Spirit of America for Band

SPIRIT of AMERICA by James M. Stephenson

for symphonic band
duration: 5 minutes
grade level: 5.5

Originally commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra; Keith Lockhart, Music Director, to be premiered as part of their celebrated Fourth of July Broadcast, July 4, 2026.
This symphonic band version created for “The President’s Own” US Marine Band; Lt. Col. Ryan Nowling, Director

piccolo, flute 1-2, oboe 1-2, English Horn, Bb clarinet 1-3, bass clarinet, bassoon 1-2
alto saxophone 1-2, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone
horn 1-4, C trumpet 1-3 (tpt 1 doubles on Bb flugel), trombone 1-2, bass trombone, euphonium 1-2tuba timpani, percussion

percussion (3 players) + perc. 4 (optional) glockenspiel/chimes (only if 4 players already available) cymb a2., suspended cymb., snare drum, bass drum, triangle

harp
double bass

The music (original program notes):

“Spirit of America” was written to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The work is full of fanfare and flourish, interspersed with lyrical and panoramic music, meant to evoke the vast and illustrious landscapes within America. Also embedded is a sense of struggle and grit, echoing the spirit of our Founding Fathers. Bits of “America” (“My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty”) and “The Star Spangled Banner find their way into “Spirit of America,” serving as important reminders about the morals and psyche of those who defined for us our freedom some 250 years ago.

My sincerest appreciation goes out to Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops for entrusting to me this opportunity for such an important occasion. And to Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin for his additional support and interest in the creation of a symphonic band version.

~ James M Stephenson; April 17, 2026. (orchestra); June 6, 2026 (symphonic band)