Mount Vernon Square

Description

Flute, Piccolo, Oboe, Clarinet in Bb 1, Clarinet in Bb 2, Clarinet in Bb 3, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, Trumpet in Bb 1, Trumpet in Bb 2, Trumpet in Bb 3, Horn in F 1, Horn in F 2, Trombone 1, Trombone 2, Euphonium, Bb Euphonium, Tuba, Mallet Percussion, Bells, Timpani, Percussion 1, Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Percussion 2, Crash Cymbals — Mount Vernon Square derives its title from the location of the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland. It was here that the composer Joseph Compello took his first classes in Music Theory from Professor Haven Hensler, to whom this march is dedicated. After hearing this march performed on piano as part of final exam requirements in a Music Theory course, Professor Hensler encouraged further exploration of music composition, leading Compello into a prolific career writing pieces like this theme, now years later arranged for full band as a concert march.Performance NotesThe form of the march is a standard A-BB-Trio-C-A. Melodically, much of the march is based on the figure contained in mm. 8 and 9. Tempo, articulation, and dynamics in a standard march style are essential to a successful interpretation. Pay particular attention to dynamics in the second strain at m. 41. Strive for a legato diminuendo at the transition in mm. 63-65. The melody in the Trio (m. 70) will also require smooth articulation from low brass and woodwinds. The Euphonium counter-melody will be played only during the repeat of the Trio. The Breakup Strain (m. 87) is, of course, powerfully marcato as is the reprise of the first theme at m. 109. Named after the location of Peabody Conservatory, where the composer took his first music theory classes, this traditional march offers great opportunities to work on aspects of tempo, articulation and dynamics that are essential for march interpretations. Every performer should experience the classic march form and this new march, which honors greats of the past, is a perfect opportunity to do just that!

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