The Crosley March (arr. Loras John Schissel): Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Schissel's arrangement captures the essential Fillmore character: infectious melodic writing, clean harmonic movement, and sections that sit naturally under the hand. This march demands real musicianship from your ensemble without requiring virtuosos, making it an ideal vehicle for developing ensemble cohesion and stylistic awareness at the Grade 4 level.

Bright and purposeful, with the straightforward swagger of American march tradition. The piece carries itself with genuine pride, never winking at its audience; there is real dignity in the harmonic progressions and voice leading.

Directors looking for a substantive march that challenges ensemble technique without overwhelming younger bands. This arrangement works well for concerts where you want a confidence-building closer or a solid mid-program anchor.

• Balance the march character by keeping the tempo steady and deliberate; resist the urge to rush as energy builds in the tutti sections.
• Shape the melodic phrases with gentle dynamic swells rather than dramatic shifts, allowing the tune's inherent strength to speak.
• Emphasize articulation clarity in the inner voices and countermelodies, which give the piece its distinctive texture and prevent the arrangement from sounding dense.

Pair this with lighter contemporary works to highlight the march's timeless appeal, or position it as the centerpiece of a program celebrating American band repertoire. The Grade 4 difficulty makes it accessible enough to perform early in the season while remaining musically rewarding enough to hold its own on a festival program.

• Maintaining steady pulse and tempo through rhythmic complexity
• Balancing melodic and accompanimental roles within the ensemble
• Executing articulation and phrasing that defines march style
• Reading and executing dynamic shaping across a full concert band score
• Understanding formal structure in march form (introduction, themes, variations, and finale)