Music Column: All the patriotic hoopla
I began this article on Lincoln’s Birthday to submit it on Presidents’ Day. It is scheduled to run around Washington’s birthday. What better time to write about some patriotic music?
When the President of the United States is introduced, the musical introduction begins with four ruffles and flourishes. This trumpet call with the snare drum rolling underneath it allows those of us in the Audience to stand as the leader of our nation enters a room. While we may debate the “greatness” of the person standing before us as our President, it is important to “stand in the presence of greatness.” It doesn’t matter if you think the person in that role is a boob or a moron; it is simply the proper thing to do.
We remain standing as the processional march “Hail to the Chief” is played. When the President has gained the podium and motions for us to sit, we can take our seats knowing that the man or woman (in due time) is doing their best to lead us. We need to offer our ears to hear the message and after the President retires from the podium, we can debate the merits of the message. We will not always agree, but we can disagree respectfully. In so doing, we honor the long-standing process of our democracy to “provide for the general welfare” of our nation.
Another opportunity to honor our nation is during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” This national song was one of several considered to represent our nation; it was only during the Great Depression that Congress acted to make this our national anthem. It commemorates the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812. Our national ensign was not taken down but proudly flew through the unsuccessful British bombardment of this fort at the mouth of Baltimore Harbor. I was fortunate to visit Fort McHenry in the late 1990s to see this historic site for myself. And yes, the range of the song is nearly impossible. Just do the best you can and join in singing it every chance you get.
Other favorite patriotic songs include “America” and “America, the Beautiful.” The former uses the same tune as “God Save the King,” the anthem of Great Britain while the latter celebrates the national wonders of our land as seen from Pike’s Peak in Colorado. If you have been from “sea to shining sea,” you can understand why this song strikes a fervent chord of patriotism and has done so for almost 150 years.
Whatever your political beliefs are, one hope we hold is that our nation does well and prospers through the leaders it elects to provide a vision for the future. As our hearts are stirred by the music of our national heritage, let us put our best feet forward and offer the honor due to both the leaders we elect and the flag, which is our national emblem in this year of the Olympics, where we hope to see Old Glory flying frequently.
Richard Tiegs is a local musician and frequently shares his thoughts on music in daily life.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Music Column: All the patriotic hoopla
