Mulberry March

The Mulberry March

Jeffrey T. Parthun, Sr.

Grade- Beginning Band

Mulberry March has proven to be a very fine beginning march for young players. It is an excellent teaching piece for reinforcing beginning pitches, simple 1/8^th note rhythms, ties, dynamic contrasts and musical balance. The piece is written around a rhythmic motif that is presented with contrasting melodic treatments and orchestrations. The percussion parts are supportive and colorful. The non-pitched parts play an integral role in the structure of the piece and are more than easy 'boom-chick' accompaniments. Please note that the snare drum part uses buzzed 1/8^th notes instead of traditional 16^th note rolls. This reinforces in beginning percussionists the foundations of playing good snare drum rolls which are using a buzz or bounce played in a steady rhythm. The tambourine/suspended cymbal parts provide an opportunity for weaker players to use colorful but unusual parts. A part combining the bells and sus-cym/tambourine parts is included in this set because the bell player(s) may also play the tambourine/suspended cymbal parts, depending on the number of players in your ensemble. Conductors should feel free to add additional mallet instruments if they are available.