David Ward-Steinman

Gasparilla Day: Uncharacteristic March

GASPARILLA DAY was written for the Tampa Mardi Gras-type festival which takes place the second week of each February. The work was first performed during the 1971 Gasparilla Day parade by the King High School band of Tampa, under the direction of Tom Luter. The festival commemorates the visits of the 18th century pirate, José Gaspar, to the Tampa Bay area; so far, no buried treasure has turned up, but hope remains alive in some quarters. Originally intended for parade use, it was conceived as an alternative to the usual predictable common-time march, and is suitable for the adventurous high school or college band. It is perfectly suited for use both indoors and outdoors.