Touchstone March

Touchstone March is intended to support the teaching of the rhythmic figure of the dotted-eighth, followed by the sixteenth. This is a rhythm too often neglected in music for younger bands. Because the sixteenth note subdivision is critical to the correct performance of this figure, the snare drum part is filled with measures designed to reinforce this concept. Most importantly, this piece can be effective in teaching students expression by following the multitude of dynamic markings. Creative teachers will feel comfortable in adding shaping and contour appropriate to each phrase. March style ("alla marcia") is achieved by lifting each quarter and dotted eighth note while giving value to all of the half notes and longer notes.