Martin Mailman (1932-2000) composed "Alarums for Band, Op. 27" in 1962 in Greenville, North Carolina. The word "alarum" means a "call to arms." The piece was originally titled "Overture for Band" and was later changed to "Alarums for Band" sometime between its completion in 1962 and publication in 1969 with John Barnes Chance, Mailman's colleague and friend, probably suggesting the change in title sometime during this period. Bold and commanding, a cherished addition to the Belwin Classic Band series.
