March from <i>First Suite for Military Band</i> Cover Image

March from <i>First Suite for Military Band</i>: Concert Band Conductor Score

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March from <i>First Suite for Military Band</i> Cover Image
March from First Suite for Military Band: Concert Band Conductor Score

March from First Suite for Military Band: Concert Band Conductor Score

By Gustav Holst / arr. Michael Story

Grade: 1 (Very Easy)

Item: 00-35338S
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Description
Gustav Holst's First Suite in E-flat for Military Band, one of the first pieces written exclusively for military bands, was composed in 1909. This arrangement is based on the second theme of the march, a very lyrical melody reminiscent of British folk music. This setting brings this cherished work to the stands of your beginners. A welcomed addition to the beginning band repertoire!

"The limited ranges and technical demands make this a good way to introduce students to this important work at an early age."
- The Instrumentalist

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Additional Details
Series: Belwin Beginning Band
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
ISBN10: 1-4706-5491-1
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-5491-7
UPC: 038081414416
SKU: 00-35338S

More about this title

About the Composer: Gustav Holst

Gustav Holst (1874-1934) was an English composer whose music bridged the Romantic and modern eras. He wrote extensively for winds and military bands, and his First Suite in E-flat stands as one of the earliest and most influential pieces composed specifically for military band, establishing the genre as a serious vehicle for musical expression rather than mere accompaniment.

Holst's gift for melody and orchestration made him a natural voice for band music. His understanding of instrumental capabilities and his ability to craft accessible yet sophisticated works earned him lasting respect among educators and performers. The First Suite remains central to band repertoire because it balances genuine artistic merit with practical teachability.

Why we love this

This Michael Story arrangement strips away the technical barriers without sacrificing Holst's luminous melodic voice. Beginning bands get immediate access to a work that defines the genre itself, building repertoire knowledge and musical maturity from day one. The restricted ranges and straightforward demands mean your students can focus on tone quality, blend, and musical shape rather than struggling with mechanics.

What to expect

A gentle procession with quiet dignity. The second-theme melody carries the warmth of English folk tradition, unhurried and reflective. Despite its simplicity, the piece conveys genuine nobility, inviting students into the world of serious wind band music.

Who it's for

Beginning concert bands ready to explore the band repertoire canon. Students benefit from learning Holst's voice early, and directors gain a legitimate, historically important work that doesn't require advanced technique. This arrangement serves conductors building a Grade 1 library that respects young musicians' intelligence.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the lyrical melody with long-lined phrasing. Even at Grade 1, students benefit from thinking in 4 and 8-bar phrases rather than note-to-note.
  • Balance the tutti sections carefully. The arranger has distributed the tune across multiple voices, so every section should feel like part of a unified line.
  • Keep the tempo steady and deliberate. This march walks, not rushes. A measured pace allows the British folk-song character to emerge.
  • Use the full 16 pages to rehearse section by section before tackling the whole score. Strategic breakdown prevents fatigue and builds confidence.

How to use it

Program this early in the season when your band needs a confidence-building piece alongside more contemporary Grade 1 works. It works equally well on a novice festival concert or a spring recital paired with lighter fare. Use it as a gateway to exploring Holst's complete First Suite once students advance.

Skills your students will build

  • Long-line phrasing in wind band context
  • Blend and balance in tutti sections
  • Recognition of melodic structure (folk music influences)
  • Sustained tone quality on lyrical material
  • Familiarity with a canonical wind band work

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