America: My Country 'Tis of Thee Cover Image

America: My Country 'Tis of Thee: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

$50.00 USD

America: My Country 'Tis of Thee: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts

Name: America: My Country 'Tis of Thee: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 98-RWS171400
Price: 50.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Melody Mine

Arranged by Robert W. Smith, Susan L. Smith

Grade: 1

Item: 98-RWS171400

$50.00

Shipped

One moment…

This timeless patriotic melody by S.F. Smith is the perfect musical setting for exceptional teaching. The "Melody Mine" gives each member of the band the opportunity to play the melodic line while the teacher focuses on phrasing, shaping and other core musical concepts. The full band arrangement provides a lush chorale setting of the American standard. The director also has the option to craft their own arrangement to feature soloist(s), instrumental choirs and full band. Master teacher Susan L. Smith has created a powerful teaching resource for use in any beginning band program.

Original Item#: RWS-1714-00

America: My Country 'Tis of Thee: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts 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.

No sample videos found.

Series: RWS - Beginning Band

Publisher: RWS Music Company

ISBN10: 1-4706-9508-1

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-9508-8

UPC: 038081610931

SKU: 98-RWS171400

More about this title

About the Arranger: Robert W. Smith

Robert W. Smith has established himself as a leading voice in concert band and orchestral composition, with over 400 published works performed internationally across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. His symphonies, The Divine Comedy and The Odyssey, alongside works like The Tempest, have become foundational repertoire for developing ensembles. Smith holds degrees from Troy State University and the University of Miami, and his compositions and arrangements have appeared on major television broadcasts, Olympic ceremonies, and iconic American events from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to Opening Day at Dodger Stadium.

As both composer and clinician, Smith has conducted across the United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe, bringing deep pedagogical insight to his writing for young musicians. His extensive catalog with Alfred Music reflects a commitment to creating accessible yet musically substantial literature for all levels of band programs.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

This arrangement transforms a beloved patriotic standard into a teaching masterpiece by giving every student a chance to claim the melody. The "Melody Mine" concept keeps the focus on musicianship and phrasing rather than technical demand, while the full band chorale setting sounds polished and purposeful. Directors can easily extend the piece by creating custom features for soloists or instrumental choirs, making it endlessly adaptable to ensemble strengths.

What to expect

Dignified and accessible. The melody unfolds with the simple grace that made it an American anthem, while the band provides a warm, supportive harmonic cushion. There's an earnestness here that doesn't require virtuosity to communicate, only intention and care.

Who it's for

Beginning band students and their directors who need repertoire that builds musicianship while celebrating American heritage. This Grade 1 arrangement works equally well for school concerts, patriotic observances, or community events where students of limited technical ability can deliver something meaningful.

How to get the most out of it

Feature different instrumental choirs or soloists throughout rehearsals to build confidence and ownership; rotate who carries the melody across several rehearsals before final performance
Shape the melodic line with attention to the text ("My country 'tis of thee"); coach students to sing the words silently while playing to internalize the phrase contours
Balance the chorale voices so no single part overwhelms; use this texture to teach blending and dynamic control across the full ensemble
Consider slight rubato and warmth in the opening statements of the melody to highlight its beauty before settling into steady accompaniment

How to use it

Open a patriotic concert or assembly program with this, allowing beginning students to anchor the musical narrative while more advanced groups follow with thematic variations or related works. It also works beautifully as a spring or fall concert opener, giving all band levels a shared moment of musical expression early in the season.

Skills your students will build

Sustained melodic phrasing over accompaniment textures
Balancing individual voice lines within a four-part harmonic framework
Identifying and performing the structural shape of a well-known melody
Listening to ensemble blend and adjusting tone to match surrounding voices
Understanding accompaniment roles and their relationship to the primary musical line