Elk's Parade Sheet Music Preview

Elk's Parade: Marching Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Bobby Sherwood / Arranged by Paul Lavender / Arranged by Barry Reese

Grade: 4

Item: 35-PK00123795

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Description
This swing style number from the 1940s was a Garfield Cadets favorite (remember them?) and includes a small group feature and trumpet soloist, plus a big Broadway finish that demands audience response.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
SKU: 35-PK00123795

More about this title

About the Composer: Bobby Sherwood

Bobby Sherwood was a versatile musician and composer who thrived during the swing era, writing material that captured the energy and accessibility of 1940s jazz. His work for marching ensembles brought the excitement of big band arranging to the field, proving that concert jazz idioms could translate effectively to marching contexts without losing their essential character.

Why we love this

This is the kind of swing number that actually delivers what you promise the audience. The small group feature and trumpet solo give your section leaders moments to shine individually, while that Broadway finish lands with the kind of punch that gets genuine reactions from bleachers and judges alike. Marching bands don't get enough material this fun that also asks something musically serious of the ensemble.

What to expect

Elastic and energetic, with the sophistication of ballroom jazz translated to the marching field. You get the sophisticated swing feel of the 1940s combined with the spectacle and drive that marching audiences expect, building from intimate ensemble passages to a finale that demands attention.

Who it's for

Grade 4 marching bands with solid section leadership and musicians ready to handle swing style articulation and phrasing. The small group and solo features make this especially valuable if you're building confidence in your advanced players while keeping the overall ensemble part accessible.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the articulation in the ensemble passages to capture the snap of authentic swing style; lazy eighth notes will flatten the energy immediately.
  • Balance the small group feature so it projects over the marching percussion without the conductor having to pull back the rest of the band.
  • Let the trumpet soloist breathe naturally in their solo section rather than locking them rigidly to the click; jazz phrasing requires space for interpretation.
  • Build the final Broadway section with clear dynamic progression so the finish feels earned rather than abrupt.

How to use it

Reserve this for a mid-season or late-season spot where your ensemble has developed the musicality to handle swing style convincingly. It pairs well with more traditional marching fare, offering audiences a stylistic palette cleanser that showcases your band's range.

Skills your students will build

  • Swing style articulation and phrasing (accent placement, ghost notes, rhythmic precision)
  • Jazz interpretation and flexibility within ensemble context
  • Dynamic control and balance when supporting featured players
  • Reading and executing pushed eighth notes and syncopated rhythms characteristic of 1940s swing
  • Ensemble cohesion while individual sections carry melodic responsibility

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