Rolling Thunder

Henry Fillmore/ed. Col. Arnald D. Gabriel

Rolling Thunder is a screamer -- a fast, energetic circus march. This new arrangement by Col. Gabriel has a fast and demanding trombone part.

Henry Fillmore (1881-1956) was a prolific composer of waltzes, foxtrots, hymns, novelty numbers, and overtures but he is best-known for his marches and screamers. Born in Cincinnati, he mastered piano, guitar, violin, and flute, as well as the slide trombone, which at first he played in secret, as his conservative religious father believed it an uncouth and sinful instrument. He was later to gain fame as the father of the trombone smear. Fillmore studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He traveled widely as a circus bandmaster with his wife, an exotic dancer, and directed the Shriners Temple Band. After a career in music performance and publishing he retired to Miami, Florida where he kept active organizing high school bands. Henry Fillmore Hall, the rehearsal space for many of the University of Miami's performing groups, stands today as a tribute to his work.

Last updated on July 18, 2013 by Palatine Concert Band