Ian Deterling

Pomp and Circumstance Flexible Instrumentation

Pomp and Circumstance (Edward Elgar)

  • flexible instrumentation

    • Grade 3

Score/Parts PDF Preview

  • Only selected pages of the score/parts are available for preview.

Program Notes

Composed by Edward Elgar, arranged by Ian Deterling.

  • A new version of Pomp and Circumstance with the musicians, directors, and (potential marathon-length) performances in mind! 

  • This arrangement is different than most in that it is constructed to be as flexible as possible (in both instrumentation and performance length). With the exception of a short intro and ending coda, there are four 20-measure sections. Sections 1 and 4 are like most other arrangements; the well-known melody over a pulsating quarter note accompaniment. 

  • Sections 2 and 3 differ in that each instrument has measures of rest to save their chops. These two sections are also musically different; while following the same chord progression, they incorporate the main melody in different ways: segmented, inverted, reversed, inverted AND reversed… These sections are written to by stylistically correct with the original, but musically more interesting and rewarding for the performers.  

  • In performance, each section is labeled ([1], [2], [3] and [4]) - and the coda is labeled [5]. This is to make it as easy as possible for the conductor, who only has to hold up as many fingers to which section he or she wants the band perform next. Each section has the option to go to the coda if directed, and each section will seamlessly go into any other section (if going out of order/skipping/repeating sections is desired).

  • Instrumentation:

    • Part 1: Flute; Oboe; Bb Clarinet; Bb Trumpet; Violin

    • Part 2: Bb Clarinet; Bb Trumpet; Eb Alto Saxophone; Violin

    • Part 3: Bb Tenor Saxophone; Bb Clarinet; Eb Alto Saxophone; F Horn; Viola

    • Part 4: Bb Tenor Saxophone; Euphonium T.C.; F Horn; Trombone; Euphonium; Cello

    • Part 5: Euphonium T.C.; Bb Bass Clarinet; Baritone Saxophone; Trombone; Euphonium; Bassoon; Cello; Contrabass; Tuba

    • Percussion: Snare Drum; Bass Drum; Crash Cymbals; Suspended Cymbals

    • Mallet Percussion

    • Timpani

    • Piano (reduction)

Note: this arrangement has been transposed into the key of concert Bb Major (the original is in G Major).

What do I get when I order Pomp and Circumstance?

  • You will receive the score and parts in the form of three PDFs:

    • Score formatted to Tabloid paper, 11” x 17” (279mm x 432mm)

    • Score formatted to US Letter-size paper, 8.5” x 11” (216mm x 279mm)

    • Complete set of parts

  • Once your order has been processed, you’ll be emailed a link where you can download the sheet music.

  • When you click on the link to download your music, you’ll be brought to the download page (see image)

Download page for Pomp and Circumstance

  • Note that the score and parts are separated into different PDF files.

  • You can download everything (‘Download All’ button at the bottom), save the files to Dropbox, or download selected score/parts individually.

  • My website is set to three download attempts (see ‘3 downloads remaining’ in the image). If an error occurs or if you need additional download attempts, contact me here and I’ll reset the limit for you.