News & Views Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Patriotic Music for Orchestra! Friday, March 04, 2011

String Orchestra Spring Concert time is right around the corner, and what better way to “entertain the troops” (your audience) than to “honor the troops” (our armed forces) that are protecting our country. Here are some outstanding patriotic selections at all levels for your string groups:

THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS arr. Chris Donze, Grade 2
Get creative finding a school board member, administrator, local dignitary etc. to provide the narration for this effective musical setting for strings and percussion of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.  With strains of “Old One Hundred,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Amazing Grace” as well as recitation by the students in response to the narration, your group will give honor to all who gave their “last full measure of devotion.”
 
FREEDOM OVERTURE arr. John Caponegro, Grade 2+
A very tastefully arranged medley of “America The Beautiful,” “Marine’s Hymn,” “The Caissons Go Rolling Along,” “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee),” “Anchors Aweigh,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”  Optional snare and bass drum will add a patriotic touch and an optional piano part can help reinforce the strings.  At about 4 minutes in length, it will be the perfect finale for a young string orchestra concert.

AMERICAN HEARTLAND arr. Larry Moore, Grade 2-3
Stir the emotions of your audience with this heartfelt medley of “America the Beautiful,” “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)” and Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” There are piano, snare drum and suspended cymbal parts for just the right ambiance and guitar friendly chords are included that will make especially “This Land is your Land” that much more effective.  Effective for junior high/middle school or easy to work up for high school.

AN ARMED FORCES TRIBUTE arr. Andrew H. Dabczynski, Grade 3
Honor American men and women in uniform with this patriotic tribute featuring the signature marches of all five service branches. Stirring melodies, strong rhythmic accompaniments and clever counter-melodies are presented in an up-beat and lively presentation. A heart-warming winner for your audience, it offers a chance to recognize current personnel as well as veterans and their families.

POINT LOOKOUT (A Fantasy on Civil War Songs) arr. Brian Balmages, Grade 4.5
Utilizing special effects such as snap pizzicato, col legno, harmonics and slow quarter tone wobbles, this challenging but amazingly effective fantasy captures all the emotions of America’s sometimes volatile history. Weaving together “The Battle Cry of Freedom,” “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “America the Beautiful” and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” an outstanding Spring concert selection is here for you to present.

All of these selections are in stock at Stanton’s and ready for immediate delivery. Order yours today, or contact our orchestra department for more information.

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