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The Star-Spangled Banner
for SSAATTBB Chorus, a cappella
Written in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this a cappella setting of The Star-Spangled Banner brings a rich, eight-part choral sonority to John Stafford Smith’s familiar melody and Francis Scott Key’s historic text. Scored for SSAATTBB, the arrangement is designed for an accomplished choir capable of sustaining the anthem entirely through the color, resonance, and expressive power of the human voice.
Beginning Andante with the full ensemble, the arrangement retains the recognizable shape and dignity of the national anthem while surrounding the melody with expanded harmonies and independent inner and lower-voice writing. As the text becomes increasingly dramatic—from “the perilous fight” through “the rockets’ red glare” and “the bombs bursting in air”—the eight vocal lines create a broader, more energized choral texture, allowing the words to drive the musical intensity.
The concluding phrase, “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” expands beyond a straightforward statement of the traditional melody. Changes of tempo, including ritardando, accelerando, and a final molto ritardando, broaden the closing gesture, while the repeated words “Home of the brave!” pass through the ensemble and bring the arrangement to a resonant and emphatic conclusion.
Both ceremonial and concert-worthy, this setting offers advanced mixed choirs a substantial a cappella treatment of the National Anthem—one that respects the familiar melody while using the full range and expressive possibilities of eight-part choral writing.
LISTEN
MIDI demo recording
LISTEN TO THE DEMO →
One purchase includes an unlimited-copy license for one purchaser and one organization.
Your purchase permits you to print or reproduce as many copies as needed for use by your ensemble or organization. The license is limited to the purchasing individual and one affiliated organization and may not be transferred, shared with another organization, resold, or distributed outside that organization.
Digital PDF download including:
Full score
The Star-Spangled Banner
for SSAATTBB Chorus, a cappella
Written in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this a cappella setting of The Star-Spangled Banner brings a rich, eight-part choral sonority to John Stafford Smith’s familiar melody and Francis Scott Key’s historic text. Scored for SSAATTBB, the arrangement is designed for an accomplished choir capable of sustaining the anthem entirely through the color, resonance, and expressive power of the human voice.
Beginning Andante with the full ensemble, the arrangement retains the recognizable shape and dignity of the national anthem while surrounding the melody with expanded harmonies and independent inner and lower-voice writing. As the text becomes increasingly dramatic—from “the perilous fight” through “the rockets’ red glare” and “the bombs bursting in air”—the eight vocal lines create a broader, more energized choral texture, allowing the words to drive the musical intensity.
The concluding phrase, “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” expands beyond a straightforward statement of the traditional melody. Changes of tempo, including ritardando, accelerando, and a final molto ritardando, broaden the closing gesture, while the repeated words “Home of the brave!” pass through the ensemble and bring the arrangement to a resonant and emphatic conclusion.
Both ceremonial and concert-worthy, this setting offers advanced mixed choirs a substantial a cappella treatment of the National Anthem—one that respects the familiar melody while using the full range and expressive possibilities of eight-part choral writing.
LISTEN
MIDI demo recording
LISTEN TO THE DEMO →
One purchase includes an unlimited-copy license for one purchaser and one organization.
Your purchase permits you to print or reproduce as many copies as needed for use by your ensemble or organization. The license is limited to the purchasing individual and one affiliated organization and may not be transferred, shared with another organization, resold, or distributed outside that organization.
Digital PDF download including:
Full score