The Stars and Stripes Forever: Concert Band Conductor Score & Parts
As performed by John Philip Sousa / Arranged by Dr. William D. Revelli
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00327478
$70.00
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Description
Commemorating Congress' declaration of this great Sousa march as the National March, we are pleased to release this masterful edition by Dr. William D. Revelli. While remaining faithful to the original, it employs Dr. Revelli's musical interpretations, inspired by his numerous meetings with Sousa himself. Dur: 4:00
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00327478
More about this title
About the Artist: John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) shaped American musical identity through his prolific output of marches, operettas, and instrumental works. Often called the "March King," he elevated the concert march from a functional form to a sophisticated art music genre, leaving a legacy that fundamentally influenced how bands approached repertoire and performance standards.
Sousa's compositions reflect his deep commitment to ensemble musicianship and accessible artistry. His marches remain central to the concert band canon, prized by educators and performers for their structural clarity, memorable melodies, and the architectural balance that makes them rewarding to conduct and perform across all skill levels.
Why we love this
Revelli's edition brings scholarly integrity to America's official National March without losing an ounce of its vitality. His firsthand knowledge of Sousa's own interpretation ensures your band plays this work as the composer envisioned it, making this the authoritative choice for any serious concert band program.
What to expect
Triumphant yet elegant, with a main theme that sits comfortably in the ear and rewards multiple hearings. The trio unfolds with charm and wit, building to a finale that captures the pageantry and confidence of turn-of-the-century American music at its finest.
Who it's for
Concert bands at the Grade 4 level who want to program a cornerstone American march with historical authenticity. Directors seeking an edition that honors the composer's intent while providing clear, singable parts across the full instrumentation.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the piccolo counter-melody in the trio so it sings without covering the main theme; Revelli's score offers clear dynamic guidance that rewards attention to his articulation marks.
- Shape the famous main theme with a slight swell at phrase midpoints rather than playing straight through; this breathing technique mirrors the way Sousa's own ensembles performed it.
- Treat the key transitions and modulations as structural turning points, not mere harmonic events. Revelli's conducting experience shows in how he marked these moments for maximum impact.
- The final march-out demands control in the upper woodwinds and brasses; resist the urge to rush the tempo despite the mounting energy and excitement.
How to use it
Open a patriotic concert or close a spring program with this march; it provides immediate gravitas and audience recognition while showcasing your band's technical security. Pair it with lighter concert pieces to anchor the program's emotional center, or program it back-to-back with another Sousa march to demonstrate the breadth of his compositional craft.
Skills your students will build
- Articulation control across sustained and staccato passages
- Balancing independent melodic lines within a march form
- Phrasing extended melodic statements with architectural shape
- Intonation in sustained chords and key transitions
- Maintaining steady tempo through structural excitement and dynamic peaks