COMPOSER : Neil Lock

This march was submitted to the march composers' competition for "Bandamonium 3"

in Hatherleigh, Devon in July 2024. The winning march was played by massed bands at the conclusion of the celebrations on Saturday 27th July 2024. Unfortunately, this march took second place in the competition, behind the march of Paul Pennicotte-Henrie, conductor of Okehampton Silver Band.

The march can be played with or without the singing. (Even at the Whit Friday marches, begad!) I suggest that it should be introduced by 3-beat rolls.

When played with singing, the "Bandamonium" lyrics (bars 10-13 and 56-57) are to be sung by all players, keeping to their own parts, with appropriate octave adjustment for their individual singing voices. Conductor and percussionists should sing with the main theme (Db and C at bars 10-13, F at 56-57). Listen to the 3rd cornet players!

There is an additional part for Singers, in which the trio melody (bars 58 onwards) can be sung by Soprano and Tenor singers at a moderate choir standard. An octave-down option is also provided in the higher bars. This part can be given to "spare" singers within the band, or to singers external to the band if opportunity permits. The lyrics are:

We are in Devon,

We're in Hatherleigh,

Whit Friday heaven,

But we're marching free!

Now it's past seven,

Time to party,

At Bandamonium

In Hatherleigh!

LM541 - ISMN : 9790570005413