Solidarity!: E-flat Alto Saxophone

Owens constructs this march with clear attention to what makes young bands sound polished: accessible melodic writing paired with intelligent voiced accompaniment that lets every section contribute meaningfully. The 2:15 runtime and Grade 2.5 level make it ideal for teaching concert march form without overwhelming rehearsal schedules, and the contemporary approach avoids the feeling of retreading familiar ground.

Solidarity! combines march energy with modern harmonic language, creating music that feels fresh without losing the genre's ceremonial backbone. The writing sparkles with lively rhythmic figures and memorable melodic hooks that stick with listeners; students find it genuinely fun to play rather than merely dutiful.

This piece serves concert bands at the Grade 2.5 level, particularly ensembles developing beyond basic march repertoire but not yet ready for upper-level technical demands. Directors preparing students for contest or festival performance will find the contemporary style and accessible difficulty level both musically rewarding and competition-friendly.

• Shape the melodic lines with intentional phrase breathing; even at this grade level, students respond well to conducting clear phrase arcs rather than metronomic phrasing.
• Balance the voiced harmony so that inner parts support rather than obscure the primary melody; use sectional rehearsal to lock in the harmonic foundation before full ensemble work.
• Commit to a tempo that lets the lively rhythms breathe without rushing; the march character depends on rhythmic precision, which becomes easier to achieve at a tempo students can control.

Program this as a concert opener to establish ensemble polish and audience engagement early, or use it as a contest piece where contemporary style and solid construction will stand out among traditional march selections. The moderate length makes it a strong choice for concert closers as well, leaving audiences energized without monopolizing rehearsal time that could address other repertoire.

• Conducting and executing clear march form structure
• Voice leading and harmonic balance within sections
• Sustained melodic phrasing in an upbeat tempo
• Rhythmic precision and coordination in lively rhythmic figures