Mr. C's Very Bad Day: Concert Band Conductor Score

Robert Spicer has a gift for writing marches that feel genuinely fresh while remaining solidly playable, and this one's use of 6/8 meter sets it apart from the standard repertoire. The novelty element keeps students engaged without sacrificing musical substance, and the three-minute duration hits that sweet spot for concert programming. It works equally well as a teaching tool and a crowd-pleaser.

The 6/8 meter gives this march a lilting, almost bouncy character that stands apart from the traditional 2/4 march sound. Spicer's novelty touches add personality and humor, creating a piece that feels personable and engaging rather than stiff.

Concert bands at the Grade 3 level will find this march accessible yet rewarding to perform. Directors seeking a training piece that also serves as strong festival or concert material will appreciate how it challenges students without overwhelming them.

• Shape the phrasing throughout the 6/8 meter so that the lilting compound meter character emerges clearly; avoid letting it collapse into a march that feels sluggish or uncertain of its pulse.
• Balance the melodic lines across the band carefully, since the march's effectiveness depends on hearing the main theme clearly while supporting countermelodies stay in proportion.
• Attend to the novelty elements Spicer writes into the score; these touches often work best when they land with precision and commitment rather than being downplayed.

Program this as a lighter moment in a concert set, or use it as a confidence builder early in the year while teaching mixed meter concepts. It also works effectively as a festival selection where its combination of technical clarity and entertainment value scores well with adjudicators.

• Reading and performing in compound meter (6/8)
• Phrasing and shaping lines within a march context
• Balancing melody and supporting countermelody
• Precision in articulation and rhythmic clarity