Toy Soldier Marches

Description

Piccolo, Flute 1, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Xylophone, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals — The winter holiday season might bring to mind the "Toy Soldier Dance" as performed annually by the famous Radio City Rockettes. There were in fact a number of composers who wrote march music for toy, tin or wooden soldiers. Four of those songs have been included in this medley: Parade of the Wooden (or Tin) Soldiers by Leon Jessel, March of the Toys from the operetta Babes in Toyland by Victor Herbert, Fritz Kreiser’s Toy Soldier March for violin and piano, and March of the Wooden Soldiers from Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.This arrangement, Toy Soldier Marches, is designed for high school band because of the rhythmic technique required by the compositions, although the ranges remain much easier. The ambitious director might incorporate some uniformed marching band students into the performance as wooden soldiers marching down the aisles. This medley of classic toy soldier marches is perfect for any concert including holiday performances. Featured are “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” by Jessel, “March of the Toys” by Herbert, “Toy Soldier March” by Kreiser and “March of the Wooden Soldiers” from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. Use this to introduce and teach your ensembles about the classical style needed to interpret literature of this time period, especially the approach to rhythmic accuracy, melodic interpretation and accompaniment balance.

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