The Stars and Stripes Forever

[jbuck919]

On point to living up to the nickname Corlyss gave me, here is the best performance I have ever heard. It is the US Army Band, from either Fort Myer in Arlington or Fort Meade in Maryland, I can't be sure. No other country has a tradition of military marches like the US, and frankly, Sousa was a genius. All of his marches can be marched to, though most also benefit from a concert rendition. Sousa himself understood the difference and allowed for adjustments. That is why we see instruments here that would never appear in a marching band. The tempo of this performance is much too fast for marching. But the most amazing thing is the sung ensemble. The words are by Sousa himself, and I decline to go into the double meaning of "right."

[david johnson]

That's the Field Band from Ft. Meade. They are the tour band.

[jbuck919]

That's the Field Band from Ft. Meade. They are the tour band.

That is correct, but please explain exactly how you know that when I was not sure. The school I taught at in Maryland was practically next door to Fort Meade, our excellent multiply-talented chorus teacher was one of their arrangers, and another tour group, the pop ensemble called The Volunteers gave an assembly every year.

[david johnson]

I looked up their 'address'. I had a friend who auditioned but did not make it, and one who did. I was in the 106th for a while.