This 3-movement patriotic composition was commissioned by the Houston Symphony Orchestra to serve as a patriotic finale for their Independence Day concert series during the summer of 2005. The first performance of the work was July 4th of that year in The Woodlands, TX, under the baton of Michael Krajewski. The composer served as narrator for this occasion.
The 3rd movement of this extended work concludes with an arrangement of The Battle Hymn of the Republic; this publication includes material for the use of SATB chorus if such an ensemble is available for performance.
The piece is structured as follows:
I. Opening Fanfare
Underscored Narration (written by Geoffrey P. Walker, throughout)
Folksong Medley
a. My Country, 'Tis of Thee
b. America, the Beautiful
c. Yankee Doodle Dandy
d. Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean
Underscored Narration ~ attaca, mvt. II
II. Armed Forced Medley: We're Proud To Serve
a. Army
b. Navy
c. Air Force
d. Coast Guard
e. Marines
III. The Star-Spangled Banner (reflective arrangement)
Underscored Narration
The Battle Hymn of the Republic
Final Fanfare
