Fighting Falcon March: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Stalter wrote this march specifically for sixth graders learning march style for the first time, which means every phrase is singable, every part sits comfortably in its range, and the musical payoff feels genuine rather than patronizing. The inspired title and patriotic character give young musicians something worth playing for, and the straightforward form makes it an ideal teaching vehicle for ensemble balance, controlled dynamics, and the clean articulation that defines good march style.

The piece captures the energy and wonder Stalter felt watching F-16 fighters knife through the sky near his Illinois home. It marches forward with purpose and uplift, combining the straightforward optimism of a Grade 1 march with genuine melodic substance. The result is inspiring without being heavy, sturdy without being dull.

This march is built for sixth graders new to band who are learning march style for the first time. The Grade 1 difficulty means no one struggles with their part, freeing students to focus on the ensemble skills and stylistic concepts that make marching music distinct. Directors programming a patriotic concert, a summer pops show, or a Fourth of July performance will find a piece that sounds impressive with minimal rehearsal time.

• Lock in the steady pulse by having your section leaders count off every rehearsal; marches live and die by rhythmic precision, and young players respond well to visible, audible beat patterns.
• Shape the melodic phrases naturally even within the march idiom; resist the urge to make it mechanical. Stalter wrote tuneful lines that deserve gentle dynamic contours.
• Balance the parts carefully during your first read-through, particularly between the melody and inner voices. At Grade 1, everyone wants to play loud, so establishing the hierarchy early prevents texture from becoming muddy.
• Use the recorded accompaniment if your ensemble needs rhythmic support during early rehearsals, then remove it as confidence builds so students learn to rely on each other and the conductor.

Open a patriotic concert or Independence Day performance with this march to set a confident, energetic tone. Its accessibility makes it ideal for a program that mixes difficulty levels, allowing your sixth-grade band to anchor the first half while more advanced ensembles take the stage later. The piece also works well as a festival or contest selection where young musicians benefit from both the musical challenge and the morale boost of performing at a public event.

• March-style articulation and phrasing
• Maintaining steady tempo and ensemble pulse
• Balancing melody and accompaniment parts
• Controlled dynamics within the march idiom
• Sectional listening and blend
• Responding to conductor cues for style and expression