Escadrille: Score
By Leonard A. Orcino
Grade: 2 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PR-0003445
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Description
Early in World War I (1916), prior to the USA entering the conflict, Americans joined the French Air Corps. They were originally called the Escadrille Americaine---the name was changed to Escadrille de Lafayette after protest from the Germans that America was not in the war. The Escadrille had a reputation for daring recklessness and a party atmosphere. The corps mascots were two lion cubs, "Whiskey" and "Soda." The insignia was an American Indian head with a flowing war bonnet. The entire squadron merged with the American Air corps (1918) once the USA entered the war.
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Additional Details
Series:
Young Symphonic
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
128
SKU:
00-PR-0003445
More about this title
Why we love this
Orcino crafts a piece that captures genuine historical drama without sacrificing accessibility. A Grade 2 work with this much character and narrative depth gives young musicians real material to sink their teeth into, and the Young Symphonic series ensures the orchestration stays playable across mixed ability levels.
What to expect
Escadrille captures both the audacity and the camaraderie of a legendary flying corps. You'll hear moments of soaring energy and daring adventure alongside quieter passages that suggest reflection and loss. The writing honors the legend while remaining transparent enough for young musicians to navigate.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 2 level seeking repertoire with genuine historical substance. Directors building programs around American history or World War I themes will find a piece that educates and engages without oversimplifying the subject matter.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the lyrical passages by keeping accompanying parts warm and resonant rather than thin. Young bands often underplay their harmonic foundation in slower sections.
- Shape phrases around the historical narrative. Lean into moments of heroic energy, then pull back for reflection. This piece invites storytelling, not just note-reading.
- Attend to articulation clarity in faster passages. Clean tonguing and consistent note releases will help the band sound unified even at brisk tempos.
- Let the melodic content breathe. Resist the urge to push tempo in lyrical sections; younger players often need extra space to sustain tone quality.
How to use it
Pair this with other American repertoire from the early 20th century for a historically themed concert, or use it as a centerpiece in a military history or patriotic program. The Grade 2 level makes it ideal for spring concerts or culminating performances where your band can celebrate growth without reaching beyond their technical grasp.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained melodic phrasing across longer lines
- Dynamic shaping and control in contrasting sections
- Ensemble balance between melody and accompaniment
- Rhythmic accuracy in moderately complex passages
- Historical awareness and narrative interpretation in music