Published: 1997
Publisher: Southern Music Company
Duration: 3:21
Grade: 3
Difficulty: Medium
In 1980 while serving as Bandmaster of the 3rd Armored Division, Mr. Booker arranged a melody known to the soldiers as “Our Third Armored Division Song” for the use of the band. Documents indicated that the original tune was written in 1945 by Private Chester F. Kowalec of the 33rdArmored Regiment and according to surviving members of the 3rd Armored Division (the Spearhead Division), the Division Band and Choir sang the song at the last mass gathering of the troops at the close of the war. In 1996 the composer wrote new material to serve as the opening of the march (the first two strains) and placing the 1980 setting of “Our Third Armored Division Song” in the position of honor as the march’s trio. The introduction to Gun’s Up! quotes “Adjutant’s Call” played by the trumpets, trombones, and euphoniums in octaves. The first strain, being more grand and lyrical, contrasts from the second strain, which is more lively and vigorous. With a sudden shift in tonal center, the introduction to the trio begins with the bugle call “To the Colors” which is often performed in place of the National Anthem. The melody of the trio is played first by the clarinets and saxophones, with the flutes, oboes, horns, and trumpets joining later. A repeat of the melody, scored for the full band, features a strong bugle-like counter melody scored in the saxophones and horns. A contrapuntal fanfare for the brass climaxes in a modulation leading to the final statement of the melody scored in grandioso style, using the same arrangement that military bands of today use when performing the 3rd Armored Division Song during the Pass in Review. Recorded by the Southern Music Wind Symphony, Dr. Mark Rogers, conductor.