It Is Truly Fitting

SKU: CF.W2695

ISBN 9781491159958. UPC: 680160918546.

This celebratory and dramatic rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner arranged for brass and percussion by Sean O'Loughlin has become a favorite of both the Oregon Symphony and Baltimore Symphony brass players, being played at sporting events including Portland Trailblazers NBA basketball games, Baltimore Orioles baseball games, and Baltimore Ravens football games.With fanfare flourishes and colorful touches, this grand arrangement gives each section an opportunity to play the melody, making for a truly dynamic experience.
In the winter of 2009 my good friend David Bamonte, who is the assistant principal trumpet in the Oregon Symphony, asked if I had written an arrangement of The Star-Spangled Banner for brass. The result is this version of The Star-Spangled Banner that was premiered at a Portland Trailblazers NBA basketball game at the Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. It has enjoyed several performances at those games over the years, and the team has been led to victory after each performance. Coincidence? Over the past decade, this same arrangement has gone on to performances by the Baltimore Symphony brass and percussion at the Baltimore Orioles baseball games and the Baltimore Ravens football games.The arrangement itself was written to showcase the extraordinary talent and sound of the Oregon Symphony Brass players. Percussion parts were added later for an expanded performance. A brief opening and closing fanfare was added to set the stage for the tone and grandeur of the music. Throughout the arrangement, each section gets the opportunity to play the melody while adding some interesting colors to support the iconic anthem. It is instantly majestic and celebratory in nature and a fitting tribute to our great nation.