On to Victory: Tuba

Michael Kamuf's arrangement strips away complexity while preserving the unmistakable swagger of "Anchors Aweigh," making it genuinely playable for beginning bands without resorting to oversimplification. The integration of "The Navy Hymn" adds textural variety and gives you a natural moment to address phrasing across the ensemble, while the syncopated figures in the fanfare section reward accurate counting without demanding advanced technical facility.

On to Victory launches with the confidence and snap of a military fanfare, full of bright energy and forward momentum. When the hymn melody emerges, the character shifts to something more solemn and reverential, giving the piece emotional range despite its brevity.

This arrangement is built for beginning band programs in Grades 1 and above who are ready to tackle a short, focused work with real character. The Grade 1.5 difficulty sits comfortably for students still building fundamental technique while offering enough musical interest to hold student and audience attention.

• Isolate the syncopated rhythms in the fanfare section and have students count aloud together before adding instruments; this locks in precision without belaboring the passage.
• Balance the melodic statement between upper and lower voices so the tune sings through even when parts double; avoid letting the euphonium or baritone line overshadow the soprano voices.
• Let the percussion drive the forward energy of the piece, especially during transitions between the fanfare and the hymn section, without pushing the tempo.

Open your concert with this piece to establish energy and grab attention immediately, or close your program with it as a rousing finale that audiences will recognize and remember. It also works well as a shorter item between longer, more demanding selections, giving your students a confidence boost in a public performance context.

• Reading and executing syncopated rhythmic figures
• Balancing melody and harmony across the ensemble
• Phrasing and shaping a melodic line with intention
• Coordinating ensemble entrances and transitions
• Playing with consistent articulation and style across a patriotic work