Written for smaller bands with limited instrumentation that are looking for more challenging compositions, this complex composition will develop musicians counting and rhythmic precision skills while also working on cut-time and tonguing. Definitely a different type of composition, this will entertain performers and audiences alike with its tongue-in-cheek approach. Duration: 2:40
Program Notes:
As the title suggests, there should be a tongue-in-cheek aspect to the performance of this piece with the idea that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Close attention should be paid to staccato notes, making sure not to play them too short and clipped, keeping in mind that a staccato quarter note should have the length of an eighth note and not the length of a sixteenth note. Although the piece is a march, it needn't conform to any strict interpretation of what a march should be. Some of the tongued eighth-note passages may need to be double-tongued, depending on tempo, using the "Dig-A-Duck" method. For instance at m. 34 the repeated eighth notes might be tongued "dig-a-da-duck, dig-a-duck, da dot dot." Slurred eighth-note passages should "follow the curve of the line," getting slightly louder as notes ascend and slightly softer as they descend. Measure 39 through m. 51 will have a somewhat chaotic feel, so go with the flow!
The sparsely orchestrated passage at m. 68 is understated—perhaps a little "spacey" in keeping with our theme—and not to be overplayed until the crescendo at m. 88, when we return to business as usual. Trumpets show off again (rarely a problem for trumpet players) on the D. S. back to m. 6. On the Coda, another disjointed-sounding theme, again departing from any strict interpretation of a march—again, making sure that the staccatos are not too clipped—is followed by a repeat of the main theme, this time layered. Care should be taken to balance the entrances of the layered instrument groups as they enter.
An exuberant final four measures puts the cherry on top. Percussion can play out for the most part, very little subtlety required. Overall, this piece is meant to be FUN, for both the performers and the audience!
