The Tragedy of William and Rowan

A modern day, marching band version of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet! One band is torn apart by the hatred between the brass and woodwinds. Follow heroes William and Rowan as they encounter love, hate, and music.

Disclaimer- I don't own Shakespeare.

For this act, I have switched up the biting the thumb/reed to be directed at the Capulets. Sorry if this annoys anyone, but I'm taking some creative license here.


Cast of Characters

William-playing the part of Romeo Montague. Sophomore. Plays the alto sax.

Colin-playing the part of Lord Montague. Senior. Plays alto sax. Sax Captain.

Sophie-playing the part of Lady Montague. Senior. Plays flute. Flute Captain.

Ron-playing the part of Mercutio. Sophomore. Friend of William. Plays tenor sax.

Benji-playing the part of Benvolio. Freshman. Friend and cousin of William. Plays clarinet.

Grace-playing the part of Rosaline. Sophomore. William's ex. Guardie.

Lantz- playing the part of Friar Laurence. Senior. Plays quads.

Matthew-playing the part of the prince. Senior. Drum Major.

Rowan-playing the part of Juliet Capulet. Sophomore. Plays trumpet.

Hannah-playing the part of the Nurse. Senior, has been Rowan's trusted advisor since her freshman year. Plays mellophone.

Ellie-playing the part of Lady Capulet. Senior. Plays mellophone. High Brass Co-Captain.

Jack-playing the part of Lord Capulet. Senior. Plays trumpet. High Brass Co-Captain.

Toby-playing the part of Tybalt. Junior. Plays trombone.

Adrian-playing the part of Paris. Junior. Plays baritone.


Act One, Scene One

We lay our scene in the peaceful Arcadia Valley. Poor William, lost after his guard girlfriend breaks up with him, remains out in the woods thinking. Meanwhile, a group of rowdy woodwinds and brass begin a scuffle.

In the town square, a group of woodwind underclassmen spend the day annoying people and wandering the shops.

"Look over there!" Whispered Ryan, a sophomore clarinet player. He was the ringleader of the little group, though he had no power when compared to Lord Colin. The small following looks over to where Ryan is pointing.

"Brass." Young Lena, a flute player hissed.

The offending brass players were headed their way. They seemed to be peaceful, but with brass, you were never sure. Ryan bit his reed as the brass players got closer.

"Excuse me sir, do you bit your reed at us?" A baritone player asked, eyeing the reed with disgust.

"No sir, I do not bite my reed at you. I simply bite my reed at anyone." Ryan replied, noticing the brass tensing up. The baritone glared, and turned on his heel to walk away.

"Aw, little brassy afraid of a woodwind?" An alto jeered. The baritone whipped around, drawing his instrument as he did so.

"If you know what's best for you, then I'd shut your reed sucking mouth." The baritone said angrily.

Benji hated conflict. He drew his clarinet and stepped forward, "Now look here!" He cried. Toby saw his raised clarinet and drew his trombone. He rushed forward and knocked the instrument out of the woodwind's hand. Soon, a full blown fight was going strong. Civilians and shopkeepers hurried away from the fighting band members.

"Stop, stop, STOP!" Screamed a voice. Everyone knew that voice. It was the Drum Major. And boy, was he mad. Drum Major Matthew was impartial to the woodwinds and brass fights, for he was on the drumline the years before his acceptance of the Drum Major position. He had sworn to end the fighting at all costs.

"I go into town for one day, and I leave the lot of you alone for one day, and this is how you repay me?! I, for one, am sick of your fighting. If I ever catch your sections fighting again, those in the fight shall be BANISHED! Do I make myself clear?!" The Drum Major looked around. He didn't see anyone disagree. "Good." He turned and roll stepped away.

As the two groups headed home, Lady Sophie hurried through the crowd. "Where is he? Where is William?" Lord Colin soon caught up to her.

"I'm sure he's fine, Soph. Don't worry. He will come back to us soon enough." At hearing William's name, Benji approached the Sax Captain.

"My Lord, I know where William is. He is in the woods, doing Lord knows what. But I know for certain he was not in the fight."

"Thank you, Benji," Lord Colin said. He turned to Lady Sophie, who looked visibly relaxed.

"See my dear? William is fine. In fact, I see him now. Let's give him some space. He has not been looking well lately." The Lord said, putting his arm around Sophie and walked back into the town with her.

Benji watched as his friend and cousin headed slowly back towards Arcadia Valley. His eyes were downcast, and he looked as though he had been crying.

"What is wrong, William? You missed a fight, although there is not much to be missed about them," Benji said, in an effort to cheer up his friend. William looked up at Benji and tried to smile.

"It is Grace. My love no longer feels what I feel for her. She left me in order to spend more time with her corps, and her flag and weapons."

Benji clapped William on the shoulder. "Perhaps this is not the worst thing in the world. There are many other girls out there. And you can spend more time with your sax."

William looked out over the setting sun.

"Perhaps."


Reviews and constructive criticism are appreciated!