Blaze Away: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Blaze Away arrives in a clean, modern engraving with David Marlatt's revisions making the parts accessible without sacrificing the original's character. At Grade 2.5, it sits in that sweet spot where younger bands can execute genuine march style, complete with rhythmic precision and articulation challenges that teach real conducting and ensemble discipline. Audiences recognize it immediately, and the performers walk offstage knowing they've delivered something substantial.

Blaze Away captures the spirit of turn-of-the-century American optimism. The main strain pulses with bright, forward energy, supported by a steady harmonic foundation that feels both secure and energized. Its character is straightforward and joyful, never pretentious, with just enough melodic charm to stay fresh across multiple hearings.

Concert bands in the Grade 2 to 3 range benefit most from this edition. It works equally well for newer bands building foundational march technique and intermediate ensembles seeking reliable, historically grounded repertoire that audiences love. Directors programming a concert that needs a confident opening or a moment of pure musical energy will find exactly what they need here.

• Anchor the march feel with a crisp, unified articulation in the lower brass and bass line. Holzmann's harmonic rhythm depends on clarity here, so rehearse the foundation parts separately until they lock.
• Shape the melodic lines with subtle dynamic swells rather than hitting every note with the same weight. The main strain should float above the accompaniment, giving it room to sing.
• Balance the woodwind color against brass in the transition passages. These moments often get buried; they're where the arrangement sparkles.
• Nail the tempo and hold it steady through repeats. March music broadcasts any fluctuation immediately, so a metronome during rehearsals pays dividends.

Open a concert with Blaze Away to establish confidence and momentum, or place it as a bridge between contrasting works to lift the program's energy. Its 3:30 runtime makes it ideal filler when you need a strong, complete statement without demanding a large block of rehearsal time. Many directors program it during the school year when building ensemble balance and march technique is a curricular priority.

• march style articulation and phrasing
• precise rhythmic execution in ensemble settings
• dynamic control within a steady tempo
• balance between melody and accompaniment
• coordination between mixed instrumental sections