‘Panem et Circenses’ Bread and Games were essential for keeping the citizens of ancient Rome in check. While the bread was meant for the poorest among the Romans the Games were Popular Pastime Number One for everybody.There were different kinds of games such as chariot races (especially popular with female spectators) or wild-beast fights where lions tigers bulls or bears were set on one another or even on human beings. Most popular however were the Gladiator fights. In ‘Bread and Games’ William Vean depicts one of the many fights in the antique Colosseum. 1. Entrance of the Gladiators: By powerful bugle-calls the attention of the peoplewas asked for after which the Gladiators entered the Arena at the sound of heroic marching-music.2.Swordfight: We can hear that the fights were not mere child’s play in this part.On the contrary they were a matter of life and death and were fought accordingly.3.Mercy of the Emperor: Sometimes a wounded gladiator could be fortunate depending on the mercy of the audience. Waving one’s handkerchief meant mercy a turned-down thumb meant no pardon. The Emperor had the right to take the final decision but he usually complied with the wish of the majority of the public. 4.Lap of Honour: Gladiators were mainly selected among slaves convicted criminals or prisoners of war. Consequently winning was very important as it would mean fame honour and sometimes even wealth. A lap of honour therefore was the winner’s due reward.

The dramatic and powerful themes of Hans Zimmer helped define the action in this Academy Award-winning movie blockbuster. Skillfully adapted for the marching field by John Wasson and Will Rapp here is a complete show based onthis emotional music. This graceful number features the orchestral cue Earth from Hans Zimmer's soundtrack. Baritone and low woodwinds carry the melody in the beginning and there is a nice full band build before returning to aquiet ending.

The dramatic and powerful themes of Hans Zimmer helped define the action in this Academy Award-winning movie blockbuster. Skillfully adapted for the marching field by John Wasson and Will Rapp here is a complete show based onthis emotional music. Part 1 includes Barbarian Horde and The Battle. This opener starts out mysteriously before building to the flowing main theme. An intense percussion pattern leads to the exciting battle sequence that closesout this powerful arrangement.

Since his first successes in the 1990s the amiable popular singer Frans Bauer has grown into a megastar in the Netherlands. In Germany too he has a great number of fans. Although he is derided by many because of his schmalzy style Frans Bauer sells CDs galore attracts full houses everywhere and can be viewed in his own reality soap on television. In 2004 he was even awarded a Gouden Harp (Gold Harp) which is the most important prize within Dutch music. It is presented to artists and composers who have promoted Dutch light music in their own unique way during their career. The cheery singalong Heb je even voor mij (Got a Minute for Me) is a great top hit: a winner in everypub and at parties. This arrangement by Klaas van der Woude willput the musicians as well as the audience in a happy mood.