America, the Beautiful by Samuel Ward, Arr. by Carmen Dragon

Santa Monica High School Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble
Kevin McKeown, Conductor
The Eli & Edith Broad Stage
March 26, 2014

[danlee]

For those who remember the 70's/80's group The Captain and Tenille, Darryl Dragon was the Captain (who just passed away). Darryl's dad was Carmen Dragon, producer of this fabulous arrangement.

[kirkstitt]

I have performed that arrangement many times over the years. It is like an old friend to hear. Thank you Santa Monica HS.

[jparks]

I can’t get over that this is a high school band - amazing performance. These are fantastic musicians.

[robertperez]

The downright best arrangement of America The Beautiful

[SelenaSantana-yivn]

I'm just hearing for the first time and i have to say What a performance! Beautiful!!

[saturniidonline]

every year, the Music in May festival in Forest Grove, Oregon, plays this arrangement. All 3 ensembles (Band, Orchestra, and Choir) come together and end our concert with this. Its glorious.

[waltertheus]

Very, very nice. I listen to this arrangement every year around the 4th of July. I first played it at age 16 in S.C. All State Band in 1970. I was first chair, second trumpet. It gives me chills every time.

[brendahascall]

Fantastic. An almost perfect performance! Bravo.

[Theoriginaltkg]

Played this arrangement at Oho University summer concertv series 1964-65 -still brings me to tears.

[Lockedandloadedful]

My band in hs played that same arrangement. I get chills when I listen to it.

[sarahmanka]

Very advanced for a high school group. Very good sound and very emotionally performed. Great job!

[davec.]

Very beautiful and well played! Thank you!

[marcellocolona]

Heard this arrangement played on the organ at the West Point Cadet Chapel. The organist made full use of the trompette-en-charade and reed stops for the dramatic ending. The building and your fillings rattled.

[bryancavitt]

What possessed the conductor to combine two ensembles on this tiny stage and have so many students stand???

[mikehoda]

What is the instrument called that the young lady is playing the 4th from the right? It’s played by the sixth person on the first row and the sitting next to the fourth oboe player.

[Squishvilla]

I'm reading rhe comments and all I can say is if this is highschool and yall are saything this is advanced then why am I in middle school doing this

[shunkgames]

The bells/chimes part is way too quiet. This kid needs to learn how to play before he gets on the instruments