The Fencing Master

Description

Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Horn in F 3, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Trombone 3, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Bells, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals — Originally published by Carl Fischer in 1932, The Fencing Master by Captain James C. Harper, former director of the famed Lenoir High School Band (Lenoir, North Carolina), is a rediscovered treasure in the concert march world. A fencing master is defined as an expert in, and teacher of, the art and sport of fencing. This sport uses a sword both in an offensive and defensive stance. This march embodies the idea of fencing and the fencing master.Captain Harper used this march as part of his application to the American Bandmasters Association where he later served as president of this organization in 1955 and was also a lifetime honorary president. Captain Harper was also a strong driving force in the creation of the North Carolina Chapter of the American School Band Directors Association. This chapter of the ASBDA is one of the oldest and largest in the country.The famed Lenoir High School Band was the center of Captain Harper’s dedication for quality music education. The Lenoir High School Band continues to be internationally known for a staggering forty-two-year consecutive streak of Superior Ratings in Grade VI state Concert Band Contests. This streak was from 1935 until the school’s closing in 1977 as part of a school merger in Caldwell County.As a fellow native of Lenoir, North Carolina, the revitalization of this concert march has been a special project for me. May this revived gem serve as a tribute to the legacy of Captain Harper and his famed Lenoir High School Band. Originally published by Carl Fischer in 1932, this rediscovered treasure of the concert march world has been rescored for the modern concert band. Written in traditional march form, all sections are featured. A pleasant opening strain moves into an interesting trio with a legato trumpet melody set against high woodwind arpeggios before a more strident presentation of the same theme. With multiple dynamic contrasts and interesting countermelodies for all sections, this march is a great opportunity to teach traditional march form while also presenting a gem of the march repertoire that is unknown to many audiences.

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