Dad's March

Doug Somers

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Description

This piece is a short quick march I've written for my dad for his birthday today and for Father's Day.

When I was growing up we listened to a lot of music in our household. While there were many genres we heard, quite a bit of it was marches. I think I memorized 'Marches of the British Armed Services' and the 'Centennial Tatoo' records before I was 8. Dad also took me to some of the tatoos that would come through Halifax from time to time which gave us a chance to go out together to listen to the music live. So, here's my chance to take all those wonderful influences, recast the tunes rolling around in my head, and wrap them up with a bow.

The march is in an a/b/a+b form and almost certainly contains some of its features from the many marches I have heard and played in band. If you do hear a melodic line that is from another march my plagiarism is quite unintentional - I suspect that for 'standard' marches anything that could be written has been written. :o)

I hope you enjoy the march, and Happy Birthday Dad!

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Lyrics

by the left quick march

Song Stats

Hits: 749
Comments: 54
Fans: 26
Plays: 74
Downloads: 33
Votes:
Uploaded: Jun 13, 2009 - 02:01:06 AM
Last Updated: Jun 13, 2009 - 02:01:06 AM Last Played: Oct 22, 2009 - 02:17:16 PM

Song License

Creative Commons License:
Attribution-NoDerivs-NonCommercial

Song Actions

Keywords:

march (24), birthday (18), dad (12)

Hardware:

Mac Book Pro

Software:

GB 09, Kontakt, EWQL Symphonic Orchestra, VSL samples (from Kontakt)

Comments

dantimmermans	dantimmermans said 148 days ago (June 13th, 2009)
	Dad's March This was fun and the melody was very catchy. I must commend you on your orchestration and the dynamics. An entertaining listen. Check out my latest song called From The Fire (Alt)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 145 days ago (June 15th, 2009)
	Nice to share the fun! Thanks Dan - I had a bit of a leg up from playing the occasional march so orchestration wasn't quite as bewildering as with other pieces I've taken on. Glad you enjoyed it! Peace, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Reinholt56	Reinholt56 said 148 days ago (June 13th, 2009)
	Hi doug This is simply wonderful. A great march theme in the tradition of march themes. The arrangement is excellent and the instruments have that authentic feel. The theme is foot-stompingly catchy. I will be playing this a good deal more now I have it on my computer. Happy birthday Mr Somers. Paul Check out my latest song called The Nightmare on Dream Street

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 145 days ago (June 15th, 2009)
	Thanks Paul - very kind of you! I see you have a wide appreciation of genres which is no surprise given the melange you are able to create in your own music. Thanks too for the good wishes to my dad. All the best, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

MarkHolbrook

MarkHolbrook said 148 days ago (June 13th, 2009)

Holy cow!
This sounds like I'm right there! How did you do this!? Really amazing Doug!

I mean it sound so real! Orchestration is spot on! I mean the only thing that might have been very interesting is to do a version of this that slowly pans from L to R ya know as the band marches by... I mean that would add the entire parade effect.

Fantastic work Doug!

Check out my latest song called Never Say Goodbye - Bond Challenge

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 145 days ago (June 15th, 2009)

Hi Mark
Now that's interesting, as I was also thinking of having the march pan, although in my head it was right to left for some reason. :o) In the end I decided not to do it though as the samples from Symphonic Orchestra were already set in a stereo soundstage by where the player sits in a typical orchestra so I thought it would mess with the marching by effect.

As to the realism, that comes from using these good quality samples and almost no processing. I did use a little chorus on the trumpets but otherwise things were straight from the disk as it were. I found that at the highest velocity settings, the brass samples were really quite blasty, meaning that I could get closer to that marching band kind of sound.

Thanks for your positive remarks!

Peace,
Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

magnatone	magnatone said 148 days ago (June 13th, 2009)
	Dad's March wow doug - this is terrific! I'm listening to all the parts of this and thinking how difficult it would be to put it together as perfectly well as you have here - you're an ace orchestrator! your dad must be proud! :) Check out my latest song called Symphonic Smackdown

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 145 days ago (June 15th, 2009)

Hi Karen
Thanks for such glowing endorsement. As to the complexity of this, it was a little tricky but not really that bad. The toughest thing I found was that the volume of the EWQL samples is really quite quantized into bands, and notes around the transition of a band can make for quite a difference in how loud the instrument sounds. By contrast, the JamPacks are much more forgiving in this regard, and I tend to use them as I'm drafting out the piece after which I switch samples to the Symphonic Orchestra. I then have to go back and 'clean up' many of the velocities though.

However, after listening to MagnaFlight (which is wonderful BTW) I think you have set the bar at dealing with real complexity in a most skillful and artistic way.

Thanks again for your kind words,
Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Roxylee	Roxylee said 148 days ago (June 13th, 2009)
	Dads, march on! I feel like I'm a kid again, standing at the side of the road as the parade band passes by. It passes all too quickly, but leaves a lasting memory. Thank you for posting this up for us. :-) Check out my latest song called Sweet Grace

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 145 days ago (June 15th, 2009)
	Yes, it is like being a kid This piece does pass quickly then the band has to be on to it's next gig. I'm so glad it brought fond memories of childhood. Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

drakonis

drakonis said 148 days ago (June 13th, 2009)

Wooza Wooza, Doctor Souza!
What a wonderful birthday & Father's day gift! Excellent piece of music, I love the transition to the softer B section then back out, excellent composition, superb instrumentation and tweaking dynamics to make this sound like the real thing! I was 2nd clarinet in marching band, and always had the trumpets right behind me, so it is nice to hear a more BALANCED bit of marching music, finally! ;-) Love this, Doug!
ttfn,
Drakonis

Check out my latest song called Temporal Tantrum (Sister Savage Mix)

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 145 days ago (June 15th, 2009)

Balanced Music
Yes, it is only now that I have total control that I can experience balance in band music. Now, I did play trumpet so I was probably as guilty as the people in your band (I wonder now how the hearing is for the people that played clarinets right in front of our trumpet line. Not good I expect :o)

Thanks Eduard,
The band has left the field.......

Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

mowguy3	mowguy3 said 147 days ago (June 13th, 2009)
	This had to be a killer to put togeather. Thank's for smile though. Great job. Check out my latest song called A Different Shade Of Moonlight

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)

Actually not as much of a killer
as I thought it was going to be. A bit tricky in bits, but overall just a lot of detailed work. The funny thing is that I can probably crank out a lot of marches - from my early musical influences wiring my brain this way - and yet there is so much else to express. My next piece will be different again.

Glad this brought a smile and I appreciate your kind comments.

All the best,
Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Feter

Feter said 147 days ago (June 13th, 2009)

Dad's March
Man you done this like piece of cake ...its SO real and authentic that you can
certainly let me believe this is came from a true Marching fields band ..wow ..
a real brilliant .... wonderful dedication and Happy Birthday to your Dad with
all the blessings ...thnx alot for sharin !!!!!

Check out my latest song called A Night With Feter feat'(Roxylee sloparts crissew johnwhitehead and Yamin AL Yamani )

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)
	I'm honoured Feter Thanks for your encouragement in this piece and always I'm glad you liked the authentic sound. It was a joy to put together for my dad. Peace my friend! Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Diviner	Diviner said 147 days ago (June 14th, 2009)
	Good fun and well made march. You have some very authentic sounds and it sounds as if there was a marching band playing this right in front of me. Great stuff Doug, and I'm sure your Dad would love it. Check out my latest song called Space Program (Space Race 2009)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)
	Another departure from your style Keith and I'm glad you liked the work. The EWQL samples are quite effective for their stereo presence so a lot of credit goes to the recording engineers at East West (Keith O Johnson). Thanks for your good wishes! Cheers, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Moviz

Moviz said 145 days ago (June 15th, 2009)

'I love a parade'
'I love a parade', or so the song goes and this brings out the atmosphere of the parade wonderfully. I never cared for brass Bands when I was young, but they seem to have grown on me the older I get. I watched on TV the Military bands of the Irish Guards as they played and marched at the ceremony for the Queen's official Birthday at week end and this piece you've performed reminds me so much of those bands. A very full and authentic sound you got here Doug and most enjoyable. Happy Birthday to your Dad too, cheers M

Check out my latest song called A Soldiers Dream (Remix/record)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)
	Cheers Maurice It must be a treat to be in the UK and be able to hear the British style of marches first hand (as one matures and the marches take on a certain attraction ... :o) So glad you liked the performance and the sound. And thanks too for the good wishes for my dad. All the best, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

kassia

kassia said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)

i'm back in high school!
oh this brings back so many memories. what fun! i marched in my fair share of bands and this composition stands up there with the best. wonderful use of all the instruments. i love the flute and xylophone trilly descants going wild there at the end. this is great doug. a solid march - what a wonderful gift for your dad (and us)!

Check out my latest song called World of Wonders

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 144 days ago (June 17th, 2009)
	Hello Shay!! Wow, there seem to be a growing number of us who played in bands in school, which really shouldn't surprise me. I'm glad you could hear the piccolo flute as I thought it was getting lost in the action at the end, but I didn't want it to be too overpowering either. Thanks for the most generous remarks! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

dajama	dajama said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)
	Man Man, this is impressive. It sounds absolutely like a live band marching past. Great sound from all the instruments and a really catchy tune to boot. Needless to say, this had me moving in my chair. Very cool. You have a great command of many genres. A nice tribute to your dad. Nicely done. Peace. Check out my latest song called Across the Wire (MJRF)

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 144 days ago (June 17th, 2009)

Just gotta move...
I often find that when I walk to a place quickly I have a march in my head (I was never in a marching band or the military but I gravitate to music as a way to keep a quick pace). As to moving in a chair, I do that often with other artists' works here.

Thanks for your kind words about my interest in many genres, which is absolutely trus. At one point I thought that it would make it hard for people to associate me with a kind of music they liked, but that concern was very short lived. I feel like making all kinds of music and would rather be true to that direction than be branded for a certain genre.

Thanks for stopping by and leaving such gracious remarks!

Be well David,
Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Parichayaka	Parichayaka said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)
	This is just great! You absolutely captured the spirit! Very well done, on all levels. And what a nice way to honor someone. Wonderful... Check out my latest song called f12

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	High praise mr. P Glad you like the spirit of a live concert band. My dad did introduce me to so much music (in addition to marches!) that it is nice to make something special for him. Thanks for your support! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Calchas	Calchas said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)
	GEEZ! Sounds like a LIVE recording at a concert hall! Color me blown away! Well done Doug. Take care friend! Check out my latest song called Days Go By w/ Relic67 & Andy Mackle

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	Mr Brewskies Hi Mike - thanks for the kind comments. I detect a little resonance here for you? I have had fun playing with the new samples for this one. Love your beer tune man. I'll take another round of that anytime! Best wishes, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Calchas	Calchas said 139 days ago (June 21st, 2009)
	Resonance... Good call! My dad used to love pipe and drum marching bands and had a lot of recordings of the stuff. I used to listen to his records when I was a small boy. This tune takes me back. Funny that you called it "Dad's March." Be well friend! Check out my latest song called Days Go By w/ Relic67 & Andy Mackle

gail60	gail60 said 144 days ago (June 16th, 2009)
	hup 2 3 4... This made me smile. It reminds me of the carousel horse rides that I rode long ago and how much fun we would have. So upbeat and pleasant. Great job Doug. Thanks for sharing. I know you made your Dad proud!! Check out my latest song called Sweet September

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	Carousel music Yes, I was thinking what would part of this sound if played on a calliope or organ, but I didn't link it to the carousel. Makes sense to me though. I'm so glad that you got a smile from this little piece. It's only fair to return the favour :o) Take care, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

futzpucker	futzpucker said 144 days ago (June 17th, 2009)
	Takes me back... This certainly captured the spirit of the great marches I played in marching bands when I was young. You have done a very pro job of orchestration here, too. What a great tribute to time spent with your Pops. Check out my latest song called Just As It Is

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	Another former band member Thanks Patrick, I really appreciate your kind remarks. I'm still awash in the effects of your piece Just as it is and so am a tad dreamy and inarticulate. Thanks for stopping by! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Bowman	Bowman said 144 days ago (June 17th, 2009)
	I love marches Doug and I love this. It's not just good, it's very playful with a few "wrong notes" which gives it just a slightly off center kick and makes it that much more special. Your Dad couldn't have a nicer gift. Cheers, Charlie Check out my latest song called The Orion Express - MJ Space Race 2009 by Bowman

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)

Interesting that you noticed the wrong notes
Most concert bands seem to have that off note or two to really provide a live feel, as you say - although I think with most of them they don't plan it that way! I actually was quite amused when I had the clarinets playing quickly toward the end of part 2 they squeeked! Now THAT really took me back to band days.

Thanks Charlie, always a pleasure to hear from you.

Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

davisamerica	davisamerica said 144 days ago (June 17th, 2009)
	i love marching bands.... when i was a kid i always got as close to the front as possible so the bass drums would make my whole body vibrate. Doug this is pretty wonderful ..... a most enjoyable listen man! Check out my latest song called No Son(egobandit band)

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	If you like vibrating from the bass drums you have to try this on speakers with either a subwoofer or very large woofers. I did the early work on my old Tannoys and the bass drum was one of the first things into the mix. I was quite surprised at how the samples really made the room shake. Thanks for your kind comments! Peace, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

damiengh	damiengh said 144 days ago (June 17th, 2009)
	Onward Forward Are the clowns coming down the street yet? Great spirit lifter. Feel like I'm at the parade now, or even at a half-shell park dusk concert by the sea, like the one in Beverly, MA. Great dynamics that really give it that real feel. Check out my latest song called Tea and Scones

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	Thanks damien, but I'm fresh out of clowns This would be a good bandshell kind of piece. Maybe I could put the score in front of a local band and see if they'd play it. Thanks for your supportive remarks! Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Lennon714	Lennon714 said 143 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	Wow Wish I could do this. Makes me want to go to Disneyland. How long does it take to put something like this together? Check out my latest song called Anarchy, Inc.

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	Wish I could sing and play an axe like you do too Your Disney comment makes me smile - yes, I can see it. I'll bet you put more time into Caravaggio than I did with this piece. I spent about 4 weeks on and off (mainly off) probably about 2.5 to 3 days of full time work. Glad you liked it! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Giusepppe	Giusepppe said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	good march imperial Uou, good march imperial, it habra liked much your father, very solemn, a greeting Check out my latest song called Feeling Sweet

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 141 days ago (June 19th, 2009)
	Imperial march Thanks for your comments. I'm enjoying the work you're posting as well. Nice to hear all these different styles! Cheers, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

egobandit	egobandit said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	good one For dear Ol dad, Excellent!! Check out my latest song called So I been told

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	Many thanks Glad you enjoyed it. Here's to all our dads! Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

mvh9591	mvh9591 said 142 days ago (June 18th, 2009)
	Nice____ Reminds me of the "merry-go-round" at Hershey Park. Nice job. Thanks for sharing, mvh : ) Check out my latest song called Maggie Rodriguez tribute

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 141 days ago (June 19th, 2009)
	Another merry-go-round association It's always interesting to me as to how a piece of music brings forth memories, feelings, and of course toe tapping in the listener. Thanks for your kind remarks, Be well, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

mvh9591	mvh9591 said 104 days ago (July 26th, 2009)
	Nice___ Okay____ Much better than the merry go round at the park. Sorry, mvh : ) Check out my latest song called Maggie Rodriguez tribute

paul f. page

paul f. page said 141 days ago (June 19th, 2009)

Just WOW!
Doug,
The composition is, as you said in your notes, kind of generic, but that doesn't make it any less appealing. Who doesn't enjoy a good march, after all? But what is really astounding is your use of plug-ins to achieve the authentic sound you have here. That is amazing and I commend your skill in getting this particular mix to work so well. I love this...and envy your ability to drag this sound out of your computer! Ah, well. I have some learning to do, that's for sure.
Peace.
Paul

Check out my latest song called Dies Irae

Doug Somers

Doug Somers said 141 days ago (June 19th, 2009)

Sir Paul
I am honoured that you also enjoy a good march (and that you thought this rated in that category! :o)

The sound quality is 80-90% from the way the East West samples were recorded as far as I can tell. They all have hall ambience and placement in the stereo field and so in most instances no messing about was required. In fact, in Garageband I turned off all the effects for everything but the trumpets. For that part of the band, I thought that to get a fuller and more outdoors kind of sound I would add a little chorus effect. The VSL/Kontakt samples, which were the percussion effects, have ambience provided by a Kontakt preset I believe. I think the VSL samples on their own don't have release trails. So, while I'd love to share anything that I know with you, there's really not much more than the excellent job other folks have done to make these sounds available. I'm still new to using these tools and am always ready to soak up new tips in all areas of music production. To paraphrase what they say in a Monty Python sketch on actors, 'the notes are all there, all we have to do is get them in the right order'.

Thanks again Paul for your kind thoughts,
Doug

Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

lengold	lengold said 139 days ago (June 22nd, 2009)
	That sounds so real I thought they were passing by outside my window. Cheers Len Check out my latest song called Dodgy Doughnut

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 123 days ago (July 7th, 2009)
	Actually if you look carefully you will find the microphone on your window sill! Glad you enjoyed the realism. Thanks for stopping by Len! Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

Yordbear	Yordbear said 33 days ago (October 5th, 2009)
	Attention!!!up 123 123! With your permission i'd like to email our queen over here in the uk and tell her ive found the new march for the british army! yes! :-) She'll be most pleased! i like this very much! Check out my latest song called Dreams of Damascus

Doug Somers	Doug Somers said 32 days ago (October 6th, 2009)
	Sure Tell her one of her loyal Canadian subjects has written her lads with the fuzzy hats a new tune. Actually we have the same kind of non-smiling guards here as well. Glad you like the march. Cheers, Doug Check out my latest song called Desiree (MJ Space Race 2009)

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Artist Info

Name: Doug Somers

I make music for pleasure, usually on my own. I do sometimes jam with a local celtic group, playing bodhran and 12 string guitar. In my 4th year of university I had a project with some friends to make a synthesizer which produced chords by detecti... [see more]

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