Balance

In the words of the late, great Dr. Seuss, "Life's a great big balancing act".  In a world of growing technology and access to information, people are as busy as ever.  Students are more burdened with heavier workloads, extracurricular activities, and society, in general, is overworked and overtired.  It's growing ever-more important to find balance in our lives:  Balance between work and play, family and friends, and acheiving fulfilling lives participating in things we love to do.  This show explores the multi-faceted lives we live in the current "age of information".  Starting with a powerful Introduction movement, the show will take you on a journey from perfectly balanced, to chaos, and back in balance.  There are plenty of opportunities throughout the show to exploit the literal concept of the show by attempting different "balancing" techiques (Yoga positions, standing on one foot, leaning to one side, etc.). Balance is sure to excite the audience while simultaneously offer thought and perspective on the lives we live today.  

Balance was commissioned by The Douglas MacArthur High School Marching Band in San Antonio, TX for their 2015 Competitive Season.  

• • Original Music by John Max McFarland

Show Duration: 7:46

Tempo Range: 84, 168, 176 BPM

Difficulty Levels:

• Brass: 4
• Woodwind: 4
  
• Battery: 4
• Front Ensemble: 4

Instrumentation: 

• Winds:
  
  • Flute
    
  • Clarinet 1, 2
  • Alto Saxophone 1, 2
  • Tenor Saxophone
    
  • Baritone Saxophone
  • Trumpet 1, 2
  • Mellophone
    
  • Trombone
  • Baritone
  • Tuba
    
• Percussion:
  • Glockenspiel/Xylophone (1 Player)
    
  • Vibraphone 1, 2
    
  • Marimba 1, 2
    
  • Synthesizer 1, 2
    
  • Percussion 1, 2
  • Snares
  • Tenors (5 Drums)
  • 5 Bass Drums (4 Bass Drum part available upon request)