Comments by Kevin Norbury
This piece was written for the New York Staff Band's tour of the United Kingdom Territory in 2004. It was intended as a novelty program-opener with a strong American flavor. I used three well-known tunes, Always Cheerful (T.B. 362), I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart and O, when the saints go marching in. These are subjected to a range of musical styles which are synonymous with the USA ﾡﾪ marching band, big band and the traditional Sousa-style march.
There are some technical demands, but these are not, by any means, insurmountable. Because of the 'parade' context, the tempo is constant and unrelenting. The stylistic changes can occur suddenly, and the transitions will need to be well rehearsed in order to negotiate them smoothly. Once the styles have been grasped, let the band have fun with the piece!
(view series guide)
Produced by The Salvation Army, SP&S, UK
