Star Spangled Banner
Francis Scott Key was so moved by the sight of the American flag during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, that he composed the poem "The Defence of Fort McHenry." He intended the rhythms of his poem to fit a song by English composer John Stafford Smith entitled "To Anacreon in Heaven." The result was adopted as our National Anthem in 1916 by Woodrow Wilson by executive order and finally by congressional resolution in 1931.
This arrangement by David Hanson honors the original and brings in some fresh, jazzy harmonization.
Composer
John Stafford Smith
Arranger
David Hanson
Duration
1' 30"
Instrumentation
423.11 - Piccolo in B flat, Trumpet in E flat, Trumpet in B flat, Flugelhorn, 2 Horns, 2 Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, Euphonium, Tuba - Percussion is Snare Drum, Bass Drum & Cymbal
Difficulty
Grade 5 - advanced college/university or professional ensemble
File Format
Full score and parts in PDF available for download.
