| I've been playing in, or directing bands since 1964. After reading the post that started this thread I chose to sit with my wife and reminisce about great pieces that I have either played or directed. Most of them are either from high school or college when I was playing in some pretty good bands. A few of them (4) are pieces I did with my junior high school band, but I thought they were true American classics.
I chose to include two pieces I love by Anne McGinty who is one of my very favorite composers. Some of you may have never heard of Anne. She writes for all levels from middle school (Legend of the Eagle was a commission for my band) to the United States Army Band. "Tis a gift" is a tribute to the three band members from Montoursville, Pennsylvania, Area High School who tragically lost their lives aboard TWA Flight 800. Hall Of Heroes was a commission by the band to celebrate the centennial of the West Point Band at the United States Military Academy.
You all may not agree with my 20 pieces, but this is based on my opinion. I guess if we were to list them all each of us would have a list hundreds of selections long. I just picked composers who I loved and listed the pieces that are my favorites.
Prelude, Siciliano, and Rondo Malcom Arnold
Elegy John Barnes Chance
Blue Lake John Barnes Chance
Incantation and Dance John Barnes Chance
Balladaire Frank Erickson
Aire for Band Frank Erickson
Irish Tune from County Derry Percy Grainger
Lincolnshire Posey Percy Grainger
On a Hymn Song of Phillip Bliss David Holsinger
On The Grand Praire Texas David Holsinger
First Suite in E-flat for Military Band Gustav Holst
Second Suite for Military Band in F Major Gustav Holst
Variations on America Charles Ives
Third Suite Robert Jager
Hall Of Heroes Anne McGinty
tis a Gift Anne McGinty
Russian Christmas Music Alfred Reed
Armenian Dances (Parts I & 2) Alfred Reed
Fanfare and Allegro Clifton Williams
Symphonic Dance No. 3, Fiesta Clifton Williams
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