We are Coming: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

This is a Sousa march that never became standard repertoire, which means programming it feels fresh even to audiences who know his famous works. Loras Schissel's careful editing restores a piece that deserves revival without over-arranging or modernizing it beyond recognition. A Grade 4 march from the March King himself gives your band genuine repertoire value and concert appeal.

A march that carries the characteristic stride and confidence of Sousa's style while maintaining an approachable musical vocabulary for high school musicians. The harmonic language is clear and purposeful, with moments of warmth that remind listeners why Sousa's marches endure.

Band directors programming Grade 4 repertoire who want to offer their students a genuine Sousa march with historical weight and pedagogical substance. Bands with solid fundamentals in intonation and rhythmic precision will perform this effectively and take pride in the material's pedigree.

• Balance the melodic line through the ensemble; Sousa wrote for clarity of voice and the multiple key changes demand that inner voices don't overwhelm the primary melody.
• Establish a confident, steady tempo that lets the march character speak without rushing. The harmonic transitions work best when they breathe.
• Pay attention to Schissel's editorial markings for dynamics and articulation. His work honors Sousa's intent while clarifying the score for modern ensembles.

Use this as a main concert selection or an opener for a program centered on American band composers. It pairs well with other Grade 3-4 standard marches and provides a natural bridge between educational repertoire and the concert hall.

• Marching form and balanced phrase structure
• Harmonic progression and chord clarity across ensemble voicing
• Articulation and rhythmic precision in moderate tempo
• Historical context and American band music tradition