Stars and Stripes for orchestra in d

[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!!