Step Ahead, A

From Wind Repertory Project
Harry L. Alford

Harry L Alford


General Info

Year: 1938
Duration: c. 2:25
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Harry L. Alford Studios
Cost: Score and Parts – Out of print.

For availability information, see Discussion tab, above.


Instrumentation

Condensed Score
D-flat Piccolo
Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III-IV
E-flat Alto Clarinet
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone I-II
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Bass Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II-II-IV
E-flat Horn or Alto I-II-III-IV
Horn in F I-II-III
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Snare Drum
  • Wood Block


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

A Step Ahead March (1938) was Alford’s last. The work is reminiscent of early film scores from the 1930s. One of the outstanding features of this cinematic-sounding piece is appropriately the pyrotechnic euphonium obbligato in the trio. This new edition is dedicated to Dr. Brian L. Bowman who seems to always be “A Step Ahead.” In a letter to A.A. Harding, the Director of Bands at the University of Illinois, Alford wrote the following regarding this final march:

Enclosed is the March, but for the life of me, I can’t find a title. Maybe it will come in the next few days. I have a melody in the Trio that is bound to stay with you… it has not been played: so I am rather anxious to hear how these ideas sound by the “WORLD’S GREATEST COLLEGE BAND.”

- Program Note from University of North Texas, Denton, Wind Symphony concert program, 19 November 2015


[This edition is dedicated to Dr. Brian Bowman, who seems to always be "A Step Ahead."]

- Source of note unknown


Media

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State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

  • Alford, H. (1940). A Step Ahead [score]. Harry L. Alford Studios: s.l.