Truly a song that needs no introduction! This national treasure is arranged for success with power and respect for the original song. Quoting America the Beautiful, the arrangement begins with a flourish before settling into the opening, lesser-performed verse of the Irving Berlin standard. Gradually building to a massive finale, this anthem will have the audience singing along and cheering even before the final notes are sounded. Score and Parts for Orchestra (fl 1-2/pic, ob, cl 1-2, bn, hn 1-2, tpt 1-3, tbn 1-2, btbn/tba, timp, perc 1-3, hp, pno, vn 1-2, va, vc, db) and Brass/Percussion (hn, tpt 1-2, tbn, tba, perc 1-2) are both available as a digital download.

Ron Kean uses a text by William Butler Yeats and appropriately dons it with an Irish musical dressing. The flute is really not an optional addition. You are easily transported to the region through this character piece that dances and flourishes in the land it celebrates. A delightful fugal section bounces with a dum didle dee text eventually emerging into a colorful and thoughtful singing section. For advanced high school and college choirs. Medium to difficult.