There are all sorts of marches: fast and slow, solemn and energetic, military and civil, procession, and funeral.
Orion is а so-called "slow march," in which the moderate tempo, however, does not make а passive or heavy impression. On the contrary, this concert march contains natural optimism and spontaneity. Since Orion does not make very high demands upon the performers, the piece is suitable for many different bands. The instrumentation is composed in such а way that smaller formations can play Orion without а significant difference in the overall sound. The almost constantly present rhythmic "pulse" in the percussion gives this majestic march а noble character.
Click on MORE DETAILS to listen to an audio extract and view the Solo Cornet part of this work.
Category: MARCHES Composer / arranger: John Philip Sousa arr. Gary Westwood
The name John Philip Sousa is no stranger to any brass band aficionado. Our Flirtations has its origins in incidental music written by Sousa for a play of the same name. It was written around 1880, about the time he was appointed Director of the U.S. Marine Band, a position he held until he formed his own civilian band in 1892. Sousa wrote over 130 marches, many of which have been transcribed for brass band.
Brass Band Grade 4
Duration: 4 minutes.
Grade equivalents for Brass Band test-pieces where there is considerable overlap at the higher levels, depending on the level of competition (local, regional or national):
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