Memorial Day Recommendations for Concert and Marching Band Wednesday, May 02, 2012
It’s the beginning of May, and even though the school year is beginning to wind down, there are still a few important band performances left. Memorial Day is just around the corner, and the band staff at Stanton’s is honored to help you salute the men and women of our armed services with the following recommendations for marching and concert band.
Perfect for parade or ceremonial use are long-time staples Service Songs Set 1, containing Anchors Aweigh (Navy) and The Caissons Go Rolling Along (Army), and Service Songs Set 2, containing the Marine’s Hymn and U.S. Air Force Song, both arranged by Jerry Burns.
Ideal for parade use is Paul Lavender and Will Rapp’s Patriotic Parade Sequence featuring My Country, ‘Tis of Thee; America the Beautiful; and Battle Hymn of the Republic with easy drum cadences in between.
For concert band we highly recommend Armed Forces – The Pride of America, arranged by Larry Clark and Greg Gilpin. This is the only arrangement available for either concert or marching band that pays tribute to ALL 5 service branches. It also includes settings of the Pledge of Allegiance, America the Beautiful, and the Star-Spangled Banner. This distinctive arrangement has optional 2, 3, or 4-part choral, and string sets available.
Armed Forces on Parade, arranged by Michael Sweeney is a stirring medley of American military marches (Marine’s Hymn, The Caissons Go Rolling Along, Anchors Aweigh) also perfect for the concert setting. A part of Hal Leonard’s Flex-Band Series, this arrangement contains 5-part writing plus percussion making it a great choice for bands with incomplete or unbalanced instrumentation.
We hope you find these recommendations to be helpful, and wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day.