Eastman Wind Ensemble, Frederick Fennell – Screamers - Circus Marches

Eastman Wind Ensemble
Frederick Fennell – Screamers – Circus Marches

A thrilling showcase of high-energy circus band repertoire, Screamers – Circus Marches captures the dazzling, larger-than-life sound of the American big top tradition at its most exhilarating. Under the direction of Frederick Fennell, one of the most influential figures in wind ensemble history, the Eastman Wind Ensemble delivers a precision-driven, vividly expressive collection of “screamers” - fast, flamboyant circus marches designed to grab attention, excite audiences, and accompany the spectacle of the circus ring.

These pieces were originally written for circus bands performing under tents filled with noise, movement, and adrenaline, where music needed to be loud, fast, and unforgettable. The result is a collection bursting with swaggering brass, whip-crack percussion, and virtuosic ensemble playing. From the dramatic flair of The Circus Bee to the thunderous drive of Thunder And Blazes, every track is built for maximum impact and theatrical energy.

Fennell’s legendary attention to balance and clarity brings remarkable definition to these often chaotic works, transforming them into a tightly controlled yet wildly entertaining listening experience. It’s both a historical document of American entertainment music and a masterclass in wind ensemble performance.

A must-have for collectors of band repertoire, circus music enthusiasts, and fans of bold, cinematic orchestral energy.

Tracklist:

Side A

1. In Storm And Sunshine
2. Whip And Spur
3. Invictus
4. The Big Cage
5. Bones Trombone
6. Them Basses
7. The Circus Bee
8. The Screamer

Side B

1. Thunder And Blazes
2. Robinson's Grand Entrance
3. Circus Days
4. Bombasto
5. The Squealer
6. Rolling Thunder
7. Bennett's Triumphal
8. Bravura