Sabre and Spurs (arr Brion)

From Wind Repertory Project
John Philip Sousa

John Philip Sousa (arr. Keith Brion and Loras John Schissel)


Subtitle: March of the American Cavalry


General Info

Year: 1918/ 1999
Duration: c. 3:00
Difficulty: IV (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: C.L. Barnhouse
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $60.00; (digital) - $15.00   |   Score Only (print) - $6.00; (digital) - $15.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo/Flute
Oboe
Bassoon
E-flat Soprano Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
E-flat Alto Saxophone/Alto Clarinet
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Cornet I-II-III-IV
Regimental Trumpets
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Harp
Percussion I-II, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Crash Cymbals
  • Regimental Drums
  • Snare Drum
  • Temple Blocks
  • Xylophone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

According to the inscription on the sheet music and on both of Sousa's known manuscripts, this was to be the "March of the American Cavalry." It was dedicated to the officers and men of the 311 Cavalry, commanded by Colonel George W.K. Kirkpatrick. It is another of Sousa's World War I efforts that retained its popularity after the war.

Today it may seem amusing that a scroll of appreciation designated Sousa "honorary life member of the Officer's Mess of the 311th Cavalry." But in Army terminology of the day this meant that he was made an honorary life member of the regiment, the highest honor they could bestow.

- Program Note from John Philip Sousa: A Descriptive Catalog of His Works


This march was dedicated to the officers and men of the 311th Cavalry in 1918. Sousa was in the U.S. Navy at the time, organizing musical units into bands for duty aboard ships and at various naval stations. He also formed a huge band, numbering 350, which toured major cities and helped support the Red Cross, Navy Relief, recruiting programs and the Liberty Loan bond drives (for which he also wrote a march). At Sousa's insistence, his salary was set at one dollar per month. Although the average age of the bandsmen was 20 and the white-bearded Sousa was 64, he marched in the parades and exhibited the energy of a man half his age. According to Paul Bierley, Sousa felt the need to identify with his youthful bandsmen and thus shaved off his famous beard. Later he jokingly remarked that the single act caused Germany to surrender, explaining that "Kaiser Wilhelm realized that a nation made up of men willing to make such sacrifices could not be defeated."

- Program Note from Program Notes for Band


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project


Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

  • Bierley, P. (1973). John Philip Sousa: A Descriptive Catalog of His Works. University of Illinois Press; Urbana, pp. 68-69
  • Perusal score
  • Smith, Norman E. (2002). Program Notes for Band. Chicago: GIA Publications, pp. 555
  • Sousa, J.; Brion, K.; Schissel, L. (1999). Sabre and Spurs [score]. C.L. Barnhouse: Oskaloosa, Iowa.