Screamers!: 1st Percussion
A Medley of Circus March Themes
Arr. Douglas E. Wagner
Grade: 3 (Medium Easy)
Item: 00-PC-0015850_PC1
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Description
Musically depicting the death-defying thrills, the unparalleled pageantry, and the seemingly endless action of a circus, this high-energy medley presents four classic works, including "Entry of the Gladiators (Thunder and Blazes)," "The Circus Bee," "Bombasto," and "Barnum and Bailey's Favorite." Remaining true to the original, this brings the joy of the big top in all its historical context to your concert stage. This is a blazing opener or rousing closer for any concert program! (2:30)
This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Screamers!: 1st Percussion comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Belwin Concert Band
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
232
SKU:
00-PC-0015850_PC1
More about this title
About the Arranger: Douglas E. Wagner
Douglas E. Wagner brings three decades of high school music directing experience to his work as a composer and arranger. A Butler University graduate with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in music, Wagner has established himself as one of the most prolific voices in music education, with over 3,500 published titles spanning concert band, choir, orchestra, handbell ensemble, organ, piano, and vocal literature.
Since 1973, Wagner's music has reached millions of performers and audiences worldwide. More than seventeen million copies of his work have been purchased, and his compositions regularly appear in concert halls, broadcasts, and educational settings across the globe. He now works full-time as a composer and arranger from his home in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Why we love this
Wagner transforms four beloved circus standards into a single, irresistible concert vehicle that lands with instant energy. The arrangement respects the original character of each theme while delivering a cohesive, musically satisfying arc that moves from spectacle to spectacle. At Grade 3, it sits in the sweet spot where mid-level bands can execute the rhythmic drive and articulation without technical barriers getting in the way.
What to expect
The energy of the big top comes alive in full color: you hear the pageantry of the gladiators' entrance, the playful chaos of the bee, the bombastic declarations, and the triumphant sweep of Barnum and Bailey's theme. It's a high-spirited romp that captures the spectacle, humor, and forward momentum of the circus world.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 3 level seeking an opener or finale with broad appeal and immediate impact. Directors who want to build energy and excitement without stretching their ensemble's technical capacity will find this arrangement rewards clear preparation and ensemble precision.
How to get the most out of it
- Establish a steady, energetic pulse from the downbeat. The success of this medley depends on unwavering tempo and forward motion through all four themes.
- Pay close attention to the articulation markings in the brass and reeds. They define the character shift between themes and keep the listener oriented as the medley progresses.
- Balance the melody across sections so that themes emerge clearly, especially when passing between woodwinds and brass. Avoid letting any section blur the signature lines.
- Use the fermatas and shorter transitions between themes as breathing moments for both ensemble and audience, but keep the overall sense of mounting excitement alive.
How to use it
Open your concert with this and you'll command attention from the first note. Alternatively, place it as a rousing finale to send the audience out on a wave of joy. Its compact two-and-a-half-minute runtime also makes it ideal for pops concerts, community events, or festival programs where you need maximum impact without long commitment.
Skills your students will build
- Articulation control across a full ensemble (staccato, legato, marcato)
- Rapid theme transitions and thematic memory
- Balancing melody and accompaniment across multiple sections
- Sustaining energy and tempo consistency through non-stop rhythmic activity
- Executing stylistically appropriate dynamics and character shifts