Fort Drake

“Fort Drake” was composed specially for the British Bandsman March Composition Contest. The title is a respectful parody of a well-known march cited as a model in the contest regulations. Originally just a working title, it was later accepted for its suggestion of unyielding strength and durability.

Written to appeal to bands and audiences alike, the piece has striking melodies, a smooth trio section and exciting phrases featured in all instruments. Great difficulty and extreme ranges have been carefully avoided to achieve maximum sonority along with relative ease of presentation.