Speedgetsem (March): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Bolcom writes marches that feel genuinely fresh rather than derivative of Sousa. The four-minute duration hits the sweet spot for festival programming without overstaying its welcome, and the orchestration lies beautifully for concert band without requiring extended techniques or unusual instrumentation demands.

Forward-moving and spirited with the classical march character you'd expect, but written in Bolcom's idiom rather than pastiche. The piece has momentum and personality without sacrificing musicianship.

Festival-bound concert bands seeking a contemporary march with substance. Ensembles looking to program something beyond the standard repertoire will find this accessible yet rewarding both to prepare and perform.

• Balance the melodic content between upper woodwinds and brass so neither overshadows the other; this march rewards clarity of line across all sections
• Keep the tempo steady and confident rather than pushing it; a march that breathes naturally with strong rhythmic precision will land harder than one that rushes
• Shape phrases through dynamics and articulation rather than tempo fluctuation; Bolcom's writing reveals structure through textural layers

Schedule this as a concert opener or as the anchor of a mixed concert program where you want something with traditional march form and contemporary voice. Its four-minute length makes it ideal for festival competitions or as a standalone feature in a variety-based concert.

• Maintaining consistent pulse and articulation in a march context
• Balancing ensemble blend when melodic responsibility shifts between sections
• Executing clear phrasing within a formally structured march design