COLONEL BOGEY by Kenneth J Alford
arranged for orchestra by Peter Lawson
Goodmusic Concert Classics GMCL204

Orchestration: 2 Flutes (2nd db.piccolo), 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons, 4 Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in Bb, 3 Trombones, Tuba, Timpani, Percussion (4 players: Snare Drum, Triangle, Cymbals (clashed), Tam-tam, Sleigh Bells, Tambourine, Bass Drum, Glockenspiel, Tubular Bells), Harp (or Keyboard)
Strings (Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass)

Colonel Bogey is a march written in 1914 by Lieutenant F. J. Ricketts (1881-1945), a British Army bandmaster who later became the director of music for the Royal Marines at Plymouth. He wrote under the pseudonym Kenneth J. Alford as service personnel at that time were not encouraged to have a life outside the military. Supposedly, the tune was inspired by a military man and golfer who whistled a characteristic two-note phrase instead of shouting "Fore!". It is this descending interval that begins each line of the melody. The name "Colonel Bogey" began in the later 19th century as the imaginary standard opponent; Edwardian golfers on both sides of the Atlantic often played matches against "Colonel Bogey". Bogey is now a golfing term meaning "one over par". The sheet music was a million-seller, and the march was recorded many times. At the start of World War II, "Colonel Bogey" became part of British way of life when the tune was used for the popular lyrics: "Hitler Has Only Got One Ball".

A PACK comprises an A4 sized full score plus a complete set of parts including strings 4/4/3/4/2.

Duration 4½ minutes