National Fencibles

From Wind Repertory Project
John Philip Sousa

John Philip Sousa (ed. Loras John Schissel)


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General Info

Year: 1888 / 2013
Duration: c. 3:15
Difficulty: (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Ludwig-Masters Publications
Cost: Score and Parts - $80.00   |   Score Only - $12.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Piccolo
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
E-flat Alto Clarinet (optional)t
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Contra Alto Clarinet
B-flat Contrabass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II
Horn in F I-II
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Percussion, I-II

(Percussion detail desired)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The National Fencibles of this march's title were a popular drill team of Washington, D.C. The words to the trio of the march reflect their esprit de corps:

Forward to battle, the trumpet is sounding;
'Come if you dare!' We loudly sing.
Shoulder to shoulder, with hearts rebounding;
Onward we march, with the Fencibles' swing.

- Program Note from John Philip Sousa: A Descriptive Catalog of His Works


The dedication on the score reads, "To the officers and members of the National Fencibles of Washington, D.C."


This Sousa work was first performed on the grounds of the White House by the United States Marine Band in 1888, under the direction of the composer. The term “Fencibles” refers to the army regiment or militia that is now known as the National Guard. Following a traditional form, this classic parade march is in cut-time meter and modulates from B to E major at the trio. This new edition includes helpful program notes, a composer biography, and a scholarly rehearsal and performance essay. This arrangement also accommodates updated instrumentation, with parts written for saxophones and low clarinets that were not found in the original version.

- Program Note from The Instrumentalist, Feb. 2014, p. 32


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Aarhus, Craig. "Four Accessible Sousa Marches." NBA Journal, Winter 2024, pp. 46-48.
  • Bierley, Paul E. (1973). John Philip Sousa: A Descriptive Catalog of His Works. Urbana, Ill.: University of Illinois Press, page 61.