Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa, Mvt. 3 after "Fairest of the Fair" Cover Image

Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa, Mvt. 3 after "Fairest of the Fair": Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$80.00 USD
Sale price  $80.00 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa, Mvt. 3 after "Fairest of the Fair" Cover Image

Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa, Mvt. 3 after "Fairest of the Fair": Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

By Ira Hearshen

Grade: 5

Item: 36-10100362

makemusic Cloud badge
$80.00
Shipped

One moment…

Description
Hearshen's ingenious treatments of Sousa themes in symphonic form continues with the third movement, based on Fairest of the Fair. Presented as a light, scherzo-like movement, there is quick interplay between many voices, key changes, and fresh rhythmic figures. It is pure delight to play this separately or as part of the magnum opus that is the entire Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa, Mvt. 3 after "Fairest of the Fair": Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Sample Pages

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Series: LudwigMasters Symphonic Band
Publisher: Keiser Productions, Inc.
Page Count: 288
ISBN10: 1-62876-371-X
ISBN13: 978-1-62876-371-3
UPC: 746241273482
SKU: 36-10100362
Instrumentation: Concert Band

More about this title

About the Composer: Ira Hearshen

Ira Hearshen has established himself as a composer and arranger with a gift for reimagining American musical traditions through the lens of modern concert band writing. His work demonstrates deep respect for source material while refusing to settle for surface-level orchestration, instead building complex harmonic and textural landscapes that challenge and engage serious musicians.

Hearshen's symphonic treatment of Sousa's marches represents a significant contribution to the concert band repertoire. Rather than simply adapting melodies, he constructs multimovement works that honor the march form's inherent strengths while expanding its possibilities through development techniques and structural sophistication.

Why we love this

Hearshen captures the spirit of Sousa's march idiom while reimagining it through a symphonic lens. The scherzo treatment keeps the orchestra engaged with constant textural shifts and unexpected key changes, giving your ensemble plenty to sink their teeth into without sacrificing the accessible energy that makes Sousa's themes so immediately gratifying.

What to expect

Light and buoyant, with the energy of a well-crafted march reframed as orchestral conversation. The scherzo character keeps things witty and effervescent, building excitement through color changes and rhythmic variety rather than sheer volume.

Who it's for

Conductors with Grade 5 concert bands ready to program a full symphonic work that celebrates American band tradition. Whether you're preparing for contest, festival, or concert performance, this movement stands alone or integrates seamlessly into the complete symphony for groups seeking substantial, engaging repertoire.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the rapid voice exchanges carefully so no single line dominates; this scherzo's charm depends on the interplay remaining clear and conversational.
  • Watch for the key changes as potential momentum-killers if the ensemble isn't locked in rhythmically. Use sectional rehearsals to ensure each transition lands with confidence.
  • Keep articulations crisp and consistent across all sections; the quick rhythmic figures need precision to sparkle.
  • Allow the piece to breathe at phrase endpoints rather than rushing through them. These moments of repose make the return to activity more effective.

How to use it

Program this movement on a festival or contest entry as a complete work in itself, or schedule it as part of a larger concert featuring American bandstand literature. It pairs naturally with other Sousa treatments or other Grade 5 symphonic works that celebrate the march tradition.

Skills your students will build

  • Managing rapid sectional exchanges and dynamic voice independence
  • Navigating key changes and modal shifts while maintaining ensemble cohesion
  • Executing quick rhythmic figures with precision and clarity
  • Maintaining musical shape and phrasing within a fast-moving scherzo structure
  • Blending Americana idiom with sophisticated symphonic technique

You May Also Like