Concord Fanfare: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Marlatt understands what makes a fanfare work: bright, declarative brass writing that cuts through, energetic woodwind lines that stay playable, and percussion parts that actually matter rather than simply marking time. At Grade 2, this strikes the balance between sounding genuinely impressive and remaining accessible to developing players, making it an ideal opener when you want to project confidence without overreaching your ensemble's abilities.

Concord Fanfare radiates forward momentum and ceremonial energy. The bright upper woodwind scales leap over a solid brass foundation, while the lower voices propel everything forward with their own running passagework, creating layers of motion that feel both confident and buoyant.

This works for concert bands at the Grade 2 level, especially those programming a formal concert opening or preparing for a special event. Bands with developing musical maturity will find the piece playable without sacrificing sound quality or audience impact.

• Lock the brass attacks precisely; even slight staggering in the fanfare chords will muddy the opening impact. Mark the exact cutoff point in rehearsal.
• Bring out the lower woodwind and low brass scale runs as melodic material, not accompaniment. These passages drive the piece forward and reward players who often sit in supportive roles.
• Balance the upper woodwind runs so they articulate clearly without overshadowing the brass foundation. Light, clean tonguing at a brisk tempo works better than forcing volume.
• Let the percussion shine in the driving sections. These parts are written to propel the band, so avoid tucking them back; they're part of the fabric, not the background.

Open your concert with this. Its brevity and immediate impact make it ideal for capturing attention at the moment the audience settles, or use it as a processional or ceremonial moment at special events. It also works as a confidence builder for developing ensembles before moving into more substantial concert repertoire.

• Precise ensemble articulation in fast scalar passages
• Brass chord attacks and releases in syncopated rhythmic contexts
• Balancing multiple independent lines (upper woodwinds, lower woodwinds, brass, percussion) within a unified texture
• Sustaining the energy and tempo through driving rhythmic figures
• Articulating running passages at tempo without losing clarity