Stars and Stripes Forever

In years past, there’s been a fair amount of debate whether “The Star Spangled Banner” ought to have been made the official national anthem of the United States. When I was in kindergarten, and we started the day off with our pledges and songs, we sang “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)” instead of the “The Star Spangled Banner”, but all things considered, it probably is asking a bit much for your average 5-year-old to sing the national anthem. Some people would rather have “America the Beautiful” as it actually talks about the landscape of the United States, and after 9/11, “God Bless America” kind of became the second national anthem.

However, the patriotic song that “gets” me the most is the John Philip Sousa march “Stars and Stripes Forever”.

The first time I became acquainted with the song was on the Maranatha! Kids “Stars and Stripes Sing-a-long” which came out in 1988. It was part of a medley, and used lyrics that might have been their own, as they weren’t Sousa’s lyrics. I don’t remember the lyrics exactly, but here’s what I remember.

*something* *something* *something* (possibly ending "land of the free")
May it wave over this land forever
The stars and the stripes may they be
*something* *something* liberty

May each one give thanks to the men
Who gave up their whole lives to give us freedom
And for whom this banner still flies
For freedom's sake, may this great flag wave on forever

Here’s a rendition probably closest to what Sousa wrote, including his lyrics:

In high school, I was in marching band. I played flute and piccolo, and the “Stars and Stripes Forever” is probably one of the pieces with the most amazing piccolo parts ever. (I never did master it, unfortunately – then again, people are pretty sensitive about where one can practice piccolo.)

There’s an old musician’s joke that goes as follows: Q: How does one get two flute players in tune with each other? A: Shoot one of them. Q: How does one get two piccolo players in tune with each other? A: Shoot both of them! Therefore, a video with 94 piccolo players playing the solo for the Stars and Stripes Forever comes as no small feat!

As a music person, this is hilarious, for what is “easy” on a piccolo doesn’t come quite as easily to tuba! (I must admit, though, that the piccolo trumpet is amazing!)

Not that the wonder of this song is only reserved for woodwinds and brass – this is a fun rendition – poor marimba players, they end up running around all over with all the runs!

And one more, proving that one doesn’t even have to be American to be amazed bi this song.

Happy Independence Day, y’all! Enjoy the day!

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