Description

This is an arrangement for Brass Band of the Tyneside favourite “The Blaydon Races.” Originally, it was arranged for Billingham Silver Band but it has been revised and the instrumentation augmented since then to become the version seen here.

The melody is varied, passed around the band and the metre changed regularly from 6/8 to 2/4 and back again.

It was conceived as a concert piece but would work as a piece for marching to. It is to be enjoyed, however it is performed, and I commend it to you.

Please note: the marking “Alla Marcia” has given rise to the tempo on the recorded excerpt: the final choice of tempo is down to personal preference – I would opt for a slightly faster one than you will hear.