Matt Rice 1975-2012

Matt, a Missouri native, grew up in the Arnold (Fox C-6 School) Community. He attended Fox Middle School and then graduated from Fox High School (’93). During his Junior and Senior years Matt was drum major for the band and often talked about wanting to return to Fox in the future. Matt went on to graduate with his bachelor degree from Missouri State University (2000). He came back to the Fox district and began teaching at Seckman Middle School. When the opportunity arose he was hired to be the director at Fox High, his home. Matt was extremely proud and excited to be the director at Fox and spent his final seven years here. He cared greatly for his students, laid the foundation for the continued growth and improvement of bands in the Fox District, and will be missed greatly.

New Colonial March - by R. B. Hall, arranged by Joseph Pappas - Grade 3 1/2

The New Colonial March written by R.B. Hall, was one of the favorites of Matt Rice. In the fall of 2010, Matt asked friend and mentor Joe Pappas what he thought about creating a new arrangement of the standard march. Joe first thought why “invent the wheel” then Matt shed some light on the rationale.

In it’s public domain state, there is no full score available, only a Solo 1st Cornet part, which was standard in those days. By creating a full score, at least the piece could be done for festival, which was Matt’s intention. Joe suggested if you are going to create a full score, it may be time to clean up parts (many discrepancies) and eliminate the unneeded parts (i.e. 2nd oboe, 2nd bassoon, soprano saxophone, etc.) and to develop percussion parts to fit the needs of today’s bands. This would mean to add a timpani and a mallet part, while clarifying the standard percussion parts. Matt being a euphonium/trombone player, Joe thought it would be nice to create a “typical” enhanced part in these sections, especially in the trio as a tribute to Matt. Thus, the running passages in the trio.

As a memorial to Matt, Joe suggested to the East Central Music Educator’s board to create the arrangement and make it available for purchase to any school and director with the proceeds going to the Fox High School band for new equipment.

The arrangement is very solid and will offer a challenge in preparing the march. It is excellent for contest, festival, or a spring-summer concert.

The piece is dedicated to the Fox High School Band in memory of their director, Matt Rice.

New Colonial March

Score - sample

Trumpet 1 - sample

Clarinet 1 - sample

mp3 - sample

If you would like to donate $50.00 to the Fox High School band, Mr. Pappas will send you the full PDF of the score and parts for you to print. Please make checks payable to "Fox High School Band" and send to:

Fox High School Band

c/o Band Director

751 Jeffco Blvd

Arnold, MO 63010

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