March of the Ladybugs
Barry E. Kopetz

Ladybugs may be the cutest of all beetles to grace the windowsills and back porches of America during the summertime. Observing them walk is always a reminder to me of how cute they are, and this is the principal idea in the March of the Ladybugs. It appears that when they are scurrying rapidly across a surface that the pace of their step, as well as the direction of their travel, is like a good march. The essence of these wonderfully entertaining insects, with the occasional flapping of their wings as they hurry along, is represented by the incessant major second.

The work is written in a modified march form to allow for the endurance limitations of young bands. It contains an introduction, a first strain, a trio, and a traditional dogfight – or bug fight. The only item left out is the second strain. And just as ladybugs tend to stop and go, so does the March of the Ladybugs!

The piece demands attention to all of the fundamental technical skills normally associated with a quality march performance – observation of characteristic tone quality, precision excellence, and development of good internal pulse throughout the ensemble.