Backwards March!: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

The forward-and-backward melodic writing in this piece turns a pedagogical concept into genuine musical interest. Most Grade 1 marches follow predictable patterns, but LaBrie's clever inversion technique keeps players engaged while they're learning to track melodic shape and phrase direction. The optional advanced percussion parts and active low brass writing mean this works for diverse instrumentation levels without simplifying the musical experience.

Bright, purposeful, and full of personality. The playful twist on the march form makes this feel contemporary without being trendy, while the active low brass and rhythmic percussion give it authentic concert band energy. There's a sense of discovery as players realize the melodies are moving in unexpected directions, which transforms a standard march into something memorable.

Grade 1 concert bands looking for repertoire that teaches solid musicianship without talking down to young players. Directors seeking contest or festival material that combines accessible difficulty with genuine compositional craft, and teachers who want their students excited about the music they're learning, not just getting through it.

• Emphasize the contrast between forward and backward sections during sectional rehearsals; having players mark these moments in their parts helps them understand the compositional device and stay engaged with the musical line rather than just reading notes.
• Balance the low brass activity with the melody so the march maintains forward momentum without the bottom end overwhelming the ensemble; this is especially important at Grade 1 where young bass players are still developing control.
• Use the optional advanced percussion parts strategically based on your instrumentation and student readiness; even if you don't use every part, the scoring flexibility lets you build rhythmic complexity gradually across rehearsals.

Program this as an opener for a concert where you want to set an energetic, approachable tone that also showcases musicianship and ensemble control. It works equally well as a festival or contest selection where its bright character and educational merit stand out, and its 1:10 length fits neatly into tight programming schedules. Consider pairing it with a lyrical piece to create program contrast while staying within accessible Grade 1 territory.

• Reading and performing forward and backward melodic motion (inversion technique)
• Tracking phrase direction and shape across different instrument lines
• Balancing independent low brass lines with upper melodic material
• Ensemble cohesion in march form with non-traditional harmonic movement