Of Thee I Sing Greg Danner

Band
Number of Players:Standard
Copyright:2008
Piccolo
Flute 1/2
Oboe 1/2
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2/3
Bass Clarinet
Bassoon 1/2
Alto Saxophone 1/2
Tenor Saxophone
Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2/3
Horn 1/2
Horn 3/4
Trombone 1/2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
(Baritone T.C.)
Tuba

Timpani
Percussion 1 (Chimes, Xylophone)
Percussion 2 (Snare Drum)
Percussion 3 (Suspended Cymbal, Triangle, Tam Tam, Crash Cymbals)
Percussion 4 (Bass Drum, Concert Toms)
Of Thee I Sing was commissioned by Major Donald E. Schofield for the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America. As the title suggests, the composition is based on the familiar patriotic tune "America." The piece is organized in three major sections that develop material from the song. Following an introduction, an original melody, lyrical and flowing in character with only a vague reference to the tune, is stated first in the horns and then throughout the ensemble. The middle section is driven by motivic fragments interspersed with intense percussion. The fragments coalesce into recognizable phrases from the tune, building to a peak. The music then transitions to the third and final section, a developed setting of "America" in its entirety. The piece ends with a glorious statement of the theme in the full ensemble.