Patriotic Salute for Community Band Monday, May 21, 2018
recommended by Ken Tilger, Band Education Specialist
Absolutely Sousa arr. Gary D. Ziek, Grade 4
The rousing march music of John Philip Sousa has been an audience favorite for generations and continues to hold an important place in concert band repertoire. This spirited medley combines themes from four of Sousa’s most famous marches: The Washington Post; Semper Fidelis; The Thunderer and The Stars and Stripes Forever for an entertaining and stylish setting that will highlight any concert program. Great for any concert setting, it’s also the perfect addition to a patriotic event.
Battle Hymn of the Republic arr. Peter J. Wilhousky/ed. Justin P. Tokke
Made popular by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s Grammy winning performance in 1959, Peter Wilhousky’s famous arrangement of Battle Hymn of the Republic has remained a staple to this day. In this Critical Edition for Band edited by Justin P. Tokke, a new arrangement has been crafted based on Wilhousky’s original orchestral scoring. To enhance playability, generous cross-cuing and doubling of the choral parts have been applied in cases where the band version is played without voices. This new arrangement ensures complete compatibility with both the choral and orchestral versions, with matching measure numbers and rehearsal marks, and comes complete with a full score and parts produced with modern engraving standards. This exciting edition is ready to continue Wilhousky’s legacy and hopes to inspire future collaboration and new performance opportunities.
Hymn to Freedom arr. Robert Buckley, Grade 3
With its heartfelt message and appealing gospel flavor, Oscar Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom” has been embraced by choirs throughout the world. This band arrangement matches the classic version arranged by Paul Read and can be performed as a stand-alone band piece or combined with the choir for an impressive music department finale.
Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3
Brendan Graham’s tender song tells the emotional story of Ireland’s Annie Moore, the first person to step ashore when Ellis Island opened as an immigration center in 1892. With emotions ranging from hope to fear, joy to despair, this deeply moving ballad has been recorded notably by Sean & Dolores Keane, The Irish Tenors, Celtic Thunder, and Celtic Woman. Here is a beautiful setting adapted for the concert stage.
National Airs (from Early America) arr. Michael Brown, Grade 3.5
Music performed by bands of the Civil War era often included familiar airs and patriotic tunes. Included in this rousing medley is an early treatment of The Star-Spangled Banner (which wasn’t recognized as the official national anthem until 1931). Also included are Yankee Doodle; Washington’s March; and Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean.
Find more patriotic options on our website, or contact us for more recommendations. Shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author:
Ken is a former band director, and has been with Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. Besides music, he geeks out on amusement parks, hockey (are 3 hockey podcasts too many?), and all things Pittsburgh. He spends his free time being dad to 2 young children and playing saxophone with Swing’s the Thing Big Band.