Instrumentation

1 - Full Score
1 - Piccolo
4 - Flute 1
4 - Flute 2
1 - Oboe 1
1 - Oboe 2
1 - Eb Clarinet
4 - Bb Clarinet 1
4 - Bb Clarinet 2
4 - Bb Clarinet 3
2 - Eb Alto Clarinet
2 - Bb Bass Clarinet
1 - Bb Contrabass Clarinet
2 - Bassoon
2 - Eb Alto Saxophone 1
2 - Eb Alto Saxophone 2
2 - Bb Tenor Saxophone
1 - Eb Baritone Saxophone
2 - F Horn 1& 3
2 - F Horn 2 & 4
3 - Bb Trumpet 1
3 - Bb Trumpet 2
3 - Bb Trumpet 3
2 - Trombone 1
2 - Trombone 2
2 - Trombone 3 & Bass Trombone
2 - Euphonium B. C.
2 - Euphonium T. C.
4 - Tuba
1 - Contrabass
1 - Timpani
3 - Cymbals, Triangle, Guiro, Bells
3 - Snare Drum, Tambourine, Bass Drum

Tiger Tail March (2:47)
Grade 4
Title and Premiere by the Louisiana State University Wind Ensemble
November 7, 2000, Frank Wickes, Conductor

It was 1978. I was 16 years old at that time and first horn in the Ark-La-Tex honor band which is hosted by Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana. Not my first honor band, but the first time I had the honor of having Dr. Harry Begian as the clinician. He was larger than life. Articulate with both words and the baton. Demanding? Yes. Strict? Yes, but nothing compared to my high school band director at that time and also par for the period. Warm and giving, he seemed to me a fountain of musical knowledge and experience. He showed a love and passion for music beyond anything I had ever experienced. He changed the way I saw music, and the impact of that experience is still with me today. The following year, I had him again, with another honor band. Between the two performances, the pieces I remember the most were: "Russian Christmas Music," "Armenian Dances," and "La Fiesta Mexicana." War horses with a War Horse.

I have tried to spiritually incorporate these works, emotions, and the spirit of the clinician, Dr. Begian, into this march. Light, articulate, funny, tricky, bold, joyful and honorable. I hope I have done him and those fond memories justice. An unusual march for an unusually gifted musician!  J.G.

To see and hear the score: Tiger Tail March