I wish to share two musical selections that speak to this anniversary of the United States of America. The first is an arrangement of “America The Beautiful” for wind ensemble, by Carmen Dragon, performed here by the US Army Band:

I first performed this work in college in the University of Texas Longhorn Band. It always ended with a standing ovation by the fans in the stadium. Another special performance was at Quantico Marine Base in Washington DC in 1981 on the morning of Ronald Reagan’s first inaugural parade, as we were informed that the American hostages had been released by Iran. Since then, I have performed it multiple times in community bands. It is one of my all-time favorite concert band pieces.

Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa. This is a performance by the US Marine Band:

This song is the official march of the United States of America, and it’s not just a good idea, it’s the law!