Marching Video Games

Hi, I've posted a piece here before (a completed one called Inspiration and Perseverance), but this time I need help, I think... I'm writing this piece for marching band as a medley of video game classics, and I'm stuck as to where to go with it next. So far, I've included Pokemon, Star Fox, and am working on adding Ocarina of Time. I would like suggestions on which pieces to add in next (looking to have this be 7-7:30 in length total). I would also appreciate comments and/or criticism on the parts I already have written. Please keep in mind this is a work in progress and none of the segments are final drafts.

Thank you in advance,

mc16584

Fledgling Composer

Here are 2 files: a midi and a .mus file. I don't know how to make a .pdf with Finale, so I apologize if some of you can't view this. (Finale Reader is free and allows you to view and/or play Finale .mus files, for those of you who are interested)

Marching Video Games.mid

Marching Video Games.mus

May I first say that this is the coolest thing I've ever imagined :P

Anyways, here are my suggestions. For one, you need better transitions. All of them either have a held note or a pause or something, and there are so many in so little time.

Second, this wouldn't work for a marching band. Marching bands need the SAME tempo for the whole song, and it usually has to be around 100-120, a speed so that each step lands on a beat. This also means no fermatas, of which you have several.

Third, for songs, I think mario is a must, but I see you plan on putting that in later. Maybe also some yoshi, earthbound, fire emblem, metroid, DK or any other classic nintendo. Not sure if FE or metroid was or nintendo though...

Anyways, your writing is great, it's just the form you have to watch out for.

Wow, the writing here is fantastic! But impresario is right, and he lists the reasons that this would work for a marching band, unless you revise the piece some. Right now, it would be a great chamber work, with just a little more writing!

I am in a marching band at the University of North Texas, and our director writes our music for us. Marching music (at least at a college level) can be pretty much anything the band or the director wants to perform. I know that our show we performed this year had a large mixture of tempos and styles, and our band pulled it off rather easily. No offense intended at all, impresario, but I'm not sure where you got your information from. Marching bands should have the flexibility and adaptability to adjust to several tempos and styles with no problems. In reference to the transitions, this is a very stripped rough draft. Most of this is just pieces written down so I will remember them for later, and they will be fleshed out and improved upon later in the writing process. For one, there are almost no percussion parts. Second, I have almost no dynamics included.

Thank you both for your comments, and I hope I didn't come across harsh in my response. I greatly appreciate you taking time to listen and judge my music. I hope to hear from you again.

mc16584

From what I can understand, you guys are permorming concerts with marches? Then you can play whatever you want! I'm talking about marching bands like the ones that go in parades and such, where they're moving and playing. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Also, I can't open the midi. I don't know if it's just the bad computer my aunt has or not.

The marching band I'm talking about is the performing style you would see at a football game at halftime. As we like to say in the band, "it's more creative walking than marching." We can pretty much take any tempo and/or style of music and put a marching show together around it. I don't know what the issue would be with the midi... maybe I can try to email it to you or something?

Oh alright, that makes sense. I like the Creative walking idea :P

And I can play and see the finale one, it's okay. The midi also works on my computer, I guess it's just my aunt's that's weird.

Good. :) I'm glad you were able to listen to it. Thanks again for your input.

I've updated the files with newer versions. They now include a portion of what will be the ballad (the Ocarina of Time theme from Zelda). Please continue commenting and stuff :D