America, the Beautiful: Choral Instrumental Pak
As performed by Samuel A. Ward / Arranged by Ryan Nowlin
Item: 35-PK00311117
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Description
This classic patriotic song has been arranged many times but never in such an expansive and dramatic way. Ryan Nowlin, assistant director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, has arranged this for Grade 3 concert band and intermediate to advanced high school choir. Premiered on the television production of the 2014 Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, countless viewers have been clamoring for this arrangement and it is finally available. A very effective reduction for piano has been created for performance use as well.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00311117
More about this title
About the Artist: Samuel A. Ward
Samuel A. Ward composed "America, the Beautiful" in 1882, setting his melody to Katharine Lee Bates' poem of the same name. Ward's gift for singable, memorable melody made this composition one of the most enduring patriotic songs in American music, performed countless times across concert halls, civic events, and educational settings. His work continues to resonate because it captures genuine emotion without artifice.
Why we love this
Ryan Nowlin's arrangement honors the song's emotional core while giving it dramatic scope that engages both audience and performers. The orchestration elevates what many know as a straightforward hymn into a fully realized concert moment, making this ideal for directors seeking repertoire that feels both familiar and fresh. The television premiere on Macy's broadcast proves the arrangement works at scale and carries real impact.
What to expect
Majestic without bombast. The arrangement unfolds with a sense of occasion, building from clear, accessible melodic statements into fuller harmonic textures. There's warmth in the scoring that lets the familiar tune breathe while the band and choir create something genuinely stirring together.
Who it's for
Intermediate to advanced high school choirs pairing with Grade 3 concert bands, or programs with strong musical leadership in both ensembles. Directors programming patriotic concerts, civic ceremonies, or end-of-year showcases will find this arrangement substantial enough to anchor a program.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the choir and band carefully during key passages so neither overwhelms the other. The arrangement's expansiveness depends on clarity between the two ensembles.
- Shape the dynamic arc deliberately across the full piece. Resist the urge to push too hard too soon; let the drama build through the arrangement's architecture.
- Work the piano reduction separately with the choir before combining it with band parts if your rehearsal schedule demands it. The accompaniment provides essential harmonic foundation for intonation.
How to use it
Feature this as a finale for patriotic or summer concerts where the dual ensemble setup showcases your program's capabilities. It works equally well in spring performances and civic events where the song's significance carries extra meaning for your audience.
Skills your students will build
- Ensemble blend and balance between choir and instrumental sections
- Dynamic control through sustained longer phrases
- Reading interconnected parts where choir and band share thematic material
- Responding to large-scale formal structure and dramatic pacing