Patriotic Choices for Community Bands Friday, April 08, 2011
As we inch closer and closer to summer, it’s time to start planning ahead for your community band concerts–and a patriotic theme is always sure to please! Consider one of these new pieces recommended by Stanton’s Sheet Music:
American Salute
Arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 3.5
The monumental Morton Gould variations on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home†has been a staple in the orchestra and concert band literature for more than fifty years. An easily recognizable and energetic work, Douglas Wagner has retained the fervor and made this classic work available to a wider variety of concert bands by rescoring the bassoon trio 
into the clarinet section. Bravo!
Let Freedom RingÂ
Arr. Kenny Bierschenk, Grade 4
Simply calling this a great patriotic medley is like calling The Stars & Stripes a nice march. This extraordinary celebration in sound could easily be the soundtrack for the biggest fireworks show on the 4th, brilliantly blending patriotic standards, classic march strains, and rousing Cohan favorites into an all-out goosebump-inducing extravaganza of national pride. Feel free to plan on a standing ovation!
America: The Spirit Lives On!
Arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 2.5
As a musical testament to the shared beliefs that we as Americans hold dear, this montage of four patriotic standards celebrates our democratic way of life, while also reflecting on the often-times high price that we as a nation must pay in order to maintain these treasured freedoms. Included in this arrangement are The Star-Spangled Banner; America, the Beautiful; America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee) ; and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. This sparkling arrangement can be performed with your band alone or with optional choir as a rousing concert finale!
For more great community band suggestions, contact Stanton’s band department!