Stephenson - Spirit of America for symphonic winds

Spirit of America for symphonic winds Composer: James Stephenson Performers : "The President's Own" US Marine Band, Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, conductor Originally commissioned by the Boston Pops Orchestra; Keith Lockhart, Music Director, to be premiered as part of their celebrated Fourth of July Broadcast, July 4, 2026. This symphonic band version created for “The President’s Own” US Marine Band; Lt. Col. Ryan Nowling, Director. Learn more: https://composerjim.com/product/spiri... Program Notes (from the original orchestral version): “Spirit of America” was written to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The work is full of fanfare and flourish, interspersed with lyrical and panoramic music, meant to evoke the vast and illustrious landscapes within America. Also embedded is a sense of struggle and grit, echoing the spirit of our Founding Fathers. Bits of “America” (“My country ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty”) and “The Star Spangled Banner find their way into “Spirit of America,” serving as important reminders about the morals and psyche of those who defined for us our freedom some 250 years ago. My sincerest appreciation goes out to Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops for entrusting to me this opportunity for such an important occasion. And to Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin for his additional support and interest in the creation of a symphonic band version. ~ James M Stephenson; April 17, 2026. (orchestra); June 6, 2026 (symphonic band)