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A Military March, A ’s Interpretation Staff Sergeant David Paroby

A percussion section’s role in has the most intricate part within achieving and keeping the performing a military march is one the percussion section and will suggested tempo, however the that is most often regarded without control the dynamics and phrasing. sheet music is also very important much thought. This is due to the Be careful that the snare fits and should always be observed. rhythmic simplicity of the percussion into the melodic line of the march, Attention to the printed part will parts. However, if a march is to be and does not drown it out. A good indicate the musical nuances such played with extreme musicality idea is to have the and as: phrases, accents, half notes, and authenticity one must look the melody play together. Make quarter notes, whole notes, deeper into the intent of the percussion orchestration of the snare drum, , , and occasionally /.

Snare Drum: First let’s explore the role of the snare drum. Due to the symphonic settings where military marches are performed a concert snare drum 6 1/2”-14” is often used. A field drum could over-power the ensemble in many concert settings. Usually if not marching, a field sure the melody is as rhythmic as dynamics, and especially rests. Try drum is unnecessary except perhaps the drum is melodic. to make a difference in articulation in the Grandioso or break-up between a written half note and strain. In a Grandioso strain the Bass Drum: quarter note. Perhaps striking in a doubling of the snare part on a Most important in the different spot on the head will field drum could be a nice color. performance of a march is the achieve this, or an alteration in Perhaps having the snare drummer presence of the bass drum. Try to the muffling of the head may be switching to a field drum during capture a constant, articulate required. Matching the note the final or break up strain would sound. Experiment with the bass length of the low also add variety to the march. drum—finding the “sweet spot” or will likewise demand a change in When playing in a symphonic the area which has the best tone, muffling. Keeping a steady beat is setting closed rolls, as opposed to usually found a few inches above also an important job of the bass open (double strokes) rolls, are center of the drum head. Watching drummer, however the player more appropriate. The snare drum the conductor is paramount for should never over-power the

7 Review • March 2004 Texas Bandmasters Association A Military March, A Percussion Section’s Interpretation

ensemble in exhibiting the steady tempo. Listening allowing solo bells to represent the section. The and matching the blend of the band is critical in player could also double the melody the second time executing the part in a musical manner. through the final strain, adding to the final climax. Cymbals: Many groups will have the or part doubled on the bells the whole way through the march. This The most often neglected is practice could get a bit overwhelming and should be the . Sometimes there is very little written for avoided. the cymbal player except for a few solo crashes. This is because in many of the older bands the bass Final Thought: drummer also played cymbals with an attachment on Beware that many publishers have added parts and the drum. So usually the bass drum and cymbals will instruments not originally noted by the composers. play in unison unless otherwise noted in the music. A part that may appear in a Sousa score was It is common that cymbals be left out of the Trio most likely added by the John Church Publishing strain. It is also common to complement the melody Company. It is important to research the background of a march with some climax cymbal accents, and the band that originally performed the march. however this should not be over done. Adding of Don’t be afraid to experiment with leaving the accents will be a nice variation for a repeated strain. percussion tacet on certain strains. This will allow Be sure that if the bass drum and cymbals are for variety on the repeats which will keep the march performed separately they do work as one. interesting. A military march should be viewed as a Bells: percussion section’s “bread and butter.” Take time and analyze the musical possibilities of the section. The bells often play in the Trio strain of a march, doubling the melody. An interesting idea is to leave This article is provided courtesy of the U.S. Military the rest of the percussion battery out of the Trio Academy Band at West Point, New York.

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8 Bandmasters Review • March 2004 Texas Bandmasters Association