recommended by Ken T., Band Education Specialist
Plan your patriotic program with flexible arrangements of favorites.
Patriotic Medleys
Let Freedom Ring arr. Ed Huckeby, Grade 2.5
This impressive patriotic medley is an outstanding selection for the up-and-coming young band or smaller ensemble with limited instrumentation. Incorporating “America,” “My Country, Tis of Thee,” and “God of Our Fathers,” this energetic work has limited ranges and technical demands which make it an excellent choice as both a teaching tool and concert selection.
A Patriotic Treasure arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 2.5
An outstanding choice for any group with very limited instrumentation, Scott Stanton’s original arrangement includes “America,” “America the Beautiful,” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” All three pieces can be performed separately if desired and it will provide an impressive sound even with very small groups.
Sons of Liberty arr. Larry Neeck, Grade 3
An inspiring and exciting medley of three songs from the American Revolution (“Chester,” “Paul Jones Victory,” “Yankee Doodle”), “Sons of Liberty” is perfect for that patriotic number on your next concert. Even if your band is limited in size or instrumentation, you will find this arrangement musically and educationally satisfying.
Stand Alone Arrangements
Amber Waves of Grain arr. James Curnow, Grade 2-3
James Curnow has adapted his popular concert band work for the Flex-Band format. This patriotic symphonic rhapsody utilizes a lyric style along with various moods and textures as it intertwines original themes with fragments of “America the Beautiful.”
God Bless America arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2.5
Composed by Irving Berlin, this famous melody is arguably one of the most popular patriotic songs of all time. Johnnie’s solid yet beautifully scored version for flexible instrumentation includes the option of playing the often neglected verse. Perfect for any patriotic occasion, and easy to prepare.
God Bless the U.S.A. arr. Johnnie Vinson, Grade 2-3
With its patriotic flavor and dramatic building points, Lee Greenwood’s powerful hit is a natural addition to any concert. Effectively scored here in the Flex-Band format by Johnnie Vinson.
Salute to the Armed Services
Armed Forces – The Pride of America! arr. Larry Clark & Greg Gilpin, Grade 3
With theme songs from all five branches of the armed forces, stirring march themes from John Philip Sousa, and both the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem of the United States of America, “Armed Forces – The Pride of America” is sure to become a staple for patriotic programs. Arrangers Larry Clark and Greg Gilpin have taken great care in creating a uniquely flexible setting both in instrumentation and performance. Designed to be performed by band, orchestra, or chorus, separately or in any conceivable combination, ensembles need not be limited by size or instrumentation. Careful attention has also been paid to playability for ease of performance and rehearsal. An optional ending allows even further flexibility when performance time is a consideration and an optional narrator part can be used to invite rousing audience participation. This popular medley is sure to bring a stunning performance in almost any setting.
Armed Forces on Parade arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2.5
Here’s a stirring medley of marches from our American military. Titles include: “The Marine’s Hymn,” “The Caissons Go Rolling Along,” and “Anchors Aweigh.”
Patriotic Marches
E Pluribus Unum by Fred Jewell/arr. Andy Clark, Grade 3
Fred Jewell’s “E Pluribus Unum” march has been a staple of bands for decades; Andy Clark’s new arrangement for the Barnhouse Build-A-Band series finally brings this classic American march into the grasp of very small groups or bands with severe instrumentation problems. This toe-tapping march gem will be a favorite of audiences and performers alike. Includes an optional keyboard part which can add to the effect.
The Liberty Bell by John Philip Sousa/arr. Jay Bocook, Grade 2.5
“The Liberty Bell” is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and tuneful of all Sousa marches. Jay has skillfully retained the flavor of the original while making it accessible to younger players and bands with limited instrumentation.
“Star-Spangled Banner” Arrangements
The Star-Spangled Banner arr. Michael Sweeney, Grade 2-3
Opening with an attention-getting fanfare and scored for just about any combination of instruments, here is an extremely versatile, yet great-sounding arrangement of our national anthem.
The Star-Spangled Banner arr. Scott Stanton, Grade 2.5
This arrangement of “The Star Spangled Banner” is guaranteed to perform for any possible instrumentation, so long as all four parts are covered. The Build-a-Band format includes parts for virtually any possible instrument, and will provide any ensemble the opportunity to sound full.
No matter what your in-person or remote teaching requires, shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!
About the Author:
A former band director, Ken taught grade 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, the Muppets, and hockey (especially the Penguins).
Categories: Concert Band, Staff Picks
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