Thank You, Soldiers: Baritone B.C.
Combined Concert Band, String Orchestra and Full Orchestra Accompaniment for Choir
Words and music by Michael and Angela Souders / arr. Jerry Brubaker
Grade: 2.5
Item: 00-PC-0016219_BBC1
$3.00
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Description
Patriotism and gratitude prevail in this moving tribute to the men and women of our armed forces. The combined concert band, string orchestra, and full orchestra accompaniment for choir performance of the Internet sensation, "Thank You, Soldiers," is scored to provide maximum flexibility. Use the instrumentalists available and rest assured that the arrangement will work. Playable and easy to learn, even when in keys new to the string or wind player. As a special touch, project animated images from the optional VideoTrax DVD during performance. Available in three different choral voicings, again for maximum flexibility.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Thank You, Soldiers: Baritone B.C. comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Sample Audio
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Additional Details
Series:
Pop Intermediate Full Orchestra
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
130
SKU:
00-PC-0016219_BBC1
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael Souders
Michael Souders teaches music at Colonial Heights Public Schools in Virginia and has become one of Alfred Music's most performed choral composers. His song "Thank You, Soldiers" reached viral status online, and his YouTube channel (msouders37) has accumulated over 4.5 million views with more than 3,600 subscribers, establishing him as a recognizable voice in what he calls "Positive American Music."
Souders earned his Bachelor of Science in Music and Worship from James Madison University in 1989, where he performed with top ensembles, served as pianist for the jazz ensemble, and studied composition and arranging under Robert W. Smith. Since entering the classroom in 2005, he has written music regularly for his students, which means his compositions reflect what actually works in school settings. Originally from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Souders brings both classroom experience and professional training to every piece he creates.
Why we love this
This arrangement demonstrates genuine flexibility without sacrificing musicality. The ability to use concert band, string orchestra, or full orchestra parts means you can perform it with whatever instrumentation you have on any given day, and the Grade 2.5 difficulty ensures accessibility across most school programs. Patriotic repertoire at this level that sounds substantial and moves audiences is uncommon, and the optional VideoTrax component adds a contemporary layer that engages performers and listeners alike.
What to expect
The piece conveys sincere gratitude and respect without sentimentality. The orchestration unfolds with dignity, allowing the choir's message of appreciation to emerge clearly while instrumental voices support and reinforce the emotional arc throughout.
Who it's for
Conductors seeking meaningful patriotic music that works across multiple ensemble configurations and skill levels. This arrangement accommodates band, orchestra, and mixed instrumentation, making it practical for schools where instrumental resources vary or where you want to feature multiple performing groups in a single piece.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the choir with your available instrumental forces by adjusting dynamic levels during rehearsal. The scoring accommodates anything from a small ensemble to a full orchestra, so test your exact instrumentation before the dress rehearsal.
- If you're projecting VideoTrax during performance, time the orchestra and choir to the video during your final run-throughs. The conductor score will guide tempo, but live coordination with projected animation requires precision.
- Select one of the three available choral voicings that matches your ensemble's strengths. Rehearse the parts that will actually be sung, and let that decision drive your sectional balance in the orchestra.
How to use it
Place this as a centerpiece for a patriotic concert or Fourth of July program where the message carries weight. The accessibility at Grade 2.5 makes it suitable for spring or fall concerts as well, and the flexible instrumentation means you can program it without worrying whether your full orchestra will be available on concert day.
Skills your students will build
- Flexible score reading across concert band, string, and full orchestra configurations
- Balancing choral and instrumental lines in a large ensemble
- Conducting and performing patriotic music with appropriate expression and energy
- Coordination between live performers and visual media (if using VideoTrax)