The Star Spangled Banner, known here in the United States as our national anthem, was written by John Stafford Smith with lyrics by Francis Scott Key. The tune has traditionally been a featured opening segment of sporting events throughout the country and has been performed by many great trumpeters during nationally televised games. I enjoy performances by Dr. Jesse McGuire, Arturo Sandoval, and Herb Alpert.

The phrasing and tempo of this tune are crucial elements. It is important to choose a tempo that works for every phrase. Notice that in the video, I’m holding the low written “C” at each cadence twice as long both times through the first repeat (5 beats instead of 2). There are some who consider this to be “incorrect” but, musical tastes hinge on what the listener’s ear might be expecting. For me, playing a short half note in order to get the pickup for the next phrase in-time sounds hurried and lacks dramatic effect. It is far more important to be intentional rather than follow written music note for note, particularly when you have to perform all alone.

Choosing a style

Stylistic choices are often pre-determined by skill level

After having a listen to my recording, Reddit user and fellow trumpeter Allen Bransetter of Saint Paul and the Broken Bones had this to say,

“I can’t stand it when people, not just trumpet players, try and jazz up the melody and impress everyone with their range. Just stick to the notes on the page; if you can’t move an audience with nothing but a melody, then you need to keep practicing. Music shouldn’t be about showing off.”

So, be aware that while some will encourage you to play with more style or flourish, other “experts” will tell you that they don’t enjoy musicians who “show off” because they find it to be less musical or somehow “obnoxious”. They will insist that you “just play the notes on the page” and ask you snarky questions like, “Why do you think have you have to go for a high note?”.

While there are exceptions, this type criticism is most often argumentative and usually amounts to nothing more than musical snobbery. I encourage my students to avoid engaging with this kind of critic as I have already made that unfortunate mistake. You’ll never win; and what’s more, your antagonist will ignorantly claim to have superior musical tastes. Strive to recreate the styles and musicians that YOU appreciate.

There is significant evidence throughout Western music theory and history contradicting the belief that less embellishment is “more musical”. Bach’s music, for example, is lyrical and delicate at times but more often virtuosic in its demands on the performer(s).The reality is that stylistic choices are often pre-determined by skill level. It would be wise to consider just why the world’s most capable trumpet players have chosen a certain interpretation of The Star Spangled Banner to perform (on live TV in front of millions of listeners).

If you are playing in a section, then style has to be mutually agreed upon, in an unaccompanied solo performance there is more inherent freedom to “show off”. There is a time to be creative and a time to blend in, a solo trumpet piece is a time to display technical ability, however the acceptable limits for this vary from player to player (skill level!).

Remember that there are plenty of significant contextual considerations when planning a solo trumpet performance specifically. These should include: venue (Is it large or small?), intended audience (Will they be rowdy or subdued?), and client expectations (Did a paying client ask for a specific interpretation?).

I believe that trumpet music in any style should have a pleasing tone quality, clear articulations, and precise relative pitch.

‘Right click’ the link below to download my arrangement of The Star Spangled Banner in PDF format.

The Star Spangled Banner: Solo Trumpet (PDF)

Click if you’d like me to play The Star Spangled Banner at your event.

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