America: Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Emma Lazarus / Arranged by Tom Fettke / Arranged by Thomas Grassi
Item: 35-PK00286885
$40.00
Pickup currently not available
Buy Extra Parts (Digital PDF Download)
Parts Added to Cart!
Description
Bold and dignified, this powerful new arrangement of "America the Beautiful" includes a verse that uses the words of Emma Lazarus' poem, "The New Colossus." Words and melody come together to form a breathtaking anthem of patriotism. Accompanied by piano or with the addition of the optional brass quintet and timpani parts, this work will be well received in school, community, and sacred performances alike.
America: Choral Instrumental Pak isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.
Request This Title
Tell us you want it.
Start Your Free Trial
Explore everything that's ready to play right now.
Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
No sample videos found.
Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00286885
More about this title
About the Artist: Emma Lazarus
Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) was an American poet and essayist whose words have shaped how generations understand immigration and belonging. Though she wrote across many forms, her poem "The New Colossus" became immortal when it was inscribed inside the Statue of Liberty's pedestal. Her verse carries profound emotional weight, speaking directly to the American experience of hope and refuge.
Why we love this
Fettke and Grassi have created an arrangement that honors both the familiar melody and Lazarus' powerful text without overshadowing either one. The optional brass and timpani parts give conductors real flexibility, making this work equally strong in intimate school settings or larger community events. The combination of "America the Beautiful" with "The New Colossus" creates a uniquely layered patriotic statement that invites reflection alongside celebration.
What to expect
The music carries weight and sincerity without resorting to bombast. There is genuine dignity here, a sense of purposefulness that asks listeners to sit with the meaning of both poems rather than simply enjoy the familiarity of a tune.
Who it's for
This arrangement serves conductors programming patriotic events, memorial services, or concerts celebrating American identity. It works equally well for high school choirs, community choral groups, and church ensembles seeking meaningful patriotic repertoire that goes beyond surface-level nationalism.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the chorus carefully when Lazarus' text enters. The poetry deserves clarity and space rather than being buried under accompanying voices.
- If using the brass quintet and timpani, use those instruments to frame key moments rather than doubling throughout. This restraint makes their entrance more impactful.
- Prepare your singers to sustain longer phrases with proper breath support. The arrangement rewards legit line work.
- Establish a strong pulse with your accompanist early in rehearsals so the optional brass can lock in cleanly during runs.
How to use it
Open a patriotic concert or memorial service with this piece to set an intentional, reflective tone. It works particularly well alongside other American repertoire or as a centerpiece for programs exploring identity and immigration themes. Consider programming it when you want to engage your audience intellectually as well as emotionally.
Skills your students will build
- Sustained legit singing and phrase management
- Interpretation of layered text and meaning in choral music
- Ensemble balance when combining melody with poetic recitation
- Flexible coordination with optional instrumental parts