20001 – Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!

3 Traditional American Tunes

Battle of Jericho

Swing Low sweet Chariot

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Arranged by Roger Harvey

Difficulty: Medium

Price: £32.50

(4tpts; 4hns; 3 trbs; 1 tuba; 2 perc)

Programme notes:

This medley was written for performance on a televised concert on the GDF network. It was commissioned to showcase in a light-hearted fashion the talents of the brass section of the assembled orchestra and, as some of the members were American, the theme of the selection was easily decided. The Battle of Jericho features the solo trumpet as he attempts to blow down the walls. The central station is more reflective, featuring flugel with the evocative spiritual Swing Low Sweet Chariot. The finale is a tongue-in-cheek version of the Battle Hymn of the Republic in a tribute to the big-band sound of Glenn Miller.

Performance notes:

In the opening section, the first trumpet, can stand up at the front of the stage and should attempt an ‘over-the-top’ style. Keep the rhythmic accompaniment as tight and controlled as possible. Don’t let the counter-melodies swamp the tune.

Swing Low should be gently expressively played. Try to suggest a hint of optimism in the trumpet interjections in the middle eight.

Again the rhythm needs to be really tight in the Battle Hymn. Play all the dynamics carefully.