Description: 2014 marks the bicentennial of the U.S. National Anthem. This arrangement sticks to the traditional melody and phrasing of the anthem, with several meter changes that allow the phrases to breathe. Starting out as a traditional brass chorale with a slight reharmonization, the saxophones join in and Alto 2 takes the lead on a gospel-tinged bridge. It closes out with a broad, full-ensemble finale that is sure to bring any audience to its feet. Very playable by jazz ensembles of any level. Written for and performed by the West Point Band’s Jazz Knights.