The dictionary defines a march as "a piece of music composed to accompany marching, or with a rhythmic character suggestive of marching." This definition captures the origins of the word and genre...essentially, music designed to move bodies in coordinated steps or stepwise motion, whether in military formations, ceremonial processions, or even funeral rites. Over time, the march has evolved beyond its original functional purpose, becoming a distinct musical form. While composers of the past century may not have envisioned soldiers or parade bands when writing marches, they certainly emulated the distinct stylistic characteristics set by their predecessors. 

NATIONAL MAR​CH STYLES
Many countries have developed their own distinctive, unique body of march literature, influenced by and reflective of the cultural and societal identities of their countries of origin. These marches not only embody the musical traditions and stylistic nuances of their respective nations but also serve as historical and patriotic expressions. Whether used in military processions, civic ceremonies, or concert performances, national march styles often incorporate characteristic rhythms, harmonic structures, and instrumentation that align with the broader musical heritage of a region. 

For example, British marches exude a sense of grandeur and measured dignity, German marches emphasize precision and power, and Spanish marches carry an unmistakable flair with their lively rhythms and expressive melodies. The evolution of these styles reflects not just musical development, but also shifts in national identity, military tradition, and cultural pride.

British Marches
British marches tend to have a dignified, unhurried quality, with intricate countermelodies and broad, lyrical lines. Kenneth Alford (whose real name was Frederick Joseph Ricketts) is perhaps the most widely performed British march composer, known for Colonel Bogey, Army of the Nile, and The Vanished Army. Other British marches of note include The Dam Busters by Eric Coates (originally written for a film soundtrack), and Royal Air Force March Past  by Walford Davies.


German Marches
German marches are typically more rigid in tempo and structure, often featuring a strong polka-like feel due to their characteristic "oom-pah" patterns in the low and mid voices. Their final strains often boast a powerful, lyrical melody. Classic examples include Carl Teike's Alte Kamaraden (Old Comrades) and Hermann Starke's With Sword and Lance.

French Marches
French marches stand apart from their European counterparts with their emphasis on brass and percussion, often incorporating a triplet feel and accentuating the downbeat of every second measure. They fall into three broad categories: the Défilé (marching music with heavy downbeat accents), the Marche (performed by bands alone), and the Pas Redoublé (a concert march akin to a symphonic march). Louis Ganne's Marche Lorraine  is a fine example of this style, and is often regarded as the quintessential French patriotic march. Camille Saint-Saëns' often-overlooked Orient et Occident is a particular favourite of mine.

Spanish Marches
Among the most exhilarating to perform, Spanish marches generally fall into three categories: Marcha (military-style), Marcia de Concierto (concert march), and Pasodoble (associated with bullfighting or dance). Composers such as Antonio Álvarez Alonso (Suspiros de España), Pascual Pérez-Choví (Pepita Greus), Jaime Texidor (Amparito Roca), and José Padilla (El Relicario) exemplify this tradition. Not to be overlooked is also the phenomenon of composers of other nationalities writing in the Spanish style, such as American composer George Gates (Sol y Sombra).

Italian Marches
Italian marches often feature lyrical, operatic melodies contrasted with fanfare-like sections or delicate soprano obbligatos. Prime examples include Eduardo Boccalari's Il Bersagliere and Davide Delle Cese's L'Inglesina. Another distinct Italian genre is the Marcia Sinfonica, a concert march rich in sweeping themes and thematic development, such as Giouse Bonelli's Symphonic Concert March. 

American Marches
American marches typically feature contrasting strains, two or more different melodies, and a "trio" section of strains/"repeats" that offers pronounced contrasts in phrasing as well as a new key area. No discussion of marches is complete without mentioning "The March King", John Philip Sousa; however, there are other significant American march composers of note, including Henry Fillmore, Karl King, and C.L. Barnhouse, all of whom contributed immensely to the lexicon. 

THE MARCH IN ORCHESTRAL REPERTOIRE
From the beginning of its musical life, the march has also attracted the attention of composers of more "serious" forms. Beethoven, Berlioz, Mahler, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky all wrote marches, in some cases incorporating them into their operas and symphonies. This tradition continued with composers throughout the 20th century.

Although most of the following marches were not written with a wind band in mind, transcriptions exist for all but a handful, and they are worth getting to know:

• Heroes of the Patriotic War - Aram Khachaturian
• Imperial March, Op. 32 - Sir Edward Elgar
• Knightsbridge March  - Eric Coates
• Marche Caprice - Frederic Delius
• March from The Love for Three Oranges - Sergei Prokofiev
• March from Symphonic Metamorphosis - Paul Hindemith
• March of the Sardar - Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov
• Marche Francaise (Joyeuse March) - Emmanuel Chabrier
• Marche Lugubre - François Joseph Gossec
• Marche Militaire Francaise, from Suite Algerienne - Camille Saint-Säens
• Oriental Festive March from Aladdin Suite - Carl Nielsen
• Pageant of Empire - Sir Edward Elgar
• Polovetsian March from Prince Igor - Alexander Borodin
• Rackozy March from Damnation of Faust - Hector Berlioz
• Sea Songs* - Ralph Vaughan Williams

*Sea Songs was originally written to be the second movement in Vaughan Williams' Folk Song Suite for wind band. It was later transcribed for orchestra by the composer.

WHY MARCHES STILL MATTER
Growing up in Florida, I developed a deep appreciation for marches, largely due to the Florida Bandmasters Association’s festival requirements: every performance had to include a march. This exposed me to an enormous variety of marches, from the simple 
(Ted Mesang's Sturdy Men and Little Champ, Walter Finlayson's Storm King) to the challenging (Boccalari's Il Bersagliere, Chovi's Pepita Greus, Sousa's George Washington Bicentennial).

As a high school band director, I came to appreciate, and even enjoy and embrace marches. I valued them for their ability to reveal an ensemble’s strengths and weaknesses quickly. Can the band articulate cleanly? Maintain balance and blend? Adjust pitch in the trio section? Shape phrases musically? The march serves as a diagnostic tool for these essential skills. 

Unfortunately, I’ve noticed a decline in the appreciation for marches among both students and directors. Many university wind ensembles can go an entire season without programming a single march, not even as an encore piece. Marches are part of our wind band heritage, and neglecting them means missing out on a genre rich in musical and pedagogical value.

Although my days as a high school director are behind me, I still endeavour to program at least one march per semester. Marches make great openers, but they also make great encores, especially the old favourites of Sousa. Nothing can get an audience tapping their feet quite like a well-played march can, and I wish more conductors (of every level of teaching) would make a renewed effort to discover marches they may not be aware of. To aid in that endeavour, I present here some of my favourite marches...I hope you will do the same in the Comments section, so that may all learn something new.

PERSONAL FAVOURITES
These are a few of my favourites...your mileage may vary, of course, depending on your musical tastes, but these are the ones I've enjoyed conducting (or performing), and can still listen to them with a great degree of satisfaction.

Abschied der Slawin (also known as "Farewell, Slava") by Wassily Agapkin
A great Russian march, complete with minor mode melodies, and a daunting key signature. There are a few different editions out there, but the Borgoeois one is probably the best. Fits well with a Russian-themed concert.

Brighton Beach by William Latham
A wonderful little march that was listed amongst the one hundred most popular marches by The Instrumentalist four different times between 1960 and 1976. Features plenty of nice melodic writing, and it isn't all that technically demanding for the musicians. Perfect for honor bands and younger ensembles.

British Eighth by Zo Elliott
One of my favourite marches, a regal and stately march in the British style (though Elliott was not British). Not terribly difficult technique-wise, but contains enough musical material to keep your musicians engaged.

Commando March by Samuel Barber
The one work for winds by Pulitzer Prize-winning Samuel Barber. Not your typical march, and quite difficult but rewarding.

Hoch und Deutschmeister by Dominik Ertl
A great little Austrian march that is not terribly difficult. I've used my own transcription  of this march several times for honor bands, as it comes together nicely in a short amount of rehearsal time.

National Emblem March  by E. E. Bagley
One of the standards, frequently confused for a Sousa march.  Can be found in several editions. Another lifetime ago, when I was a member of the Phantom Regiment drum and bugle corps, this was one of our corps' signature marches (along with Sousa's El Capitan).

March, Opus 99 by Sergei Prokofiev
One of my favourite marches from one of my favourite composers. Quirky, fun, and requires a solid trumpet section (or at least a solid duo).

Symphonic Concert March by Giouse Bonelli
Previously mentioned above, this is certainly not a quickstep march, but rather an Italian concert march full of endearing melodies presented in operatic review fashion. It is a tad on the long side, and is quite challenging on the woodwinds.

The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise by Ernest Seitz (arranged by Harry Alford)
A tuneful march with an interesting backstory, having been composed first as a popular ballad in 1919, then later adapted for the University of Illinois Marching Band as a euphonium feature, before finally becoming a concert march.

= = = 

In the more recent past, contemporary composers have continued to explore the march’s possibilities, with Don Grantham's An Uneasy March, Julie Giroux's Tiger Tail March, Jennifer Jolley's MARCH!, John Mackey's Xerxes, and Steve Bryant's MetaMarch serving as good examples.

​I’d love to hear from you out there - drop your favorite marches (new or old) in the comments so we can all discover new gems. Let’s keep the tradition of the march alive in our concert and rehearsal halls!

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have started my drum corps journey with Phantom Regiment during the early 1990s. None of us could have known at the time that we were witnessing the end of an era, as the pageantry world was about to lose three visionary drill designers whose innovations forever reshaped the activity, leaving a lasting impact on both drum corps and high school marching band drill design.

Phantom Regiment 1993, end of Fire of Eternal Glory

​John Brazale's journey with the Phantom Regiment began with his work for the color guard, but by 1980, he had taken the reins as the corps’ drill writer. His impact was profound, and even after his passing following the 1992 season, his influence remained deeply embedded in the activity. His work with Regiment, particularly in 1988, 1989, and 1991, was a major source of inspiration for me, and I feel grateful to have been a part of his final two drill designs (1991's Phantom Voices and 1992's War and Peace). Brazale’s ability to craft elegant, sweeping formations that mirrored the emotional depth of the music made his designs effective and unforgettable (the 1989 New World Symphony production spurred me to audition for the Regiment).

Phantom Regiment 1989: From the New World 

Steve Brubaker, synonymous with the Cavaliers’ innovative visual style of the 1980s and early 1990s, worked with the corps from 1981 until his untimely passing in 1992. Brubaker helped redefine what was possible in drill design. The 1992 Cavaliers’ show, co-written with Greg Poklacki, was Brubaker’s final contribution, but his mesmerizing, geometric formations had already cemented his legacy. His designs featured angular formations that constantly shifted in visually engaging ways, complex rotating and expanding geometric patterns, and an emphasis on precision and timing, making formations appear to evolve seamlessly. 

This style became the hallmark of The Cavaliers, leading them to a steady rise up the ranks during the late 80s, culminating in their first DCI championship in 1992 (and eventual dominance during the 2000s with one of Brubaker’s protegés, Michael Gaines). His 1989 and 1990 designs, in particular, deeply influenced my own approach to drill writing. Watching his kaleidoscopic motion unfold across the field was like witnessing music come to life in a way no one had seen before, and he influenced countless high school marching band drill writers of the 80s and 90s.

Cavaliers 1990: Cavalier Anthems

And then, of course, there was George Zingali, a true innovator whose work with the 27th Lancers, Garfield Cadets, and Star of Indiana was nothing short of revolutionary. His groundbreaking designs shattered expectations of what drill could be, combining dynamic movement with deeply expressive visual storytelling. Drawing inspiration from natural phenomena like water droplets, Zingali’s asymmetrical “flex-drill” techniques allowed for fluid, organic formations and continuous motion, with performers shifting seamlessly between forms rather than moving in rigid, predictable ways.

Zingali’s early innovations culminated in the Cadets’ 1983 DCI Championship-winning show, which changed drill design forever by proving that movement could be as expressive as music itself. His work with Star of Indiana helped win them the 1991 DCI Championship with the legendary Roman Images show, but my absolute favourite drill of his from any point in his career has to be the 1990 design for Belshezzar's Feast.

Star of Indiana 1990: Belshezzar's Feast

The story of 1991’s “cross-to-cross” rewrite is one of those drum corps urban legends that is oft-embellished, with people claiming Zingali wrote the new ending during Finals Week (or, in some tellings, the night before Finals). In reality, Zingali wrote the new ending when the corps was touring in Massachusetts, and it was first performed at the Lynn show, almost a week before DCI Quarterfinals (the old design involved a cross transitioning into a crown set, and then back out to a cross).

Star of Indiana 1991: Learning the Cross-to-Cross

What is not embellished, by all accounts from people who were there (and from what I remember hearing during the season as one of their competitors) is that Zingali taught the new ending without drill charts. He had a vision of how he wanted to end the show, and in a 5-hour frenzy, directed members to their new spots (while visual techs scrambled to  chart the new sets on the fly), finishing sometime around 2am that night, cementing an unforgettable moment in drum corps and drill design history.

To that “pantheon” of designers, I could add many more that have come since, who have all influenced my own drill writing in some way: Myron Rosander. Marc Sylvester. Leon May. Michael Gaines. Pete Webber. Jeff Sacktig. Jamey Thompson. Although I no longer design for über-competitive bands, choosing to focus on “show style” or non-competitive high school and university bands, I still use techniques and ideas learned by watching the work of these gentlemen. Reflecting on their contributions, I can’t help but wonder: when will we see more female designers rise to the top echelons of the activity? The art of drill design is ever-evolving, and I look forward to the day when the field is as diverse and inclusive as the students and performers it serves.

Although the world of drum corps and marching band drill design has changed drastically since "the days of yore," the activity is still deeply rooted in history. As part of a “Marching Band Techniques” course I teach to university music education students, I delve a bit into the history of the activity, and thought it would be fun to take a (non-comprehensive) look at the history and evolution of drill design.

In the United States, the earliest marching bands were university bands, in most cases associated with military ROTC programs. These bands would have emphasized uniformity, discipline, and efficiency. Their "drill" (such as it was) would have been characterized by straight-line formations that moved in block-style units with limited motion, call-and-response maneuvers dictated by the drum major or commanding officer, and was primarily used for parades and ceremonies. Marching styles were highly regimented, emphasizing sharp, 90-degree turns and perfectly measured step sizes. 

It is interesting to note that marching bands existed long before they were associated with football halftimes: The oldest University marching band is Notre Dame’s Band of the Fighting Irish, formed in 1845. Their first performance at a football game, however, came 42 years later in 1887! These early bands would have marched in parade blocks and squad formations. At this point in marching band history, true creative drill design had not yet emerged. The earliest example of something other than a squad-based military formation came from Purdue University in 1907, when they produced a "Block P" during a performance of school songs.

Block P - Purdue University Marching Band

​That same year, the University of Illinois Marching Illini performed what is considered to be the first halftime show, at a football game against the University of Chicago. Over the next few years, almost every university in the Midwest developed a marching band that could entertain the crowd during halftime of games, and before long the trend spread nationwide. The new "fad" caught on with high schools as well, and over the next decade or two, marching bands would spread to most high schools and universities in the United States.

Nor was marching and music limited only to schools: ​​Starting in the 1930s, organizations such as Boy Scout troops, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) chapters, and the American Legion began to organize their own marching bands as a service to the local community (i.e., to help keep kids “off the streets.”). Using no woodwinds, these groups featured only drums and brass bugles pitched in the key of G, and eventually became known as Drum and Bugle corps. Early drum corps maintained a military aesthetic, prioritizing uniformity and discipline over artistic visual design.

Drill design during this era would have taken one of two primary forms:

• Military Drill, in other words, strict military precision drill with plenty of files and ranks based on squad movements, very similar to the earliest parade styles, or;
• Pageantry Drill, in which marching band directors essentially taught the members what shapes to get into, and forms transitioned between one another  by means of a "scatter." Incidentally, remnants of this style remain today in the form of "Scatter Bands" such as the Stanford University Marching Band. "Drill" for this style would have looked like this:

Sequence chart from the late 1950s

A.R. Casavant was one of the most influential figures in the transition to the more dynamic and expressive visual designs seen in modern marching bands and drum corps. His concepts challenged the rigid, symmetrical block formations of military-style bands as well as the chaotic, anarchic style of pageantry bands, paving the way for the fluid, musical storytelling that defines contemporary marching ensembles.

Casavant attended the Tennessee Military Institute (TMI) in Sweetwater, TN, where he studied business administration and led the school's regimental band. After graduating in 1938, he remained as an instructor while attending the University of Tennessee at Knoxville on a track scholarship. In 1938 he started the band program at McMinn County High School in nearby Athens, TN, later moving to Chattanooga High School. During this time, Casavant also led the local American Legion Post drum and  bugle corp to a state marching championship in 1952 and 1953.

During this time, he began to develop a method of marching and maneuvering that drew on the best that each existing drill style had to offer, and incorporated dance, theater, and art, with a focus on crisp geometric forms. His developing method was based on much research into various military styles, mathematics, physical education, and theatre. Casavant's "path vocabulary" (a method of getting from one place to another geometrically, without scattering) would come to be known as "Precision Drill."

Examples from Casavant's "Precision Drill" textbook

​​Precision Drill became a sensation when Casavant's Chatanooga High School marching band performed on national television during a Washington Redskins home football game in 1955. Casavant would go on to author over 40 books on his method, and marching in general. At the end of the 1958-59 school year, demand was so great for Casavant's services around the country that he left Chattanooga High School to pursue clinical teaching full time.

​In the 1960s, Patterns of Motion became the de facto method for teaching and designing drill. This method was based on a constant-motion system using four-player squads marching 8 steps to every 5 yards, utilizing 22 and a half inch steps, at a 2 step interval. If you've ever seen an HBCU (Historically Black College/University) marching band, then you've seen something very closely related to Patterns of Motion.

Patterns of Motion Concept Drill

Created by Bill Moffit, who was band director at Michigan State University at the time, the approach was in stark contrast to the military style of marching in ranks, and performing flanks and column movements. Patterns of Motion revolutionized how college and high school marching band shows were designed and taught. It remained a popular style of drill design up until the late 1980s/1990s, when so-called "corps style" (and the rise of computer software which enabled it) surpassed it in popularity. ​​​

University of Houston marching Patterns of Motion drill

As marching band and drum corps competitions gained popularity, designers began exploring asymmetry, and curved formations began to appear, moving away from rigid squares and blocks. Diagonal movement became more common, allowing for greater visual motion, and drill writers began synchronizing movement with musical phrasing, laying the foundation for modern visual storytelling. A significant influence in this era was Pete Emmons, a designer with the Santa Clara Vanguard, who played a key role in breaking away from symmetrical formations and embracing more fluid, organic movement. Instead of merely moving from form to form, designers started to consider how the drill could enhance the music.

​The formation of Drum Corps International (DCI) in 1972 created a new standard for visual performance, pushing designers to experiment with form, motion, and integration of the entire ensemble. The 1970s and 1980s marked the true revolution in drill design, led by visionary designers who redefined how ensembles moved on the field. Drill design shifted from being merely decorative to becoming a crucial component of the overall performance. The 1970s also saw the formation of Bands of America, then called Marching Bands of America, which further encouraged experimentation in high school marching bands. Shows became more theatrical, incorporating simple thematic elements that laid the foundation for future innovations..

Indiana State University Marching Band (1974) Pregame Drill

The 1980s and 1990s ushered in what many consider the golden age of drill design. With the DCI World Championships being regularly broadcast on PBS, drum corps shows became more widely accessible, inspiring high school and college marching bands to adopt more theatrical and innovative drill concepts. At the same time, Bands of America (BOA) was rapidly growing, turning into the premier high school marching competition circuit in the United States. With this increased exposure, designers were motivated to create more intricate and visually compelling shows, knowing their work would be seen by larger audiences beyond just those in stadiums.

One of the biggest game-changers of this era was the introduction of Pyware 3D Drill Design Software in 1982. Before this, drill writers wrote their drill manually, either meticulously charted on paper grids or, in some cases, improvised on the field with performers recording their individual coordinate points. This method was not only slow and time-consuming, but also limited the ability to experiment. 

1991 Phantom Regiment handwritten drill design by John Brazale

With Pyware, designers could now

• Visualize formations in real time instead of relying solely on imagination.
• Experiment with transitions digitally, making it easier to test and refine concepts before teaching them.
• Create intricate, multi-layered formations that would have been nearly impossible to chart efficiently by hand.
• Easily modify and adapt drills, allowing for more precision and flexibility in the design process.

Pyware quickly became an essential tool for high school band directors and emerging drill writers, making advanced design concepts more accessible to ensembles beyond elite DCI drum corps or BOA bands.

Full Disclosure: I am a long-time user of Pyware, and currently serve as one of their beta testers, but I began my career writing drill by hand (still have my old tools, see below), then transitioning to an old program called DrillQuest, before finally upgrading to Pyware in 2004.

​Tools of the trade for marching band drill writers before Pyware

Another major shift in this era was the expanded role of the color guard. Previously, guards performed parallel to the band, often serving as a separate visual component. However, with the rise of theatrical storytelling in marching productions, guards became an intrinsic part of the overall design. Guard began to be integrated into the corps or band, either inside of forms (instead of always in the back or the sides), or actually becoming part of the formation, making them an active part of the overall field picture.

The use of props and elaborate equipment (such as rifles, sabers, and large-scale flags) were used to enhance visual storytelling, and guards saw an increased emphasis on dance and expressive movement, borrowing techniques from ballet and modern dance.

The 2000s saw an increasing level of demand for performers, while innovations and improvements to design software like Pyware revolutionized the creation and execution of visual shows. The geometric, dynamic designs of Michael Gaines for the Cavaliers emphasized athleticism and a seamless flow between musical phrases and visual storytelling. His design for the 2002 show Frameworks is often cited as a masterpiece of visual and musical integration (though my personal favourite of this era is his 2000 masterpiece, Niagara Falls).

Jay Murphy’s designs for the Blue Devils leaned into abstract, artistic representations, often focusing on thematic or conceptual shows rather than linear storytelling. His use of minimalist and modern aesthetics redefined the boundaries of what drum corps could convey visually. It's hard to argue with the results...the Blue Devils have racked up 11 of the 25 championships since the turn of the century.

By the 2010s, drill design had evolved into a powerful storytelling tool. Both drum corps and marching bands embraced thematic productions, where every aspect of the show was designed to convey a unified concept. Drill was no longer just about formations, but was used to help mood and emotion, and shows continued to blur the lines between pageantry and theater. Designers began to borrow more heavily from other art forms, such as ballet, modern dance, and film. This was reflected in more expressive body movements and staging.

While DCI is still considered a step above the best high school marching bands in the country, the distance between the two has narrowed, especially in the creative sense. High school bands continued to adopt many DCI-inspired techniques, but with an emphasis on accessibility for younger performers. BOA Championship Week features myriad bands who incorporate large-scale set pieces, projection screens, and lighting effects to enhance the visual storytelling.

Movement is no longer limited to step-based marching…performers frequently run, dance, and interact with props, while integrating modern dance techniques and fluid motion, inspired by WGI (Winter Guard International) and contemporary ballet. Thematic storytelling has become central to BOA performances, with intricate props and large-scale visual effects dominating shows. In many cases (though I am sure some wouldn't admit it), innovations in BOA performances actually influenced DCI instead of the other way around. The fact that many designers work with DCI and BOA (and WGI) groups helps blur those lines.

Drill design now integrates elements of dance and acrobatics, requiring performers to be both musicians and athletes. High-speed direction changes, body movements, and prop manipulation demand advanced training, and must be planned meticulously by the drill designer in conjunction with the creative team. Design has also focused more on dynamic staging, where performers are often grouped in smaller pods or scatter forms to emphasize intimacy and individuality. Straight lines and geometric shapes are still used, but often as contrasts to the more organic forms.

Drill Chart designed with Pyware

The evolution of drill design for marching band and drum corps reflects a continuous push for artistic excellence, technical innovation, and emotional storytelling. From its military origins to its current status as a blend of pageantry, theater, and athleticism, the activity has transformed into a breathtaking visual and musical spectacle.
 
As technology advances and designers seek new ways to engage audiences, the future of drill design promises even greater creativity, complexity, and emotional depth.  Looking ahead, we can expect even more experimentation with staging, visual effects, and interdisciplinary influences. Whether through the seamless integration of props, enhanced storytelling, or entirely new staging techniques, one thing is certain...the evolution of marching band and drum corps drill design is far from over.

Thanks for reading. If you or someone you know needs Custom Marching Band Drill Design for your band, please consider using me!

PERSONAL NOTE
I've been on a bit of a Holst binge lately, listening to old favourites, and have found myself spending a bit of time on his Op. 21, A Somerset Rhapsody. There is just something about those haunting old English folk songs  I love, and the way Holst weaves all of the musical lines to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It is an ongoing testament to his skill as an orchestrator...no, the work is not as complex as The Planets, or Fugal Overture, or as tonally adventurous as Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda or Hammersmith...but what it lacks in complexity, it makes up for in charm and beauty.

It wasn't until a few years into my collegiate conducting career that I discovered the transcription by Clare Grundman, and eagerly programmed it with my ensemble at Cal State Long Beach. Ten years later, I programmed it again with the Indiana State University Wind Symphony, and it had lost none of its charm. While I am not programming it again anytime soon, I frequently use the orchestral score in my Orchestration classes to teach about simplicity, transparency, and colour.

ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Gustav Holst was born on 21 September 1874, in Gloucestershire, England. He learned piano and violin from an early age, but a nerve ailment in his right hand eventually caused him to settle on trombone as his principal instrument. Attending the Royal Conservatory of Music, he met fellow composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, becoming lifelong friends who often critiqued each other’s work without rancor or enmity.

In 1905 he was appointed Director of Music at the St. Paul’s Girls’ School, and in 1907 he was appointed Director of Music at Morley College, positions he would retain for the rest of his life (eventually writing the St. Paul’s Suite for that school’s string orchestra). He is best known in orchestral circles for his tone poem suite, The Planets, and for various smaller works. In the wind band world he is best known for his two suites for military band (No. 1 in E-flat Major and No. 2 in F Major) and for his Hammersmith: Prelude and Scherzo; all three of which are considered cornerstone works in the wind band’s repertory.

ABOUT THE COMPOSITION
A Somerset Rhapsody, Op. 21, was composed in 1906, and was dedicated to Cecil Sharp, the renowned collector of English folksong music. It began as a work called A New Selection of Songs of Somerset, making use of songs from the collections of Sharp. Originally containing ten folk tunes, Holst rewrote the suite to include only four: 

The Sheep-Shearing Song (also known as It’s a Rosebud in June), invokes idyllic pastoral settings and is played at the beginning by the oboe d’amore (English Horn in the wind band version). High Germany, is a song about marching off to war, and is also used by Holst’s colleague, Ralph Vaughan Williams, in his own Folk Song Suite. True Love’s Farewell, is a song about lovers saying goodbye, and is sometimes also known as Ten Thousand Miles. The final tune used is The Cuckoo. Curiously, The Cuckoo does not seem to be recognised as one of the folk tunes used in this piece...the program note in the transcription refers only to the three other folk melodies, and several program notes found online omit any reference to The Cuckoo. 

This new version was premiered at Queens Hall by conductor Edward Mason in April of 1910. Holst believed this performance to be the first real success of his career. It was received favourably by the critics of the day, with the Daily Telegraph stating “no more distinguished a piece has issued from a British pen for many a day.” The Morning Post offered “This is the work for which lovers of folk song have been waiting [...] the best disquisition on a folk-song that has been issued, and its successors will be awaited with interest.” His own daughter, however, kept a more reserved view of the work, stating that the Rhapsody was “a mixture of good and bad writing […] though it has moments of great beauty. While not a programmatic work, the composer once divulged to a colleague that the Rhapsody told a story: 

“Into a quiet country scene comes the sound of approaching soldiers. A youth who is courting a girl is persuaded to enlist and go to war. The soldiers march into the distance and the pastoral quietness returns. The girl is left alone.”

The transcription for winds was completed by Clare Grundman in 1980. It differs from the original orchestral work in a few important areas:

• The band transcription is written up a half step from the orchestral score.

• The opening and closing solos are written for English Horn, instead of Oboe or Oboe d’Amore.
• The original has Rehearsal Letters, the transcription has Rehearsal Numbers
• Various instruments are displaced from their original roles, even if they are present in both bands and orchestras (example: The trombone solo at m. 256 is instead given to the Euphonium, the closing solo is originally a Bb Soprano Clarinet, not English Horn).
• Vibraphone is added to the beginning to help emulate the sound of the first violins. As I have found this to not be an effective substitute, I suggest that the vibraphone be bowed instead of struck with mallets (adding  bowed Crotales might also be useful in replicating the sound of the harmonics)

The original orchestral work is scored for:

• Flute I-II
• Oboe I-II
• Bassoon I-II
• Clarinet in A I-II
• Horn in F I-II-III-IV
• Trumpet in A I-II
• Trombone I-II
• Tuba
• Timpani
• Percussion (tamburo, bass drum, cymbals)
• Violin I-II
• Viola
• Cello
• Bass

A score video recording for the orchestral version can be found here:

The wind band transcription is scored for:

• Piccolo
• Flute I-II (though it seems to be assumed there will be 3 players at least)
• Oboe I-II
• English Horn
• Bassoon I-II
• E-flat Soprano Clarinet
• B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
• E-flat Alto Clarinet
• B-flat Bass Clarinet
• B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
• E-flat Alto Sax I-II
• B-flat Tenor Sax
• E-flat Baritone Sax
• B-flat Cornet I-II-III
• B-flat Trumpet I-II
• Horn in F I-II-III-IV
• Trumpet in A I-II
• Trombone I-II-III
• Euphonium
• Tuba
• String Bass
• Timpani
• Glockenspiel
• Vibraphone
• Percussion (snare drum, bass drum, cymbals)

TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS WORK
The following terms can be found in the Grundman transcription:

• Affretando – hurrying; rushed; pressing on
• Allargando – (becoming) broad; slowing down
• Allegro – A fast, lively tempo; faster than Allegretto, but slower than Presto
• Animato - animated
• Come 1o – like the first time
• L’istesso – at the same tempo (or style)
• Lunga – long (as in a long rest, or a long fermata)
• Meno mosso – less motion
• Moderato - moderately
• Morendo – dying away
• Pesante – heavily; weightily; ponderous
• Poco – little, a bit, gradually
• Rall(entando) – becoming slower
• Sempre – always; continually; throughout
• Tempo I – Tempo Primo, a directive to return to the original tempo after a diversion from it.
• Tenuto – indication to perform a note or chord longer than its full duration

SYNOPSIS/OVERVIEW​
Timings used in this section correspond to a recording by the University of North Texas Wind Symphony. A link is provided below. There are also many other fine recordings to be found on YouTube (some of which cannot be embedded here due to link restrictions). The score I am using is the Boosey & Hawkes original printing from 1980. For easier use, I suggest opening the link in a separate page or tab, rather than scrolling back and forth to this spot on the page.

A Somerset Rhapsody begins with a treble continuo (originally in the Violin II part, here presented by flute, clarinet, and vibraphone) based on C, over which is written the first theme, Sheep Shearing Song, [Figure 1, m. 3, 0:07] given to the English Horn (Oboe in the original). The theme is in F Dorian [Pitch Set: F-G-Ab-Bb-C-D-Eb]. A note in the orchestral score indicates that whenever possible, this solo should be played by an Oboe d’Amore, which is a version of the oboe pitched in A, giving it a more serene, less assertive tone, and the ability to play lower notes than the regular oboe.In the version for winds, there are cues for the solo in the Oboe and Alto Sax parts, to be used at the discretion of the conductor (the oboe part would have a low C, which is a difficult note to get to speak at the required dynamic level). ​

Figure 1: The Sheep Shearing Song

The key changes at m. 27 [01:33] in the original score for orchestra, but Grundman has chosen to forego the use of key signatures in his transcription, so there is no key change here. The melody is restated with different accompaniment (shifting chords) in m. 27-44, this time by the Flute and E-flat Clarinet, joined by the Piccolo and Oboe intermittently. However, the melody has now shifted to D Dorian [Pitch Set: D-E-F-G-A-B-C]. Although the work is not a fugue, there is a stretto-like section where the Horns enter with a melodic fragment (m. 46-47, 02:25), followed in succession by the Bassoons, Alto Clarinet, Alto Sax I, and Euphonium (m. 47-48), then most of the soprano voices (Upper WWs, Alto Sax II, Trumpets) in m. 48-49.

A transitional section follows, begun by the timpani foreshadowing the ostinato that is to follow [02:39], while the trumpets sound a fanfare figure motive in fifths (Figure 2). This occurs alongside a return to the treble continuo and the first theme. More foreshadowing of the ostinato is revealed, this time in quarter notes by the String Bass and low reeds (cello and bass in the original). Fragments of the first theme serve to shift the tonality to A Dorian [Pitch Set: A-B-C-D-E-F#-G-A].

Figure 2: Fanfare Motive

The fanfare figure is repeated (m. 63-74) in different voices while an ostinato is intoned by low voices, starting on A Dorian at first, but then shifting back to F Dorian. As much as possible, this ostinato should sound like pizzicato celli and bass. ​

Figure 3: Ostinato Motive

The transition leads directly into the second theme, High Germany, (Figure 4, m. 75, 03:22) in C minor [Pitch Set: C-D-Eb-F-G-Ab-Bb]. This is orchestrated in the Alto Clarinet, Bassoon, and Euphonium, sometimes reinforced by other voices (Tenor Sax and Horn). In the original, this melody is given to the Bassoons and full Cello section. The theme is repeated twice, the second time with added treble/soprano voices using the same pitch set.

Figure 4: High Germany

The theme ends abruptly at m. 106, and the third theme, True Love’s Farewell, (Figure 5, m. 108, 03:57) is presented in C Dorian [Pitch Set: C-D-Eb-F-G-A-Bb] by the Horns, with the Clarinet II and Bassoon in sixths. The theme consists of three sections of 8+12+12 (ab1b2). Tenor Sax and Clarinet I are added during the second section, and the Piccolo/Flute and Clarinet I take over during the third section, at which point the brass have dropped out of the texture. During the final four measures, the Trumpet and Horn enter on a fragment of the High Germany theme, and the ostinato winds up again. ​

Figure 5: True Love's Farewell

High Germany and True Love's Farewell are combined as a sort of fantasia, traveling through several key areas, and the ostinato figure travels first through E-flat Dorian, then modulates through repetitions of the High Germany fragment, at one point even cycling through B-flat Phrygian. The fanfare figure (from m. 51) is also brought back here, adding to the unsteady tonal center (m. 140-165), and all the tension is released with a fortissimo B-flat Major chord (with the F in the bass, as part of a V-I figure).

The climax is reached at m. 179, with a full-texture repetition of High Germany, this time in B-flat minor. This full-throated repetition brings us to a B-flat dyad at m. 194, where the low voice ostinato continues in Bb Dorian [Pitch Set: Bb-C-Db-Eb-F-G-Ab] while Holst introduces the fourth and final tune, The Cuckoo, (Figure 6, m. 196, 05:38) in the woodwinds, cornets, and trumpets. A flourish of woodwinds takes us to a repetition of True Love’s Farewell, with some added chromaticism in the form of the Clarinet/Alto Sax I/Cornet 3 moving line. This section begins to diminuendo and rallentando, heading into a new tempo at m. 235.

Figure 6: The Cuckoo

Fragments of the Lover’s Farewell theme are presented by the Oboe, then Clarinet I, while the Bassoon and Horn respond with a three-note motive-fragment of Theme One. The flutes eventually take over the meandering and unwinding theme (originally in the Violin I, with mute). The three-note motive eventually leads to a Euphonium (originally, Trombone) augmentation of the Sheep Shearing Song. This melody is taken over by upper woodwinds, while the inexorable ostinato pattern begins to wind up again. 
​
The Sheep Shearing Song is transformed into a hemiola (3/4, m. 275) that is presented alongside The Cuckoo in the cornet solo. Both themes continue (although the meter shifts back to 3/2 and the hemiola elements are dropped) as does the bass ostinato, only now it grows hesitant and begins to fade away until we arrive at a recapitulation of the opening bars, with the English Horn once again taking the solo lead and a treble continuo on C…almost as if the entire episode has been nothing but a distraction, a series of songs to be sung while working in the field…or maybe while shearing a sheep.  A solo Clarinet takes over the final notes from the English Horn, and the piece ends on a lunga fermata whole note, fading softly away.

STRUCTURE & FORM​
​
A SECTION 
• A1 : m. 1-26 : Sheep Shearing Song (English Horn in F Dorian)
• A2 : m. 27-50: Sheep Shearing Song (Flutes/E-flat Clarinet in D Dorian) 
• A3 : m. 51-62 : Sheep Shearing Song (transitional elements, ostinato motive) 
• Transition, m. 63-74 : Fanfare Motive (Motive 1) + Ostinato motive (Motive 2)

B SECTION
    • B1 : m. 75-90 : High Germany (low tenor voices)
    • B2 : m. 91-106 : High Germany (soprano and alto voices)

C SECTION
    • C1 : m. 107-127 : True Love’s Farewell (clarinet, bassoon, and horn)
    • C2 : m. 128-139 : True Love’s Farewell, truncated (Flutes, Piccolo)

DEVELOPMENT
    • m. 140-178 : Fantasia and transformation of previous themes
            o Motive 1 and Motive 2
            o High Germany and True Love’s Farewell

D SECTION
    • B3 : m. 179-193 : High Germany (climax, tutti instruments)
    • D1 : m. 194-216 : The Cuckoo + Motive 2
    • C3 : m. 217-234 : True Love’s Farewell with transitional/chromatic elements
    • C4 : m. 235-255 : True Love’s Farewell w/elements of Sheep Shearing Song

RECAPITULATION & CODA
    • A4 : m. 256-274 : Sheep Shearing Song augmented (euphonium/ woodwinds)
    • A5 : m. 275-304 :  Sheep Shearing Song + The Cuckoo + Motive 2
    • A6 : m. 305-320 : Coda : Sheep Shearing Song (oboe, as in the beginning)

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
A Somerset Rhapsody  stands as a testament to Holst's ability to weave folk melodies into the orchestral fabric, creating a vivid musical narrative. For conductors and performers alike, it offers an opportunity to explore this rich tapestry, demanding both technical proficiency and expressive sensitivity. And it exposes the musicians to a work by Holst that is perhaps not as well-known as the suites for military band, or The Planets.

It remains one of my favourite works by this composer, and I hope you will find it rewarding. If this post inspires you to program or revisit the piece, I’d love to hear about it...please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

DISCLAIMER
​Please note: I am not a copyright lawyer. I've done research into copyright for years, and have had conversations with copyright lawyers, but the law is always changing - sometimes even too fast for those who live in that world. Please take everything you read here with a large grain of salt, and always err on the side of caution. If you see something in this post that has been inadvertently misrepresented, please let me know and I will gladly edit or remove it.

Copyright is the legal right granted to the creator of an original work, allowing them exclusive control over its use and distribution for a specified period of time. This right enables creators to benefit financially from their creations, fostering innovation and artistic expression. Copyright is just one form of intellectual property...other forms of include patents, trademarks, trade dress (the packaging and labeling of protected products, the layout of a particular restaurant), trade secrets (the formula of Coca-Cola, the KFC original recipe), industrial design rights, and plant breeder rights. 

For a work to be eligible for copyright protection, it must be "fixed in a tangible medium," meaning it must be recorded in some form, whether written, recorded, or otherwise captured. Importantly, copyright does not protect ideas, thoughts, or casual conversations - it only protects the expression of those ideas in a fixed form. Additionally, the work must be original and exhibit some level of creativity ( (in other words, you cannot copyright a work consisting of dry facts organized in a conventional way - this was tested in the courtroom when a phone company tried to copyright the phone book, and failed).

In the United States, the first law governing intellectual rights was the Copyright Act of 1790, the stated object of which was to secure for authors the "sole right and liberty of printing, reprinting, publishing and vending" the copies of their creations. Thus, the main function of the Copyright Act of 1790 was to encourage creativity and the development of a national art, music, and literature – all important things in a country that was a mere child on the international stage, and had very little of the above.

Ironically, the Act was copied almost verbatim from the "Statute of Anne," an English edict sometimes known as the Copyright Act of 1710, which is considered the world's first government-enforced protection for creators of content. The initial Act did not cover musical compositions. These were addressed in the Copyright Act of 1831, but until then, most musical compositions were registered as books.  

Until this law was passed, a creator of content had no legal recourse if someone stole their work. Any publisher or book seller - or anyone who owned a printing press - could simply run off copies of any book or sheet music they wanted, and make money from the creative efforts of others (denying those people an opportunity to benefit financially from their own creations).

The Copyright Act of 1790 granted copyright protection to maps, charts, and books for a period of 14 years, with the right to renew for one additional 14-year term…if the copyright holder was still alive at the end of the first term, for a total of 28 years.

The Copyright Act of 1831 revised that to 28 years plus an optional 14-year extension for a total of 42 years. The Copyright Act of 1909 revised that to 28 years plus an optional 28-year extension for a total of 56 years. The Copyright Act of 1976 revised that yet again, to “lifetime of the author plus 50 years.”

And finally, the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998 (sometimes referred to as the Sonny Bono act, or more derisively, the "Mickey Mouse Protection Act) revised that to “lifetime of the author plus 70 years” for general copyright, or 95 years from publication/120 years from creation (whichever comes first) for works-for-hire.

One might well wonder why an author, composer, poet, or playwright would need a copyright of over 100 years, when the typical life expectancy of a human being is 74 years…the truth is, most of these copyright extensions were pursued not by individuals, but by corporations, some of which have lobbied hard to extend the law because their profits depend on keeping their “properties” under copyright. 

One company in particular has been lobbying for more and more copyright protection, including the possibility of a perpetual copyright that would never expire (which is ironic, since the bulk of their profits came from works that were in the Public Domain at the time)…you'll never guess who...

​After the period of copyright exclusivity ends, the work is supposed to enter into the Public Domain, where it now belongs to everyone, and is free for all to use. As of the writing of this blog post, any work created in 1928 or prior is considered to be in the public domain. Some examples of public domain works include:

Music in the public domain can be reproduced, copied, or arranged without worrying about having to pay royalties. It is an open resource for arrangements and ideas for new works.  Arranging anything based on the music of Classical or Romantic composers is fair game.  Even some really great works from the early 20th Century are considered to be in the public domain (though you should always double check). 

Be careful to use only the original public domain works if you want to arrange them or use them in some fashion. For example: Bizet's "Carmen" is in the public domain…but if you were to arrange the Yo Goto version of Carmen (for wind band), you would be infringing on the derivative rights of the arranger (Goto), even though the original work itself is public domain.

In the world of marching bands and show choirs (the two most frequent "abusers" of copyright), many directors purchase stock music arrangements because they are inexpensive (and incur no further licensing costs), though sometimes directors may wish for customized arrangements, which require a few extra steps…

If you want to use a copyrighted piece of music in your marching band show or indoor routine, then you need to secure permission via an arrangement license. Technically speaking, even adding new drum parts to an already existing marching band arrangement, or adding instruments to an a cappella choral work, would require an arrangement license. However, this is one of those grey areas that most rights holders seem to overlook or ignore.

Entities such as DCI, WGI, and BOA will check the status of your permissions when entering major regional competitions. Often, you must have not only permission to arrange, but also mechanical and synchronization permissions. State-sponsored organizations and contests are somewhat more lenient about checking to see if you have secured the proper copyrights…but more and more of them are beginning to check more rigorously to avoid culpability.

The process for requesting permission varies from publisher to publisher, with some taking as little as a minute to grant permission via an automated process, and some taking up to six months to grant (or deny) permission to arrange! Some services also have a pre-cleared list of tunes that are immediately licensed.

As a bit of a personal anecdote...a few decades ago I had a conversation with the composer Ron Nelson about his piece Rocky Point Holiday. Near the end of the conversation, I couldn't resist asking him about the drum corps "urban legend" that he had sued the Garfield Cadets for infringement in the early 1980s. While he played coy about the details, he did recount to me that he happened to be watching DCI Finals on PBS when he heard a "mashup" of Bernstein's Mass and his own Rocky Point Holiday. Since had never been asked permission to use the tune, he was annoyed, and let it be known through his lawyer.

He told me that from that point on, to discourage corps from using his music, he decided to charge an "exorbitant" fee (which I believe I remember was $1500 at the time...seems rather quaint today). He said that no one bothered him with an arrangement permission request until 1991, when the Blue Knights happily paid the fee for "Savannah River Holiday." He gave up on trying to restrict his music after that.

In any case, the result of not following proper procedure can result in a lawsuit against you personally, the ensemble or school you work for, or BOTH.  There are cases that have resulted in fines of thousands of dollars, and directors have lost their employment.

New music is the result of ensembles purchasing and performing published works and properly following copyright laws. If we want to see the continued development of great works, we must continue to respect the process.

“Fair Use” is by far one of the most misunderstood concepts involved in copyright. Fair use is determined using the following criteria:

• Purpose: Is the use for commercial or nonprofit educational purposes?
• Nature: What is the work that is being used?
• Substantiality: How much of the work is being used in relation to the whole? 
• Effect: What is the effect of the use on the market value of the work?

These criteria were intentionally left vague by Congress to allow for flexibility in the face of new technologies yet to come. But when ordinary users cannot determine whether a proposed use is fair, rights holders are able to assert that ANY use would constitute infringement, which is not how the law was intended to function.

According to Jason Mazzone, law professor at the University of Illinois, while the law intended to set a minimum amount of copying as fair use, many rights holders have decided to use this as a maximum fair use ceiling. The result of this is that fair use is being unfairly (and illegally) constrained instead of encouraged. The very vagueness in the law that allows for flexibility also leaves room for aggressive overreach on the part of corporations and publishers.

How often have you read the notice “Any photocopying of this publication is illegal” or “permission for duplication, for any purpose, must be secured from the copyright owner?” This is the publishing industry’s boilerplate attempt to limit ALL copying, fair or not. It is also not true, as the guidelines from Congress have laid out several instances where copying is allowed. If the Music Publishers Association’s position were the actual law, then there would be no such thing as Fair Use. The whole purpose of Fair Use is to be able to use works without obtaining permission beforehand.

As I said at the very start - I am not a lawyer. I've done my best to give accurate information, but none of the above should be considered legal advice. I may not be a lawyer, but I AM a music arranger...and if you are in need of custom music arrangements, public domain or otherwise, I am always happy to put my skills to use.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to share my insights on arranging music for marching bands with a Marching Band Techniques class at Western Illinois University. Reflecting on the evolution in my style over the past 25 years, I decided to summarize my presentation into a blog post, figuring that it might be of interest to others, so...here's a bit of a deep dive into the art - and science - of arranging music for marching bands.

The specific example I used in my lecture was my arrangement of the Smashing Pumpkins' 1996 hit, "Tonight, Tonight." It's a song I've always enjoyed, making the arrangement process a pleasure rather than a chore. Arranging music you like can significantly enhance your work quality and enjoyment. Even though I take on all kinds of projects, there's a special joy in working on tunes you can listen to repeatedly.

If you don't know the tune, take a moment to listen to it - you may find that you've heard it before, though you may not have known its name or who performed it:

THE FOUNDATION: LISTENING and TRANSCRIBING
When arranging, especially without a provided score or lead sheet, the process begins by listening to the original tune multiple times to capture the correct melody, rhythms, and harmonies. From teaching courses on orchestration for years, I'm well aware that MIDI versions of many pop and rock songs can be found online, and that many student arrangers are drawn to using these because it cuts down on the amount of work.

Unfortunately, this also robs students of an opportunity to use their ears critically, an invaluable skill in arranging. I myself prefer working from a reliable score/lead sheet or directly transcribing by ear to avoid inaccuracies - too often I've seen MIDI files that have contained numerous errors in rhythm, harmony, and sometimes even the melody itself!

For tricky sections, especially in faster music, I will sometimes use software like Amazing Slowdowner, which allows me to slow down the music without altering the pitch. This helps in catching any complex rhythms or pitches I might miss at full speed. Sometimes, I'll also adjust the pitch to better fit the desired key for the arrangement.

After thoroughly familiarizing myself with the tune, I begin inputting the melody into Finale, sometimes using the piano* for help with complex passages or harmonies. I then create a 5-line sketch of the arrangement. This sketch helps streamline the structure (see below), especially when dealing with longer songs that need to be condensed into a 1:30 to 2:00 marching band arrangement.

*I recently had to use the piano for an arrangement of a fun-but-silly tune by Thank You Scientist, which had very complex and rapid passages in the middle section. Here is how that one turned out, in case you're curious. 

SELECTING YOUR STRUCTURE
One of the trickiest parts of arranging pop or rock music for marching bands is deciding which sections to cut. Pop and rock songs are famous for their catchy repeated verses, choruses, and hooks, but that repetition doesn't translate well to marching band performances, especially when the original song is longer than two minutes.

Here is where my own biases come into play: While I have certainly enjoyed arrangements that present a very different "take" on the music being arranged, when it comes to rock and pop music, my preference is to stay as faithful to the original as I can. These types of arrangements are typically not used in competitive marching band shows (although there are plenty of examples of successful uses of pop/rock music in BOA-type shows), but are most often presented by bands seeking to entertain a football crowd on Friday nights.

A conversation I once had with a well-meaning (but somewhat blunt) football dad convinced me that arrangers sometimes outthink themselves when it comes to arranging pop and rock music. Most of the time, the audience simply wants to be able to recognise the song being performed. My high school band was performing an arrangement that took various wild liberties with the music. It was not well-received by the 99% football crowd. I guess the previous two paragraphs can be summarized by saying: Know your audience. 

Typically, I approach the topic of song structure by first identifying each section. I try to always use the song's intro, especially if it's short and impactful. Repeated verses are usually presented just once, or at most twice if the song's structure really demands it. Choruses are included once or twice, but other song structures like breaks or interludes (think of those classic 1980s guitar solos) are often left out, though they can sometimes be used to great effect if you have a wind soloist that is capable, or even a guitar or keyboard player in the pit. Refrains and bridges are used on a case-by-case basis. Remember, most marching band arrangements need to fit within a 1:30 to 2:00 timeframe, so significant editing will often be necessary, especially for longer songs like "Tonight, Tonight."

To create a cohesive arrangement, I start with a 5-line sketch that includes the song's intro, a verse or two, a chorus or two, and a coda or ending. This process can be challenging, especially with 1980s music where many songs end with fades that don't work in a marching band context. My sketches typically contain two treble clef lines, two bass clef lines, and a basic drumset part. This helps me think about the rhythmic elements and how to incorporate drum parts later on.

Here is a glimpse into my initial sketch for "Tonight, Tonight":

As you can see/hear, I ended up cutting out a few of the more repetitive sections, though I knew right away I wanted to use that arpeggiated guitar lick that starts at 0:38 in the original...but how best to do it? And for that matter, how can we get the majestic full sound of the introduction, while also musically portraying the softer verses? This is where orchestration enters the picture. 

THE ART OF ORCHESTRATION
Orchestration is crucial for a compelling arrangement. Understanding what each instrument can and cannot do, and where they sound best, is essential. Early in my career, much of this was trial and error for me, but now I rely on a solid grasp of instrument capabilities. This was not always the case...I still keep a handful of arrangements I did early in my career that I keep as a reminder to myself of how much I've learned (one chart in particular had 3 different flute parts, 3 different clarinet parts, 3 alto sax parts, 2 tenor sax parts, 3 mellophone parts, and also featured intricate rhythms that would be near impossible to clean for use on a marching field).

Since then, I've found more success employing the "less-is-more" philosophy of instrumentation. Unless you've got a huge, huge band with tons of woodwinds, it doesn't make a lot of sense to split parts that much. Most music you arrange is going to have only 4-6 different things happening at once  (unless of course you are arranging Rite of Spring). 

Here’s a typical breakdown I use for marching band instrumentation:

• Flute/Piccolo
• Clarinet (sometimes split into two parts)
• Alto Sax (sometimes split into two parts)
• Tenor Sax
• Trumpet 1-2-3
• Mellophone (sometimes split into two parts)
• Trombone 1-2
• Baritone
• Sousaphone
• Cymbals
• Snares
• Tenors
• Basses
• Drumset
• Sideline (Pit) Percussion

Successful combinations include Alto Saxes with Mellophones, Tenor Saxes with Trombones, Tenor Saxes with Baritones, Trumpets and Flutes/Piccolos, Trumpets and Alto Saxes, Clarinets and Mellophones, Clarinets and Baritones, and many more, depending on the colour you want from the group. Each combination needs careful consideration of their roles and dynamics to ensure a balanced sound.

One way you can learn about this is by studying other arrangers' work. From the great Tom Wallace (you've no doubt played some of his charts...he is also the staff arranger for the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band) I learned to use the trombones/baritones as a harmonic foundation. His arrangements feature lush, 3- and 4-part harmony using the low brass that is just hard to beat. From Jay Bocook I learned how to use the woodwinds in a way that will ensure they are heard. From Jay Dawson I learned how to add to a melody so that the end result is that the melody is heard more prominently...even when you haven't changed anything about it by itself. And from myriad great arrangers out there, I learned about using middle voices for acrobatic countermelodies. 

If you're not familiar with instrument ranges and tessituras, I highly suggest taking an orchestration or instrumentation course (if you're still in college), or picking up a book on those topics. For me, discovering Kennan's/Grantham's "The Technique of Orchestration" in college was a game-changer. I read it cover-to-cover, and it helped me truly understand the ranges of the instruments, where they sound great, how best to combine them, etc. Definitely worth picking up (especially if you can find an earlier edition that doesn't cost as much as the later ones).

Using notation software (Finale, in my case), I set up a template that includes the layout I prefer, my preferred fonts, my preferred expressions and articulations, and the correct playback sounds for each instrument (I use NotePerformer for my wind instrument sounds, and Virtual Drumline for the percussion sounds). The template allows me to work quickly during the summer months, when I might have a slew of music to arrange...not having to start from scratch with every project is a time-saver.

There were tweaks after I completed it, to be sure. One of the healthier habits I've gotten into is to set aside a finished arrangement for at least 24 hours, so I can come back to it with fresh eyes and ears. Doing this has saved me from making silly mistakes, and more than a few times has also allowed a new orchestrational idea to percolate during my down time, helping me to improve the arrangement.  I highly recommend this strategy to anyone who is writing any sort of arrangement. 

Since I've given you examples of my process and used the actual Finale playback for them, a note of caution about these types of playback files: Notation programs play back everything with mechanical precision. They will "overcome" your mistakes - for example, if you write a flute part in the bottom part of the staff and expect to hear it on the field, you better have them amplified, or have no one else playing (even then, you may not hear them!) However, a notation program will play it back and it will be audible, fooling you into thinking that all is well. This is where your "inner ear" becomes indispensable.

FINAL THOUGHTS
​Arranging music for marching bands combines technical skills with creative artistry. Whether you're cutting sections to fit time constraints or carefully choosing instrument combinations, each step requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of both the music and the ensemble. By embracing these principles and continually honing your skills, you can create engaging and memorable marching band arrangements.

Got a specific question? Feel free to comment below, and I'll do my best to check in and answer. Remember, the ultimate goal is to bring the music to life in a way that resonates with both the performers and the audience. Happy arranging!

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If you are interested in purchasing the arrangement discussed in this post, or any other arrangement, please visit this page.

If you are in need of a custom arrangement, I am happy to help there too! Contact me for details.