March of the Belgian Paratroopers: Flex Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by Pierre Leemans / Arranged by Michael Brown
Grade: 2-3
Item: 35-PK00335178
$70.00
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Description
Available here for flexible instrumentation, this classic march by Pierre Leemans features a moderate tempo and very tuneful march melody. A nice change of pace march with a unique and instantly appealing flavor. Dur: 2:40
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00335178
More about this title
About the Artist: Pierre Leemans
Pierre Leemans stands among Belgium's most celebrated band composers, with a catalog that spans concert marches, dances, and descriptive works for wind ensemble. His compositions earned widespread recognition across European military and civilian bands throughout the 20th century, particularly for their straightforward melodic appeal and solid harmonic craftsmanship. The March of the Belgian Paratroopers exemplifies his gift for writing accessible yet dignified music that performers and audiences connect with immediately.
Leemans understood what makes a march memorable: a clear, singable melody supported by rhythmic vitality and orchestration that sounds fuller than the parts count might suggest. His work remains standard repertoire in school and community bands, valued as much for the joy it brings to performers as for its educational utility.
Why we love this
Michael Brown's arrangement preserves the march's character while opening it to ensembles with varying instrumentation. The melody sits comfortably for anyone who picks it up, the harmonic progression supports rather than overwhelms, and at just under three minutes it lands in that sweet spot where students feel accomplished without fatigue.
What to expect
Bright and purposeful, with an almost ceremonial bearing despite its approachability. The melody unfolds with Belgian character, supported by steady harmonic underpinning that gives players something tangible to lock onto.
Who it's for
Flex ensembles at the early intermediate level benefit most from this arrangement, whether built from band, orchestra, or mixed instrumentation. Directors working with developing musicians who need straightforward yet genuinely musical material will find a dependable addition to concert programming.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish the march character from the first note by anchoring the pulse with clear articulation in the bass line; this piece thrives on rhythmic precision, not rubato.
- Balance the melodic line with sufficient dynamic support underneath so the tune soars without the accompaniment receding into anonymity.
- Shape the phrases musically even within the march's steady framework; subtle dynamic tapering at phrase endings prevents the piece from feeling mechanical.
- Find the tempo that lets the melody breathe at a moderate pace without dragging; record a run-through and listen for whether the character remains buoyant.
How to use it
Pair this with other character marches to create a themed concert section, or place it mid-program where it refreshes the ensemble energy after more introspective works. It also functions beautifully as a closer, leaving audiences with a tuneful, uplifting final impression.
Skills your students will build
- Balance between melody and accompaniment
- Sustained articulation in march style
- Reading flexible instrumentation cues
- Phrase shaping within a steady metric framework
- Intonation stability across sustained passages