MORE for Community Band Wednesday, May 24, 2023
recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Arlington (Where Giants Lie Sleeping) by Paul Murtha, Grade 4
Composed as a tribute to generations of American servicemen and women buried at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., this powerful and emotional work is a fitting addition to any memorial occasion or patriotic concert. Offstage trumpets announce the opening theme followed by reverent strains and a solemn statement of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” The piece develops and builds gradually, reaching a heroic climax with the familiar hymn “God of Our Fathers” before returning to a quiet and reflective mood as the offstage trumpets return.
Armed Forces: The Pride of America arr. Larry Clark & Greg Gilpin, Grade 3
This is the definitive patriotic armed forces tribute. It features the official songs of all five branches of the Armed Forces, plus The Pledge of Allegiance and The Star-Spangled Banner, with optional audience participation. It even includes parts of Sousa marches as interludes! (The U. S. Army song is the original The Caissons Go Rolling Along version.) This version can be performed as Concert Band with or without Strings, and with piano, SATB, SAB, Two-part, or Men’s Chorus. Reproducible string parts are included.
Lest We Forget by James Swearingen, Grade 3
Dedicated to all of the Veterans who have served to protect our country, “Lest We Forget” is an inspirational original composition by James Swearingen that includes short snippets of several patriotic tunes plus hints of “Taps” and “Auld Lang Syne.” Beautifully crafted and dynamically scored, this expressive piece is sure to be a wonderful addition to any concert program.
Reflections from the Wall by David Shaffer, Grade 3
“Reflections From the Wall” commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and is inspired by the men and women who served our country during this conflict. The basis of the music is an emotional representation of the composer’s visit to the Vietnam War Memorial and to the power of this spectacular monument. Opening with a simple depiction of a cloud-covered morning which broadens into a dramatic and powerful “reflection from the wall” as the sun breaks through the clouds. Emotion, reflection and a sincere thanks to those who served are the driving musical elements of this powerful piece. This composition will be received warmly and gratefully by all audiences.
Stone Gardens by Robert W. Smith, Grade 3
“Stone Gardens” is inspired by the beautiful and peaceful gardens of heroes lost and fallen. Beginning with a solo trumpet that conjures memories of conflicts present and past, the piece continues with a beautiful hymn statement paying homage to those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. A bold and aggressive statement follows with musical inspiration drawn from campaigns and continents around the globe. Suitable for festival performance, “Stone Gardens” also includes an optional narrator for use at memorial and ceremonial concert events. A wonderful new addition to the repertoire for bands of all levels.
Thank You, Soldiers by Michael & Angela Souders/arr. Jerry Brubaker, Grade 2.5
Patriotism and gratitude prevail in this moving tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. The combined concert band, string orchestra, and full orchestra accompaniment for choir performance of the Internet sensation, “Thank You, Soldiers,” is scored to provide maximum flexibility. Use the instrumentalists available and rest assured that the arrangement will work. Playable and easy to learn, even when in keys new to the string or wind player. As a special touch, project animated images from the optional VideoTrax DVD during performance. Available in three different choral voicings, again for maximum flexibility.
United States Armed Forces Salute arr. Douglas E. Wagner, Grade 3
The selfless commitment to duty of the men and women of our Armed Forces represents everything that is good, honorable, and right about our country – characteristics that make each one of us proud every day to call ourselves an American. In tribute to these stalwart defenders of freedom and liberty, actively serving here or abroad, and those who have ever in the past taken the oath of enlistment and put on the uniform, this medley stands in testament, along with the hearts of a grateful nation. All five Service Songs of the United States Armed Forces are presented in the Department of Defense’s standard order:
- Army: “The Army Goes Rolling Along”
- Marine Corps: “The Marines’ Hymn”
- Navy: “Anchors Aweigh”
- Air Force: “The U.S. Air Force Song”
- Coast Guard: “Semper Paratus (Always Ready)”
The arrangement is brought to a thrilling conclusion, recalling the final words of “The Star-Spangled Banner”: “…O’er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.”
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About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grades 5-12 band and music appreciation in both public and parochial schools in Central Ohio, and has been at Stanton’s since 2004. His iPod ranges from jazz and funk to classic and alternative rock, and symphonies. His interests include reading, history, traditional amusement parks, outdoor activities (especially hiking), and watching hockey.