[Dave G]

High school and college marching bands playing Shostakovich?  I had no idea.  While browsing current threads over on Audio Asylum, I found this thread.  It links to a recent Alex Ross blog that surveys the latest in "the world of Shostakovich-playing college and high-school bands" and the related concept of Shostakovich as badass.  I thought it was fun when my daughter's high school band played Mussorgsky's "Great Gate of Kiev" at the half time of a game last fall, but I think some Shostakovich would be even better.

Dave

[Scottdazzle]

The Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach played the March from Symphony 5 at halftime at a football game in 1968.  I know because I played trombone in the band and was almost traumatized by the experience.  Doing 90 and 180 degree turns while playing and  trying to control the trombone slide and not smack anyone else in the face was beyond difficult for an uncoordinated 15 year old.   

[Tyson]

But it is true, Shostakovich IS badass.