Explosion, A Marching Show

This, as the title states, is called Explosion. It is a marching band show that is basically about war. The synth followed by the gong is basically the equivalent to a missile striking. The opener is basically very fast, and everyone is trying to avoid being hit. The ballad is mourning everyone who has died, and is meant to make people cry. The closer is everyone trying to get their last note in. At the end, there is a section where the snare drum has a two measure roll. There will be a voice that says "All The missiles Are Gone," but I don't know how to add a real voice in Sibelius.

How about an MP3?

Looking at the midi in Finale, your 1st trumpet at measure 225 has a high D (concert pitch, so high E for the trumpet player)... in a marching show that would be extremely difficult to play while moving. Also, the show is extremely repetitive. You use the same part in the saxes as melody towards the end A LOT. Also, this show seem too happy to be about war. (Thats just what I heard at least)

It would be a good show, just, maybe not with that theme.

How do I attach more files?

Sorry, cant attach mp3, but you can listen to the midi file and I am attaching a pdf.

I haven't listened to it really, but your score is a complete disaster... Add some space between the staves for Pete's sake. The scoring seems a little unorthodox too. I know there isn't really one standard for marching band, but most shows I've seen have one baritone part with only brief divisi sections. The divisi parts in the woodwinds that you have a lot probably wouldn't work to well either, especially with a smaller band. Your battery parts look extremely boring and wouldn't showcase the drummer's skills at all (something marching drummers like to do ). Overall this could use a lot of work. Keep it up though. I much prefer original marching shows than ones ripped/arranged from pop, film, or symphonic music.

Originally Posted by A Forgotten Legend

Looking at the midi in Finale, your 1st trumpet at measure 225 has a high D (concert pitch, so high E for the trumpet player)... in a marching show that would be extremely difficult to play while moving.

Speak for yourself

Also, a smart drill writer would make sure that the trumpet player is standing still, or that the band/corps is standing still. Of course it really depends on the musical context, so yeah, whatever. Anyway, high Es are perfectly playable on the move, if the trumpet player has the note and he isn't a crappy marcher, he should be able to play whatever he can standing still on the move

But what do I know, I was only in a top 12 drum corps for 2 years....

Can I just point out that this piece is clearly not for marching band but rather a "Drum and Bugle Corps" type ensemble that marches on the football field at halftime. And a high E in the trumpet is not difficult for a true trumpet player. I've heard some really really really good trumpet players and ironically, they all played in a Bugle Corps. Go figure.

Originally Posted by Justin Tokke

Can I just point out that this piece is clearly not for marching band but rather a "Drum and Bugle Corps" type ensemble that marches on the football field at halftime. And a high E in the trumpet is not difficult for a true trumpet player. I've heard some really really really good trumpet players and ironically, they all played in a Bugle Corps. Go figure.

Wait what?

Marching bands are generally high school or college groups with both brass and woodwinds, with a drumline, may or may not have keyboard/concert percussion. They may either play in halftime shows for their respective schools, or perform at competitions, usually high schools do both.

Drum and bugle corps (Drum Corps International :: Marching Music's Major Leagueâ„¢) are similar, but very very different. They are semi-professional brass ensembles with drumline and color guard, with members between 16-21 years old and generally have a fixed instrumentation, also there are no non-valved brass instruments allowed (woodwinds aren't allowed either). They play at highly attended competitions and tour around the country.

But yeah, Es are no problem normally, but it's rare for trumpets to see notes that high in orchestral literature.