Judith Clurman Choral Series-In 1814 Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) wrote new words for a well-known drinking song by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836) 'To Anacreon in Heaven' to celebrate America's recent victory over the British. In 1931 Congress passeda law proclaiming 'The Star Spangled Banner' to be the national anthem of the United States.This arrangement by Doug Katsaros was first performed at the Macy's 4th July Fireworks Spectacular onNBC television July 4th 2014. The performers were soloist Idina Menzel Judith Clurman's Essential Voices USA and Sherrie Maricle's Dive Jazz Orchestra. The recording of that performance has been added to the permanent archivesat F. McHenry in Balitmore MD.Text (Defence of Fort M'Henry by Francis Scott Key):O! say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?Whose broadstripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watch'd were so gallantly streaming And the rockets' red glare the bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night that our flag was stillthere-O! say does that star-spangled banner yet waveO'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Eric Whitacre has created a remarkable setting of The Star-Spangled Banner filled with colorful effects and vivid dissonance. Challenging and impressive!

The exhilarating arrangement of our National Anthem as sung by Whitney Houston at Super Bowl '91! Whitney's arranger John Clayton Jr. has adapted his contemporary orchestral score for choir and band. Available: SATB SAB 2-Part Concert Band. Performance Time: Approx. 2:15.

Here’s a fresh arrangement of the national anthem that is spot on for contemporary a cappella singers! A cool combination of the traditional and the creative this unique setting is sure to inspire and impress. Perform at concerts assemblies games and events. Scattered divisi in all voice parts sharpens the fresh sonorities.

Kirby Shaw's rich a cappella setting sounds much more difficult than it is thanks to careful voice leading. It will give a special touch to assemblies or any other performance. Available: SATB a cappella.