North Dakota Proud

From the Red River Valley in the east to the Bad Lands in the west, one can experience a vast array of divergent life and topography on the plains of North Dakota. From the International Peace Gardens that share a border with Canada to the wild west of Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the topography and landscapes are breath taking and changing in the blink of eye. "North Dakota Proud" is a standard march steeped in the American traditions of Sousa and Fillmore. The shifting tonal center of the trio is meant to resemble the constantly changing landscapes that Teddy Roosevelt felt so connected to that he would say "I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota." The march was conceived with a standard march tempo in mind (mm. 120). There is a challenging counter melody introduced by the low reeds and the euphoniums at measure 21. The tempo can be modified to accommodate the playing level of those sections if needed. The 4th trumpet part is optional but should be included if enough players are available. The trombone section is featured in the trio of this march, first to introduce the melody and then the counter melody. The conductor may choose to include a ritardando during the second time through the breakup strain and include a "Grandioso" feeling at measure 104.