Stars and Stripes for orchestra in d

[MikeMason]

So, do those of you who play this just read off the bass part? Not very satisfying. Any better ideas?

[MikeMason]

Just seems like as often as this is played,someone would have written out something a little more polished/tailored. I looked on the New York phil's website and they apparently use the same old bass part too.

[Matt Good]

Mike,
I just sent you a PM

[Mark]

So, do those of you who play this just read off the bass part? Not very satisfying. Any better ideas?

I'm confused. I play this several times each summer and there is a tuba part:

[MikeMason]

Yes,I could fake it, but with a big stack of tunes,a mic down my bell in outdoor conditions, and my very limited improv abilities,I'd rather have some paper.

[Mark]

ahh yes...the old Brion/Schissel

And, the last time I played this, Keith Brion was conducting.

[Three Valves]

Poor fella.

All day long people saying "What up, Shizzle??"

[Ace]

ahh yes...the old Brion/Schissel

And, the last time I play this, Keith Brion was conducting.

Same here, except I was playing trumpet. Brion is an interesting guy.

Ace

[aqualung]

My brass band had to play this with the local semi-pro orchestra. Their conductor told me they had to play it in D because their piccolos couldn't play it in the original band key.
My BB players had no problem doing this chestnut in other keys.
Meanwhile, the piccolos in our community band told me they couldn't play it in the sharp keys.
Friends, these people all play the same key (C) piccolos.

[MikeMason]

Problem solved. Thanks Matt!

[timothy42b]

You've probably all seen the youtube video of Schissel explaining how to play it, but just in case:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DetE5-c ... L&index=53" target="_blank

[Steve Marcus]

When playing the piccolo obligato on a CC (which is almost expected now rather than a novelty), some of the trills are easier in G major instead of Ab major--FWIW.

[Steve Marcus]

When playing the piccolo obligato on a CC (which is almost expected now rather than a novelty), some of the trills are easier in G major instead of Ab major--FWIW.

[Three Valves]

You say that as if flute players have a function other than sitting in the first row and looking adorable.

[Steve Marcus]

Lest anyone should be under the impression that I advocate the notion of the principal flute/piccolo abdicating one of their most famous solos in favor of the tubist (this one is perfectly happy remaining in the back row shunning solos--unless, of course, the solo is written for tuba):

When (and it comes up from time-to-time) band directors ask me if I would consider stepping out in front of their bands and playing the piccolo solo on S&SF, I refuse.

Decades ago, I would do it, but - after doing it two or three times, realized that...
- there really aren't that many flute solos in band music - particularly not at WIDELY-ATTENDED band concerts (and, actually, not that many - percentage-wise - in orchestra music, either).
- even if I play that passage exquisitely well, it sounds like crap - because (well, duh) it's being played several octaves too low, and on the wrong instrument.
- flute players deserve their due. They don't need to LOOK FORWARD TO and PRACTICE playing that solo passage ONLY TO DISCOVER (particularly as most bands are volunteer organizations) that some stupid-@$$ tuba player is going to be playing the ONE passage in a patriotic concert that spotlights THEM.
- it's neither clever nor humorous.

+ 1

[Three Valves]

...and - at least, to me - their appearance doesn't particularly bring the word, "adorable", to the front of my vocab.

Obviously a sax player doubling on the flute!!