grade 3
One of the most famous and best loved paso dobles ever written. “El Relicario” is presented here in a new setting for the Barnhouse Build-A-Band Series that reveals all of its delightful rhythms and enchanting Spanish melodies. Playable by any instrumentation as long as the five basic parts are covered, and the optional percussion and keyboard parts can add to the fun.
His Honor by Henry Fillmore/arr. Larry Clark, Grade 3
This classic Henry Fillmore march is considered one of his finest. “His Honor” is one of Fillmore’s “fast and fun” circus style marches, containing his classic whimsical look at the world. Since it’s premiere in 1933, it has become one of Fillmore’s most popular marches. This edition for flexible instrumentation lets bands with a small number of players perform this delightful work.
The Liberty Bell by John Philip Sousa/arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 2.5
“The Liberty Bell” is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and tuneful of all Sousa marches. Jay has skillfully retained the flavor of the original while making it accessible to younger players and bands with limited instrumentation.
March of the Belgian Paratroopers by Pierre Leemans/arr. Michael Brown, Grade 2-3
Available here for flexible instrumentation, this classic march by Pierre Leemans features a moderate tempo and very tuneful march melody. A nice change of pace march with a unique and instantly appealing flavor.
Mighty Mite by Ted Mesang/arr. Sean O’Loughlin, Grade 2.5
This classic Ted Mesang march has been a band staple for years. It is in classic march form, but is unique in that its first strain is in a minor key. It is perfect for contest/festival and now with this flexible scoring, it can be played by any band, anywhere.
Spania by David Shaffer, Grade 2.5
A delightful piece with a Spanish flavor that is sure to be a highlight of any concert performance and will allow very small bands and bands with severe instrumentation issues to sound just like the big guys. Will sound big and powerful as long as you have the four main parts covered. Includes optional tympani, percussion and piano parts which can enhance the sound even further.
St. Petersburg March by Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2.5
This original march is evocative of this city’s rich and exciting history of intrigue, revolution and mystery. Musically grand and powerful. Hal Leonard’s innovative Flex-Band series is designed to provide exciting music for bands with incomplete or unbalanced instrumentation. Written using just five parts (plus percussion), these arrangements will work with virtually ANY combination of brass or woodwinds – even strings.
The Thunderer by John Philip Sousa/arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 2-3
One of the march master’s most popular and tuneful works, here is this Sousa classic in an impressive arrangement playable with virtually any combination of instruments.
Valdres by Johannes Hanssen/arr. James Curnow, Grade 2-3
Here is the classic Norwegian march skillfully adapted for flexible instrumentation by James Curnow. Featuring stirring melodies and a nice variety in scoring textures, this unique march is a welcome addition to the repertoire.
No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, the Muppets, and hockey (especially the Penguins).