January 26, 2026 | Author: Dominic Nicholas | Category:News
American 250
2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States’ Declaration of Independence, a moment that will be marked by reflection, celebration and, of course, music making across the country.
We’ve gathered together our picks of ten musical works that we think could form the core of this celebration. Forming only the small tip of our extensive collection of U.S. music, they are chosen to represent the nation’s history, its ideals, struggles and evolving identity.
Some of these works will be very familiar, but you will also find a few surprises…
Follow the links on each piece to find all the sheet music you need for your anniversary celebration. And if you are a subscriber with an unusual ensemble, let us know—we can normally make a version of the piece that will work for you.
Of course no national celebration would make sense without this iconic piece. Originally a 1770s drinking song, Francis Scott key set his poem to it during the 1812 Battle of Baltimore. It was not until 1931, however, that it was officially adopted as the U.S. national anthem, after which it became the most instantly recognisable piece of American music.
Lee Bates poem 1893 poem, originally titled ‘Pikes Peak’ was inspired by a cross country journey and views of the Rocky Mountains. It was combined with Ward’s hymn tune and given the title ‘America the Beautiful’ in 1910. Emphasising the country’s natural beauty and civic ideals, it offers a reflective ad inclusive vision of the nation that is perfect for commemorative events.
Yankee Doodle was sung in America by British soldiers mocking dishevelled American troops before the Revolutionary War. Its simple jaunty tune made it easy to remember and it was enthusiastically adopted by Americans during the War of Independence, making it representative of the revolutionary era and a great example of how Americans were able to transform satire into self-identity.
Nowadays lesser known, Chester is one of the most important works associated with the American Revolution. Written in 1770 by William Billings, America’s first great native composer, its bold text—‘Let tyrants shake their iron rod…We fear them not, we trust in God’— made it a rallying cry during the fight for freedom.
A piece linked closely to the early history of the republic, originally titled ‘The President’s March’ it was was written in 1790 by Philip Phile for the inauguration of George Washington. It became ’Hail Columbia’ with the addition of Hopkinson’s lyric in 1798. It was one of the nation’s unofficial nation anthems until 1931, when it was supplanted by The Star-Spangled Banner. It is now the ceremonial march of the vice president of the United States.
Samuel Francis Smith wrote the lyrics to ‘My Country, ’Tis of Thee,’ also known as ‘America’ in 1831. In appropriating the British royal Anthem ‘God Save the King’ for the melody he was, perhaps, making a pointed statement on the supremacy of American democracy. Like Hail, Columbia, the work served for many years as one of the the United States’ unofficial national anthems until the official introduction of The Star-Spangled Banner in 1931. It remains, however, a key patriotic work.
One of the most stirring choral works in the repertoire, Battle Hymn of the Republic captures a significant historical and moral crisis in U.S. history. It started life as ‘John Brown’s Body Song’ (itself derived from an earlier tune), sung by troops during the Civil War that began in 1861. Julia Ward Howe was invited to write new words for the soldier’s song, composing them at the Williard Hotel in Washington on the night of 18th November, 1861. It continued to exert cultural influence well after the war ended, becoming, for example, associated with Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights movement in the twentieth century.
Simple Gifts highlights America’s religious and communal traditions. It was written in 1848 by Shaker elder Joseph Brackett, both lyrics and music emphasising the idea of simplicity and spiritual humility. The tune gained wider popularity when used by Aaron Copland in his ballet Appalachian Spring and also when adapted by English songwriter Sydney Carter in his hymn ‘Lord of the Dance.’
The most iconic of Sousa’s many patriotic marches, Stars and Stripes Forever is a cornerstone of band repertoire, celebrating civic pride as a centrepiece of outdoor concerts. The piece was written by Sousa on Christmas day 1896 whilst on board an ocean liner on his way back to the US from a vacation in Europe. Greeted with huge enthusiasm on its first performance, it became so popular that it was eventually named as the official National March of the United States of America.
‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ is indispensable in representing African American history and its cultural legacy. It was written from the perspective of late 19th century African Americans as a prayer for freedom from slavery. Following its premiere in 1990 it was commonly sung in Black American communities, becoming an an unofficial ‘Black national anthem’, a position it continues to enjoy today.
