Rolling Thunder by Henry Fillmore; arr. Joe Hobbs © 2026 Tapspace Publications, LLC (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
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TSPCE26-005
Henry Fillmore (1881–1956) was a prolific American composer and bandleader, best known for his marches, trombone smears, and circus music. Rolling Thunder, composed in 1916 for wind band, is one of his most famous and technically demanding marches. The piece is characterized by its rapid-fire sixteenth-note runs, energetic rhythmic drive, and a dazzling display of virtuosity, making it a staple in the repertoire of circus bands and military ensembles.
This arrangement reimagines Rolling Thunder as a marimba trio with all three players performing on a single marimba. The intricate sixteenth-note passages remain a highlight, requiring precision and coordination among the performers. The piece is adaptable for both 5-octave and 4.3-octave marimba, offering flexibility in performance settings. The trio setting creates a unique interplay of voices, transforming Fillmore’s exhilarating march into a dynamic chamber percussion experience while preserving the spirit and excitement of the original work.
—Joe Hobbs
Multiple dynamics are provided at letter C; this section should be played softly the first time, while shaping the lines as indicated, and it should be played loudly the second time (after taking the D.S.) while still shaping melodic lines where appropriate. The second time through letter C should also be slightly faster, with the final 16 bars accelerating to the end.
The first ending in m. 74 goes directly to letter D (m. 76). Then take the D.S. to letter C and finish with the second ending at m. 75.
The low A Marimba 3 part is not shown in the score, but an optional individual part (PDF) is included for performance on a low A marimba.
HENRY FILLMORE ARRANGED BY JOE HOBBS
