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PML for Next Year

Posted by Tired on 4/22/2025, 2:17 pm

I have the possibility of taking a sub-non band to UIL next year. This band has never been big enough or talented enough at the same time to be competitive at CSR. Next year looks like it could be, though.

What are the most accessible Grade 1 pieces and marches for a MS sub-non? I want to buy a few now in case that band is capable next year.

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by 1A Small HS on 4/25/2025, 7:39 am, in reply to "PML for Next Year"

Spitfire by Mike Story
Fighting Falcon March by Todd Stalter
March for Freedom by James Swearingen

Annunciation by Story
Odyssey by Branchfield
Autumn Fanfare by Rogers

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by horn playa on 4/24/2025, 10:56 am, in reply to "PML for Next Year"

Check out Wedgwood March by Owens.
He wrote it for his concert band ad Wedgwood middle school in 2007.
It's perfect for what you're looking for.

Another good march - if you have a decent Euphonium - Huron Bay.

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by Depends on 4/24/2025, 7:59 am, in reply to "PML for Next Year"

Depending on you section strengths/weaknesses a few good ones are:

Great Beginnings
Vulcan's Forge
Dorian Chant
Fortify (a bit more challenging)

These are just a few I've done recently.

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by DesertJazz on 4/24/2025, 5:56 am, in reply to "PML for Next Year"

Check out on the list:

Dorian Chant
Acropolis
Knightly Procession

Older
Dance Celebration (A little tougher than it looks)

For marches:
Base Camp March (Castorena) was my fall back this year and worked great.
March of the Syncopated Penguins is a little tougher, but kids like it.

I've done these with our NV 1C, which I assume would probably be similar to your SNV.

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by Flutist on 4/23/2025, 7:35 pm, in reply to "PML for Next Year"

Look into Synergy March by Owens.

Couple of good grade 1s I would consider are:
Dance Celebration - Smith
Strength and Honor O'Loughlin
Wings to the Mind - Balmages
Great Beginnings - Kamuf

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by fromexperience on 4/23/2025, 1:54 pm, in reply to "PML for Next Year"

Maches
Union March by Mekel Rogers
Kitty Hawk March by Edmondson
Infinity Concert March Curnow
Synergy March Owens

Strength and Honor Loughlin
Dance Celebration Robert W. Smith
Fortis Gazlay

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by Me on 4/23/2025, 12:44 pm, in reply to "PML for Next Year"

Larry Clark is your friend for marches. So is Michael Sweeney.

Without knowing your instrumentation, I can't give more advice than that.

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by Tired on 4/24/2025, 8:12 am, in reply to "Re: PML for Next Year"

I don't necessarily know instrumentation either at this point, but this was a stronger beginner group, so my low band may not be so low.

If I were guessing -
-4-6 flutes, half are pretty good
-8-10 clarinets, mostly strong, but not all over the break yet, one will be bass
-6-7 saxes, all pretty strong, i have a bari and two tenors available to them
-4 trumpets, two are gonna struggle a bit
-1 french horn who is probably moving
-2 trombones, one good, one struggling
-1 baritone who is very good
-1 tuba that's okay
-4 percussion, maybe. Wide skill range.

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by MS on 4/24/2025, 12:58 pm, in reply to "Re: PML for Next Year"

Two English Dances

Re: PML for Next Year

Posted by Warhawk on 4/23/2025, 12:28 pm, in reply to "PML for Next Year"

March - Pride of America by William Owens.

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