Sousa: The Black Horse Troop - for Clarinet Quartet

ISMN#979-0-3071-0041-1

ASCAP WORK ID# 925552644

This intermediate clarinet quartet arrangement by Mark A. Craig / Craig Music Publishers of John Philip Sousa's classic march, "The Black Horse Troop," is perfect for recitals, patriotic or Americana events, pops concerts, weddings, or background dinner music gigs. This 20th-century traditional American march was written for professional, college, and upper-level high school ensembles. My clarinet quartet arrangements have equally balanced parts, so all Bb's will play melody, counter melody, and obbligato/technical passages equally.

Sousa wrote "The Black Horse Troop" for Cleveland’s famous Ohio National Guard Cavalry, known as Troop A. He was well acquainted with Troop A and was quite a skilled horseman himself. “Black Horse Troop” was the first Sousa march I ever heard. It has become my favorite march and one of my best arrangements. The lilting melodies in its pleasing 6/8 meter, along with its energetic "dogfight" strain and upper woodwind obbligato, will make this American classic a definite hit with your audiences. Originally scored for a full concert band, I hope you enjoy this unique setting for clarinets.

To learn about the inspiration behind this arrangement, originally written by legendary march king John Philip Sousa, click here to read the CMP Blog Post on my favorite march, The Black Horse Troop.