Steel & Control
“Steel & Control” cleverly plays on the homophone “steel” versus “steal” to examine how the machines created to serve us may have become our masters. Through powerful arrangements of Tchaikovsky’s “Marche Slave”, Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and selections from Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “New World Symphony”, this show offers both musical sophistication and conceptual depth.
The production opens with a darker, intense mood as an optional pre-show narration sets the stage for humanity held captive during “Marche Slave”. The mood shifts as “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” is reimagined as a haunting ballad, before the show culminates with Dvořák’s “New World Symphony”, offering a hopeful vision of a world where humans and machines coexist in balance with technology as helpful servant rather than overlord.
Designed specifically for small band success while providing a welcomed challenge for ensembles of all sizes, this Grade 3 show balances accessibility with musical and thematic complexity. The concept allows for both serious social commentary and ironic interpretation, giving directors flexibility in how they choose to present the material.
This show includes the following musical selections:
- “Marche Slave” (Tchaikovsky)
- “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” (Tears for Fears)*
- Selections from “Symphony No. 9 (New World Symphony)” (Dvořák)
*”Steel & Control” requires additional licensing in order to perform. This is a simple process that Stronger Music is happy to help you facilitate. Please email info@StrongerMusic.com for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: Marching Band shows are delivered via digital download (PDF Score & Parts) to the Band Director email listed at the time the order is placed.
Instrumentation
Winds:
Flute
Clarinet 1
Clarinet 2
Clarinet Below the Break
Bass Clarinet
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Bari Sax
Trumpet 1
Trumpet 2
F Horn
Low Brass 1
Low Brass 2
Tuba
Front Ensemble:
Piano/Synth
Electric Bass (Doubles Tuba/Optional)
Mallet 1 (Marimba) with Sus. Cymbal
Mallet 2 (Vibraphone) with Sus. Cymbal
Auxiliary/Rack Percussion
Battery Percussion:
Snareline
Tenors
Bass Drums (4, 3, and Unison)
Please note: Solos are transposed into each instrumental key for ease and available instrumentation.
Show Add-Ons:
Customization of any show can be purchased for an additional fee of $50/hour. Cost can be added onto your show purchase or contact us to add customization after your initial show purchase. Only a limited number of edits are available each year and they are fulfilled on a first come-first served basis.
Customization Can Include:
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Changing Solos
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Reducing Number of Parts
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Adding or Changing “Doublings”
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Simplifying or “beefing up” any parts
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Cuts of written material
Drill Design
Stronger Music Company is proud to provide Drill Design as an optional add-on to any show purchase. Stock drill is available for purchase above with your show purchase. Custom Drill is also available for clients on a first-come, first-served basis with pricing based on number of marching/moving performers (hornline, battery percussion, guard members, and any moving props). To request custom drill for your ensemble, please email us at info@StrongerMusic.com.
Hornline Movement/Choreography
Theatrical movement and instrumental pedagogy unite to create a cohesive approach to hornline movement & choreography rooted in technique and visual effectiveness for all Stronger Music Marching Shows. Hornline Movement/Choreography instructional videos are available as an add-on to any show for $125. The choreography pairs strategically with our Drill Design, Color Guard Choreography, and is built off the count sheet also available through the publisher, making it effective and useful for any group’s design process whether using our stock drill or your own designer.
Color Guard Choreography
Our team at Stronger Music has created a Guard Choreography resource that is rooted in dance technique and integrates the Guard movement with the optional Hornline Movement/Choreography add-on. This resource is especially helpful for groups who may not have a full-time guard designer/instructor as the movement videos are accessible on any digital device by your students or staff members. This effective resource is available as an add-on to any show for $300.
FAQ:
Q: Can I pay with a purchase order?
A: Yes. Please email us (info@StrongerMusic.com) and we would be happy to invoice you. Orders placed with a purchase order number will be delivered immediately after P.O. number is received.
Q: My budget doesn’t renew until the beginning of next school year. Can you be flexible with the payment date?
A: We are happy to work with you. Please indicate your expected payment date on the “Request Invoice” form and we will wait to invoice you until your budget renews. Unless otherwise noted in your Invoice request, payment is expected within 30 days of issue date.
Q: Can I pay my invoice with a credit/debit card?
A: We accept all major credit cards as well as checks. Invoices automatically include a 3% credit card processing fee added to the invoice. The processing fee may be avoided if you choose to pay with a check.
Q: Do you provide Drill Design?
A: Yes. We are proud to offer design services that consist of drill design, guard choreography, band movement/choreography, as well as custom uniform design. You can purchase Drill Design during your ordering process.
