This rousing march by Dave Collins is a dedication to the remarkable group of volunteers - the unsung heroes - who, each year, organise and run the iconic Whit Friday brass band contests. They ensure that the heritage and tradition of this uniquely special event is not lost, preserving its ongoing and continued success.
BrookWright is offering a 25% discount for bands who perform this march at the Whit Friday Contest. To claim the discount, please send a scan or photo of your band's adjudication card after the event to info@brookwrightmusic.com
Whit Friday, ‘The Greatest Free Show on Earth’, is synonymous with the brass band tradition. Its importance in the annual calendar to the players, supporters and spectators is vital to the Tameside and Saddleworth community. However, this mighty contest simply could not take place without the willing volunteers who dedicate their services year after year to keep this unique banding tradition going.
Traditionally, on Whit Friday Morning, Hail! Smiling Morn (Roud #1346), also known as Praise Ye the Lord, is heard across the Saddleworth villages. This is where I have taken my inspiration, and the entire march is built upon quotes and references of this joyous work.
The Stewards has many traditional elements drawing on the vast repertory of well-known marches, as well as some untraditional techniques and harmonies. The work aims to be a good test for the bands in its performance, but also fun and entertaining for the players and audiences alike - featuring a cheeky cornet solo, thunderous bass feature, and lyrical euphonium melodies, before concluding with a triumphant quote from the original source material.
To you all who perform or hear this work, the stewards of the brass band tradition, HAIL!
To view a follow-the-score video featuring Tredegar Town Band performing the work please visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CNgqvc534s
PDF download includes score and parts, and comes in both A4 size and A5 landscape parts for marching purposes. A single page A5 conductor reduced score is also included.
Sheet music available from:
UK - www.brassband.co.uk
USA - www.solidbrassmusic.com
Difficulty Level: 3rd Section +
Instrumentation:
Soprano Cornet Eb
Solo Cornet Bb
Repiano Cornet Bb
2nd Cornet Bb
3rd Cornet Bb
Flugel Horn Bb
Solo Horn Eb
1st Horn Eb
2nd Horn Eb
1st Baritone Bb
2nd Baritone Bb
1st Trombone Bb
2nd Trombone Bb
Bass Trombone
Euphonium Bb
Bass Eb
Bass Bb
Cymbals
Side Drum
Bass Drum