Air Base March

Description

Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet in Bb, Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Euphonium Treble Clef, Tuba, Mallets, Bells, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals, Triangle — Air Base March is dedicated to my grandfather, Maj. Frank H. Blakey, and the men of the 305th Airdrome Squadron, which he had the honor of commanding. The 305th Airdrome Squadron was tasked with creating and maintaining air bases for the Army Air Corps in the jungles of New Guinea and the Philippine Islands during World War II. My grandfather was killed in June of 1944 by an enemy sniper while picking fruit for the men in his unit. His remains were recovered in 1999 and several of the men from his unit attended the funeral. It was very nice to find out how much the men liked and respected my grandfather. I hope that you enjoy performing this piece and helping to keep the memory of these men alive.Performance Notes Pay special attention to the dynamics and ensure that eighth-note rests are observed throughout. Measure 16: The trumpet and bell part should be played strongly. Measure 21: This section should be thought of as a bugle call with strong percussion interspersed. Measure 34: The quarter note on count two should be played for its full value without “bleeding over” into the bell and triangle note on count three. Measure 41: The accented eighth notes should crescendo into count one of m. 42.During the final measure, the timpani, bells, and crash cymbal should dampen their note on count two immediately. The final note should be played for its full value and allowed to ring. Air Base March is a tribute to Maj. Frank H. Blakey and the men of the 305th Airdrome Squadron, who served during World War II. The squadron was tasked with establishing and maintaining air bases in the jungles of New Guinea and the Philippine Islands. This piece honors their bravery and sacrifices, particularly the memory of Maj. Blakey, who was killed in action in 1944. The march emphasizes dynamics, careful attention to eighth-note rests, and distinctive sections, including a bugle call and a final powerful conclusion. Through this composition, the memory of the men who served is kept alive.

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