Variations on a Marching Tune (Band Gr. 3.5)

Bands and audiences alike are sure to enjoy these fun and exciting variations on original theme. A simple marching tune transforms into a Copland-style Rodeo treatment, a beautiful lament and, finally returns in a dazzling finale.

Genre: Band | # of Players: Standard
Level: 3.5 | Duration: 5:30

Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2
Clarinet 3
Bass Clarinet
Alto Saxophone 1
Alto Saxophone 2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Trumpet 1
Trumpet 2
Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 2
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
TC Baritone
Tuba

Timpani (4 drums)
Mallet Percussion (Bells, Chimes)
Percussion 1 (Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals)
Percussion 2 (Tambourine, Cowbell, Low Woodblock, Tam-Tam)

Program Notes
I began writing this concert band piece after I finished working on a set of English folk song variations. Although the theme for this piece was written to sound like a folk tune, the melody is original. The initial statement of the theme is in the form of a march complete with military-like snare drum rhythms. The marching theme then gives way to the fast first variation which has an Americana western-esque sound. This is followed by a slow lyrical variation which turns the marching theme into a beautiful but melancholy lament. The fast and rhythmic third variation finally restates the theme in a grand chorale before the piece comes to a close in a big finish.