Redlands March: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Hodges builds genuine ensemble participation into every section. Rather than relegating support parts to simple accompaniment, he weaves melodic content throughout so that every section feels ownership of the piece. The march trio and 'dogfight' sections carry unexpected harmonic and rhythmic twists that keep both students and audiences engaged without requiring advanced reading skills.

The opening bursts with ceremonial energy before settling into the romantic warmth of the trumpet duet. The piece carries the traditional march character you expect, yet surprises with harmonically interesting trio and 'dogfight' sections that feel fresh rather than formulaic, creating a performance that rewards both players and listeners.

Beginning and early intermediate bands will find this Grade 1.5 march accessible while still delivering engaging musical content for all players. Directors seeking a concert opener or closer that energizes audiences without overwhelming young ensembles will find this piece exactly right for festival programs or community performances.

• Balance the opening trumpet duet carefully; these voices should cut through the accompanying band without either player forcing tone or sacrificing musicality.
• Shape the melodic lines in the outer sections with gentle dynamic swells rather than rigid forte markings, letting the natural phrase shape guide the architecture.
• Lock the march rhythm section (basses, low woodwinds, and percussion) to establish an unwavering foundation before the trumpet duet enters; this anchors the entire opening section.
• Highlight the unique harmonic treatment in the trio and 'dogfight' sections by asking students to listen for chord color shifts rather than mechanically reading notes.

Use this as an opening statement on concert programs where you want to establish polish and ensemble unity immediately, or close with it to leave audiences with a memorable final impression. The accessible grade level makes it ideal for middle school and early high school bands looking to program something that sounds more sophisticated than its difficulty suggests.

• Balancing duet lines within an ensemble texture
• Sustaining tone quality across dynamic shifts
• Counting and executing standard march form
• Listening for and responding to harmonic color changes
• Maintaining rhythmic precision in the rhythm section