The Stars and Stripes Forever

Description

The Stars and Stripes Forever – by John Philip Sousa
for trumpet ensemble
arranged by James M. Stephenson

Commissioned in 2014 by Denver Dill

Composer’s notes:
John Philip Sousa originally composed his “magnum opus” of marches on Christmas day of 1896, upon learning of the death of his friend, David Blakely, who was also manager of the Sousa Band.
It was premiered in 1897, and shortly thereafter became, as declared by Congress, the official National March of the United States of America.
My arrangement is more of a “transcription”, but allows for extra flourish to be added
within the possibilities of a group of advanced trumpet players.

Thank you to Denver Dill, who commissioned this version from me in 2014.
Jim Stephenson