Parade of the Gladiators: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
By William Owens
Grade: 1
Item: 98-DB1326
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Description
This rousing parade processional paints a vivid picture of the Roman gladiators and their entry into the arena. A bold opening statement moves into a more tender middle section before a climactic ending captures the true emotions of the event - from the maniacal excitement of the spectators to the uncertain future of the courageous warriors. Powerful!
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Additional Details
Series:
FJH Beginning Band
Publisher:
The FJH Music Company, Inc.
SKU:
98-DB1326
More about this title
About the Composer: William Owens
William Owens grew up in Gary, Indiana, and earned his degree from VanderCook College of Music in 1985. Over a 30-year career in Texas public school band directing, he established himself as a prolific composer with more than 300 published works for concert band, string orchestra, and small ensemble.
Owens brings a practical understanding of young musicians' needs to every score he writes. His compositions appear on required music lists across the country and have become teaching standards in beginning and intermediate band programs. He holds membership in ASCAP, TMEA, and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, and was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by VanderCook College.
Why we love this
Owens crafts a Grade 1 opener that doesn't talk down to young musicians. The narrative arc here is genuinely compelling: bold proclamation, introspection, then a rush to the finish. Your beginning band gets to play something with real dramatic shape, not just a parade march stripped of substance.
What to expect
The piece sweeps you into an ancient Roman arena. You start with fanfare and pageantry, then the music quiets as if the warriors themselves are reflecting before battle, before the crowd's roar and the certainty of conflict crash back in. It's vivid storytelling that doesn't require program notes to land.
Who it's for
Beginning concert bands ready for programmatic music with emotional range. This works for your Grade 1 ensemble that has developed enough facility to manage contrasting sections and sustained dynamics without losing ensemble balance.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the bold opening statement so the full band's attack reads as unified rather than chaotic. Lock the tempo before the first downbeat and hold it steady through the opening fanfare.
- Shape the tender middle section with dynamic nuance. Even at Grade 1, young players can bring phrase breathing and subtle crescendo/decrescendo to this contrasting material.
- Build toward the climactic ending incrementally. Resist the urge to jump to full dynamics immediately. Let the spectators' excitement grow gradually, then unleash the full power of the ensemble for the finale.
How to use it
A natural fit for a contest or festival performance. The narrative clarity and Grade 1 accessibility make it an excellent choice for a concert where you want to showcase your beginning band's growth without overextending the group technically. The dramatic arc also works well as a concert opener that grabs attention immediately.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble balance across multiple dynamic levels
- Sustaining phrase direction through contrasting sections
- Coordinating articulation and attacks across the full band
- Responding to expressive conducting and tempo stability
- Building and releasing tension through incremental dynamic change