Mike Hannickel: George Washington Suite: Blasorchester

History! Introduce a bit of good old early-Americana to your audiences this year. GEORGE WASHINGTON SUITE is made up of three tunes known to have been composed for (or about) George and Martha Washington in their own time. Probably the best known of the three is the first movement, WASHINGTON’S GRAND MARCH, which is believed to have been written by Francis Hopkinson. He was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The second movement has the delightful title “Fancy Menuit with figure Dance by Two young Ladies in the presance of Mrs. Washington in 1792. Phila.” sic (The quaint original spellings and capitalizations are preserved here for historical interest.) A fife-and-drum style arrangement of the BRANDYWINE QUICKSTEP completes this early American triptych.The stately and moderate tempos that fit the music of this era so well also ensure that the arrangements remain accessible to young bands. Add some good old early-American spirit to your upcoming performance with GEORGE WASHINGTON SUITE!